An Elephant Sitting Still is a 2018 Chinese drama film directed by Hu Bo. The film tells the story of four characters who are struggling with their lives in the city of Manzhouli. Wei Bu is a high school student who is being bullied by his classmates. His classmate Yu Cheng is having an affair with his teacher, and his best friend Huang Ling is being mistreated by her family. At the same time, Wang Jin, a retired widower, is struggling to find purpose in his life after the death of his wife.
All four characters are drawn to the story of an elephant in Manzhouli that simply sits and ignores the world. They see the elephant as a symbol of escape and hope, and each sets out on a journey to see the elephant. Their paths cross as they encounter each other on their journeys and they form a tentative bond as they share their struggles and hopes.
The film is known for its slow pace and long takes, with scenes often lasting several minutes without any cuts. It was praised by critics for its existential themes and its portrayal of the struggles of modern China. Sadly, the film's director, Hu Bo, took his own life after completing the movie and did not live to see the critical acclaim it received at film festivals around the world.