Despite being rather messy, “200 Cigarettes From Now” is an intriguing effort from Ma Tianyu. Following a free-spirited, self-confessed, self-indulgent type through her unsuccessful attempts to pique a man’s interest, it is a sympathetic look at one’s youth, whilst also being undeniably sharp-witted.
“200 Cigarettes From Now” is screening at the San Diego Asian Film Festival
Crucial to proceedings is Xia (Zhong Hua), a woman who seems almost desperate to be liked. Residing at her friend’s Boston apartment, she craves a reconnection with her “secret crush” who never acknowledges her, in the meantime settling for sexual relations with anyone who has even the slightest resemblance. Amidst it all though, is a clear bond with the insecure Jie (Zheng Yezhou), a man who genuinely cares for Xia despite her shortcomings, and who always has time for her.
Overall, it is the strength of the characterisation which stands out most prominently in Ma’s debut effort, with both Xia and Jie being both investable and enamouring. Their lives are inherently flawed, sure, with both seeking vapid, fleeting sexual connections to fill evident voids, but there is an obvious human side to the duo too. Xia just wants to be happy by her own admission, while Jie wants more than just uninspiring parts in melodramas. He wants all the “hot” actors and actresses to be his as well, but that is beside the point. There is a genuine believability to the pairing, aided by a chemistry which is impressively natural.
Such positives are accentuated by the strong acting on show. Although the film is quickly paced and clocks in at a nimble 40 minutes, Zhong Hua does an applaudable job at giving her depiction a necessary depth, and tells subtle stories with everything from her facial expressions to her small gestures. In that regard, Zheng Yezhou is solid too, performing his character’s stone-faced persona that is easily chipped away, with a seamless youthful touch.
Technically everything is engaging, too. The bright LED signs and messy decor give the apartment an unhinged yet free-form look, with Cheng Lang’s cinematography capturing the close-knit nature of youth adeptly. The primary location feels as cluttered as a university dorm, and without essential personal space (perhaps fortunate, given the two friends seem to know the ins and outs of each other’s lives).
In conclusion, “200 Cigarettes From Now” is a debut effort which is energetic and understated, documenting the pseudo-solitude people can live in with flair and humour. It might not grab all the headlines, but it will rightly garner plenty of attention.
