Tian Xiaopeng took China by surprise with his crowdfunded hit “Monkey King: Hero is Back.” The up-and-comer now returns, both writing and directing his second work, “Deep Sea.”
Deep Sea is screening in US cinemas starting November 24, courtesy of Viva Pictures
A young girl named Shienxiu boards a cruise liner with her father and stepmother. Unfortunately, her parents pay more attention to Shienxiu's younger sister. As the ship rocks from a stormy night, believing she hears her mother's voice from across the sea, Shienxiu falls overboard. Now in a mythical land, she awakens to a Hyjinx: a being who the young girl believes holds the secret to finding her mother. However, to the penny-pinching restaurant owner, Nanhe, the creature merely symbolizes profit. A fish out of water, Shienxiu traverses this mysterious and dangerous new world in order to find her mother.
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The stunning visuals will be the first aspect to hook and reel in watchers. Fine details such as particulates and skin pores only scratch the surface of the film's rich imagery. The eye-catching, beautifully saturated hues draw the viewer into a fantasyland that at times appears like a painting brought to life. However, just as effectively, the world can become a murky landscape. Whether it be in wonder of ocean life or fear of the deep, the visuals seep with the sense of the sea. This extends to the animation as well. Nanhe moves with fluid grace. In addition, the ocean inhabitants' facial features contort and exaggerate to accentuate expressions. In effect, every inch of the imagery consults attributes of water as the guiding design philosophy, crafting a strong visual unity.
The cinematography further reflects this as the camera constantly rocks and sways. Its most impressive moments are its extensive shots that guide the audience through a set-piece. These instances superbly illustrate the scene's scope on top of immersing the viewer in its environment. The camerawork's heavy reliance on motion necessitates editing that smoothly carries movement. Fortunately, the cuts seamlessly maintain the shot-to-shot momentum. Regarding the score, the music by Dou Peng excels in whisking the audience away, particularly in action-heavy scenes.
The movie successfully transports the viewer to a fantastic world. Each location is home to thorough details that make the setting feel lived in. For that matter, the many marine creatures are sure to appeal although the plot focuses most on Shienxiu and Nanhe. Nanhe's dynamic role carries much of the story's intrigue. Though Shienxiu begins as a lens through which to view the adventure, her character deepens nearing the film's conclusion. Moreover, the same can be said for the narrative which leads to a final act that hits like a brick and emotionally weighs a boatload.
All this culminates in the movie's theme. “Deep Sea” is about the importance of mental self-preservation. In spite of its vibrant exterior, the film refuses to sugarcoat emotional hardships. Furthermore, the narrative's tonal weight reinforces its message. One's life cannot be lived to validate others. Instead, one must face life with reverence for one's own sentiments. In the end, contentment is achieved through the candid display of one's emotions.
