Us and Them is a Chinese romantic drama film directed by Rene Liu. The movie is about the love story of Xiaoxiao and Jianqing, two young people from rural towns who move to Beijing in search of a better life. They meet on a train during the Chinese New Year and fall in love instantly. However, the journey of their relationship is not easy as they face various challenges, including financial strains, misunderstandings, and infidelity.
The movie is anchored in two timelines. The first half of the film is set in 2008, and the second half is set ten years later in 2018. This split narrative approach allows the audience to see how much the characters have grown and how their relationship has evolved over time.
The chemistry between the two lead actors, Jing Boran and Zhou Dongyu, is electric. They bring warmth and depth to their roles, and the audience is drawn to their characters' emotional journey. Boran plays the role of Jianqing, a young man who dreams of becoming an entrepreneur but faces numerous setbacks. Dongyu portrays Xiaoxiao, a free-spirited girl who wants to make it on her own but finds herself trapped in a dead-end job.
The cinematography and production design are also noteworthy, capturing the fast-paced and ever-changing cityscape of Beijing. The film's soundtrack, which features a mix of Mandarin and English songs, adds to the movie's emotional resonance.
Us and Them is a poignant and visually stunning film that explores the themes of love, loss, and the struggles of modern-day relationships. With a powerful script, strong performances, and an engaging visual style, this movie is a must-watch for fans of romantic dramas.
