A Grand Canal is a 2014 Chinese drama film directed by Johnny Ma. The film depicts the struggles of a boat captain named Dayong who tries to save his fleet of boats from bankruptcy by collecting a debt owed to him. The story is told through the eyes of his ten-year-old son, Little Dijie, who witnesses his father's tragic downfall.
Dayong, played by Jiang Ruijia, is a stubborn man who believes in his own abilities and refuses to accept defeat. He has borrowed money to buy new boats for his fleet, but when his debtors are unable to pay him back, he becomes desperate. Dayong's decisions lead to a tragic sequence of events that ultimately result in his downfall.
Little Dijie, played by Zhang Yuxuan, observes his father's struggles and the effect it has on their family. He is a witness to his father's stubbornness and the harsh realities of life. He learns that life can be unpredictable and that one's decisions can have serious consequences.
The film is set against the backdrop of the Grand Canal in China, which adds to the aesthetic and emotional depth of the story. The canal represents a metaphor for life, as it sometimes flows smoothly and at other times becomes turbulent with unexpected twists and turns.
A Grand Canal is a poignant and heartbreaking story that showcases the harsh realities of life and the sacrifices one must make to survive. The film is a testament to the power of storytelling and the human spirit.