Zhong Guo Ji Zhang / The Captain (2019) - Balancing tearjerking empathy and ominous violence - 9/10 (25/10/19)

The Captain is a Chinese action-drama inspired by real events that occurred less than a year and a half before this film was released. One has to admire how quickly, professionally and precisely the three production companies have written a tight script, elaborated upon fascinating characters, hired excellent actors and actresses, put lots of money into stunning special effects and promoted this stunning movie at home and abroad. It's a shame that I was the only spectator who wasn't Chinese when watching this movie in Canada. People should have an open mind to discover excellent cinema from abroad instead of being fed repetitive Hollywood blockbusters.

There are numerous elements that make The Captain an excellent action-drama. The script is overall tight and gets to the point while still introducing the lead characters at the beginning and showing a brief aftermath at the end. The movie however mostly focuses on the turbulent flight as crew and passengers have to deal with broken windshields, depressurization, communication issues, turbulence related to bad weather, speed issues and weight problems.

The characters in this movie are interesting because they are based upon real people. Especially the caring, diplomatic and professional head flight attendant and the cold-blooded, determined and resilient pilot stand out as gripping lead characters. The movie however also includes numerous intriguing side characters in form of diversified passengers who add some drama, humour and inspiration at appropriate moments.

The acting performances are equally convincing. Yuan Quan convinces in her calm, composed and empathic role as authentic flight attendant. Zhang Hanyu delivers the goods as cool, dry and quiet pilot. The actors and actresses become one with their roles and play them with stunning authenticity.

The special effects of this movie are fully convincing and among the highest contemporary standard. The scenes of the breaking windshield and the gloomy thunderstorm are particularly breathtaking yet sufficiently realistic to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The supernatural dream sequences involving the pilot's daughter are a nice addition to spice things up.

The movie has been produced by three companies who have not only invested financial resources but staff-related professionalism and technological know-how. Veteran director Andrew Lau managed to find the perfect balance between an intense action film and a tearjerking drama. Being myself afraid of flying and heights, the movie mirrored such fears very efficiently and realistically.

There are only two minor elements that keep the movie from being perfect. First of all, The Captain is yet another Chinese movie that includes Communist propaganda as it's mentioned that the heroic pilot and the most heroic staff members are of course members of the Chinese Communist Party and its symbols and flags can be found throughout the movie which doesn't add anything to the film but makes it look rather shallow at times. Secondly, the coda slightly overstays its welcome as ten compact minutes would have been sufficient to conclude the movie instead of showing events one year after the main story to stretch the film's length.

Still, anyone who likes action blockbusters or emotional dramas should watch The Captain. This movie convinces with stunning special effects, precise script, fascinating characters and excellent actors and actresses. I would definitely watch this movie again and recommend it to all my friends.