Erotic Drama Meets Art-House in Bold Mix
Read Time:3 Minute, 11 Second
MOVIE REVIEW
White River (Yan Jiao)
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 31m
Director(s): Ma Xue
Writer(s): Ma Xue, Xu Weihao
Cast: Yuan Tian, Ning Feng Song, Weihao Xu
Where To Watch: premiering via VOD & Leading Digital Outlets on December 1, 2023
RAVING REVIEW: WHITE RIVER feels like entering a realm where the essence of erotic drama merges with the intricacies of art-house filmmaking. Set against the global pandemic, the film transports us to Yanjiao, a locale mere moments away from Beijing. The story zooms in on Yang Fan, played by Yuan Tian, who portrays a compelling mix of stoicism and charisma. What begins as a narrative steeped in everyday life swiftly transforms into a saga rich in emotional and sexual complexities.
The film's setting, Yanjiao, often described as a "sleeping city," reflects its residents' emotional detachment and stagnation. This backdrop, combined with themes of isolation and quarantine, firmly establishes WHITE RIVER in the realm of pandemic cinema. Yet, director Ma Xue veers away from typical pandemic narratives, focusing instead on the profound effects of the global crisis on human intimacy and relationships. Handling the pandemic was one of the most intriguing aspects of the film. There was no doubt that you knew it was there, but it was never the film's focal point. Too many movies shot during this time made the pandemic too much of a point and ignored the people’s stories.
Tian's portrayal of Fan is a high point of the film, showcasing her exceptional ability to convey the character's inner struggles and sexual awakening. Though numerous and graphic, the explicit scenes are presented not for shock value but as intimate glimpses into the characters' quest for connection in a world of isolation. I’ve seen many complaints about the overuse of these scenes, and I think people are missing the point of their inclusion.
The cinematography by Ash Chen is a standout feature of WHITE RIVER. The film's visual narrative navigates the line between erotic and ordinary, using innovative lighting and framing techniques to create a dreamlike yet authentic atmosphere. This visual storytelling echoes the film's exploration of fantasy versus reality, with editor Qin Yanan's strategic editing adding to the surreal and immersive experience.
A defining characteristic of WHITE RIVER is its approach to sexuality. Rather than using it as a tool for objectification, the film portrays it as a natural, integral part of life. This perspective is particularly evident in scenes where sexual encounters are interwoven with mundane daily activities, underscoring the film's commentary on the normalcy and intricacy of human desires.
The lead actors bring depth and nuance to their roles. Tian's performance as Fan transcends mere portrayal, offering a deeply emotional connection to the audience. Song Ning Feng adds humor and vulnerability to his character, while Xu Weihao's role is shrouded in intrigue and mystery.
WHITE RIVER is a bold and unorthodox film that challenges conventional depictions of sexuality and relationships in cinema. Xue proves herself a filmmaker of exceptional talent and vision, capable of creating narratives that provoke thought and defy the norms. As such, WHITE RIVER stands as a remarkable and significant contribution to the genres of erotic drama and pandemic cinema, marking a significant leap in the evolution of contemporary film.
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[photo courtesy of FILM MOVEMENT]
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On one view I’m impressed with White River and plan to watch it again for more time on the meditative narration and thematic odds and ends – hard to pull it together around the beautiful star’s distracting bedrooming. Glad to find your good article linked at IMDB where the few ratings are too low. (I only get a little grumpy with so many flicks ending up on an LGBTQ awakening as the panacea for any and all life’s problems, even COVID here.)