Long Day's Journey into Night

Synopsis

Long Day's Journey into Night is a visually mesmerizing 2018 Chinese noir drama that delves into the labyrinth of memory, love, and loss. Directed by Bi Gan and starring Tang Wei, the film follows Luo Hongwu as he returns to his hometown to search for a mysterious woman named Wan Qiwen. The narrative weaves between present and past, reality and dreams, culminating in an innovative 3D shot that illuminates the depths of the human subconscious. Enveloped in neon-lit streets and hauntingly beautiful landscapes, the film is both an emotional journey and a poetic exploration of longing and the passage of time.

Cast

• 

  Tang Wei

  Wan Qiwen

• 

  Huang Jue

  Luo Hongwu

• 

  Sylvia Chang

  Wild Cat's Mother

• 

  Lee Hong-chi

  Wild Cat

• 

  Chen Yongzhong

  Zuo Hongyuan

• 

  Chloe Maayan

  Pager

Reviews

Long Day's Journey into Night received widespread acclaim from critics for its artistic vision and emotional depth. On Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts a 95% approval rating, with the consensus praising its 'stunning cinematography and dreamlike atmosphere.' Metacritic assigns the film an impressive score of 88/100, reflecting 'universal acclaim,' highlighting Bi Gan's direction and Tang Wei's compelling performance. IMDb users rate the movie at 7.1/10, indicating generally favorable audience reception. Critics from The Guardian lauded the film as 'a hypnotic blend of noir and fantasy that challenges conventional storytelling.' Variety noted its 'innovative use of long takes and 3D technology that immerses viewers into the protagonist's fragmented memories.' Some reviews point out that the narrative’s nonlinear structure can be challenging, but many agree that this enhances the film’s enigmatic allure. Overall, Long Day's Journey into Night is celebrated as a daring and poetic cinematic experience that pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling.