Lost Souls Find Hope

Read Time:3 Minute, 47 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Corpse Fishing
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Genre: Drama, Short
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 16m
Director(s): Jean Liu
Writer(s): Jean Liu
Cast: Harmonie He, Jizhong Zhang, Wayne Chang, Jeff Chen, Carolyn Ken, Sydney Wen
Where To Watch: shown at the 2024 HollyShorts Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Jean Liu’s CORPSE FISHING is a journey set against a stark riverside landscape. Yan (Harmonie He), a young woman on a mission to find her missing father, encounters Old Bo (Jizhong Zhang), a fisherman with a dark daily routine: he retrieves bodies from the river. Their bond, born out of shared sorrow and quests for redemption, delves into the themes of grief, resilience, and the unexpected strength of connections formed under the most pressing circumstances.

In this unexpected narrative, Liu avoids typical genre clichés, opting for a reflective look into the human psyche. CORPSE FISHING transcends its chilling title (if you thought this was going to be a B-horror movie, you’re not alone) and premise to explore the dualities of despair and hope, providing viewers with an exploration of life’s nuanced experiences and the search for deeper meanings in times of loss.

Once isolated in her mundane life, Yan finds her existence irrevocably altered when she meets Bo. Initially an otherworldly figure whose life intertwines with the deceased, Bo’s character expands beautifully to reveal a man with profound insights shaped by his grim profession. This narrative arc presents a character study of resilience and wisdom gained through hardship.

The evolving relationship between Yan and Bo forms the film's emotional backbone. Their initial interactions—tinged with suspicion and subtle fascination—gradually evolve into a significant partnership founded on their mutual experiences of loss and survival. Liu’s direction ensures the authenticity of their growth, which is enhanced by the genuine chemistry between He and Zhang.

CORPSE FISHING is a masterpiece of minimalism, with its muted color schemes and expansive, desolate settings that mirror Yan and Bo's isolation. Cinematographer Pip White captures the essence of the environment, using the river as both a literal and symbolic presence that reflects the ebb and flow of life and death. The careful framing of quiet moments between the characters enhances the film’s contemplative nature, making every scene a poignant snapshot of the narrative’s deeper themes.

One of the film’s most powerful aspects is its portrayal of Yan’s excruciating wait for closure. This theme strikes a universal chord, encapsulating the torturous uncertainty of waiting for resolution, which resonates deeply with anyone who has grappled with loss. Yan’s commitment to accompany Bo in his sorrowful duties underscores her desperate need for answers and, possibly, closure, marking a poignant moment of character revelation and growth.

As the film approaches its climax, the emotional investment deepens, not through dramatic twists but through the depiction of Yan and Bo’s shared emotional odyssey. Their journey from mutual exasperation to a deep, understanding partnership is a testament to their transformations and the power of human connection in the face of adversity.

CORPSE FISHING is a profound narrative celebrating the human spirit’s capacity to find hope and connection in the darkest times. Liu’s directorial finesse, combined with the nuanced performances by He and Zhang, ensures that the film is engaging and leaves a lasting impact, affirming its place as a notable exploration of life, loss, and enduring human bonds.

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