Stolen Life

Director: Shaohong Li

Writer: Yiao Limei (2005?) Starring: Xun Zhou & Wu Jun

I recognized Xun Zhou on the cover of the film, which is what enticed me to watch this. I saw Beijing Bicycle a few years back and now I'm craving to re-watch it. 

This film is just the type I enjoy watching. 

(as morbid as that sounds)

Life rarely  has happy endings and I hate when films put that artificial sunshine on the big screen. I mean, they are nice to watch for a "feel good" film, but they show no depth... unlike this one.

Quiet and reserved Yan-ni gets admitted to college

She is 1 step ahead to bettering her future.

Or so it seems, she reveals that that is not the case early on in the film.

I found it very interesting how they chose to have both Yan-ni & Muyu wear the same black beanies. 

It brought them together and separated them from the rest of the characters in the film. Which was intended, I'm sure. 

I felt happy for the moments watching them interact. Watch what he does for her in the beginning. It was so sweet, so inviting. I still clung to the words her character said earlier. I pitted my stomach, awaiting the disappointment. The music, the colors, the tone all impend something bad will indeed happen.

The first sign is when Yan-ni tracks down Muyu and finds a nasty surprise. 

Muyus character in the beginning, you'd almost fall in love with him. His sincerity, but his mystery hooks you but it's also what keeps you from fully trusting his character.

OH MAN. I was sooooo frustrated with this film. I want to really spill all the dirty details but it's not the same as watching the film and finding out for yourself. Challenging yourself to see if you realize what's going on before it all unravels. 

Of course, I've never been to China. I have only films and photos and word of mouth to paint a picture in my mind. This film gives a darker insight on China... the world other than the fluorescents and neon lights of the nights, the busy streets, the bicycles, schoolyards and the religion. The underground communities, filled with the working class and migrants (I assume) 

When you are introduced here, a darkness seems to cloud you. You are completely involved with Yan-ni and Muyu... and the underground. 

I suppose it's not a SPOILER because some summaries of this film tell you that Yan-ni becomes pregnant and ends up dropping out of school. That being said.......... we move on. 

There is a scene where Yan-ni and Muyu decide upon each other; They admit their feelings for one another and snuggle into their new "home". The scene right after, both of them are NOT wearing the black knit hats anymore. 

I first thought of it as... They have opened up to each other. The hats were almost a defense, a guard, a veil. Now they are not afraid, so they veils fall and that almost hints at a certain trust they not share. 

Oh how I jumped to conclusions. One could say that is the symbolism of the black beanies.

After Yan-ni has her baby, she is shown (below) with the hat back on.

Now this changed my perspective. The black beanie could represent a humanity, a realness. Or it could represent the clouded illusions we fill our heads with. the illusions that keep us from facing things that might hurt us. It could mean that now with the hat back on... Yan-ni realizes who she is again, or who she was. She is afraid now, she need comfort and protection... like we would return to the fetal position when terrified and confused, Yan-ni fetal position is the hat 

Could be. 

Or it could mean absolutely nothing at all. 

However, as Yan-ni retreats into there black hat, Muyu does not. 

That is also something that raises questions in my mind. Perhaps the "new" Muyu is here to stay... perhaps he no longer needs to hide himself, or retain modesty? Now he has lured his prey into his domain. His character's body language and speech begin to change, subtly. 

After passing through the events you'll begin to put pieces together.

Yan-ni finds work and with this work, a new responsibility. Again the beanie is removed. Yan-ni's hair is different. More mature. At this point, the most important twist is revealed to us. I would like to say it's the climax of the film. It might not the climax, it's a bit late coming in the film, but it was a very influential scene... especially for Yan-ni

I noticed throughout the film, the saturation drains quite a bit from the beginning to the end. 

Until the color is restored in the ending scene. Along with the music and scenery, the colors and contrasts grab you and yank you into the storyline. I couldn't take my eyes off. 

By the end, you'll want to murder this prick. I can't help but love the ending. Like I said, It makes you sick to your stomach when you find out the truth in this film and the truth about Muyu.

 I adore films such as thing one, though. The plot and the sequence of events all come crashing, smacking you in the face with reality. It's also very sad, because things like this happen. It mentions in the opening titles it's based on true events and I wouldn't be surprised if it were. 

What got me was the ending scene. (below) She's in what looks to be a nursery or a playroom. She's speaking to someone, and she begins to cry. Mentions her child. Who is she talking to, the host is never shown. 

Perhaps she was telling this person the entire story that we have just seen through her memories. It's definitely a film exposing the evils that every woman fears.

I think young girls should watch this, maybe they would get a grip on the truths of pregnancies and what happens if your not careful and rush into things with a man whom you barely know. 

I know women are foolish at times, and in the search of love and acceptance, we disregard the facts. There are plenty of "Yan-ni's" out there. 

Sheng si jie - I want my life back.