Take Off

An adventure drama feature directed by Peng Fei, written by Fei, Xu Yizhou and Shuang Xuetao and starring Jiang Qiming, Li Xueqin, Dong baoshi and Jeang Wu. This film is based on Xuetao's novella The Aeronaut.

The story takes place in Northeast China and the central character is Mingqi (Qiming), a man who loves being up in the sky, just like his late father, whether it involves a hot air balloon or a parachute (or both). Mingqi is in a relationship with Yufang (Xueqin), daughter of Likuan (Wu) and sister of Xuguang (baoshi). Mingqi and Yafeng marry and circumstances will have them running a Zorro-themed dance hall, with Mingqi having to abandon his passion of being up in the sky. However, complications will bring conflict and drama.

The plot begins during the seventies and moves through the decades, following the family's activities as they try to progress in a country that is going through major economic evolution. There is great character development and drama develops due to a terrible injury suffered by Xuguang, the challenges of managing the dance floor and a medical crisis. The highlights are the scenes that are up in the air, with hot air balloons and parachutes and a part involving a jet pack. These scenes are expertly filmed and the addition of Suzuki Keiichi music is a big plus.

The duration might be an issue. With a duration that approaches two hours, this film feels overlong. A great deal of events take place in the narrative, nevertheless, their presence does not support such a lengthy duration.

As the main protagonist, Mingqi is a man who gets caught up between family, running a dance hall and his passion for experiencing the wonders of the sky. Yafeng is a caring person who wants things to go well and everyone to get along. Xuguang is an unfortunate guy who struggles to keep his life in order following a life-changing injury. World War Two veteran Likuan is an intriguing character, a lively guy with an eye patch.

Clearly, having a passion is a key theme here and in this case, it is about the magic of being in the skies and experiencing the world from up above. This film is also about family, about running a business and about moving up in the world. It also serves as a commentary about China's economy from the nineteen seventies onwards.

Perhaps a bit overlong, this is a moving and inspiring story with great performances.