My Name is Huang Zhonghua

Synopsis

My Name is Huang Zhonghua (original title: 东北往事：我叫黄中华) is a compelling 2022 Chinese crime drama directed by and starring Liu Ben. The film traces the gritty underworld of northeastern China during the 1990s through the eyes of Huang Zhonghua, a man seeking identity and survival amidst the turbulent social changes. Combining elements of nostalgia with raw, authentic storytelling, the movie delves into themes of loyalty, family, and the harsh realities of regional mafias. Through its unvarnished depiction of struggle and resilience, the film offers a poignant reflection on the transformative era and the human spirit caught in the crossfire.

Cast

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  Liu Ben

  Huang Zhonghua

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  Cao Rui

  Sun Dawei

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  Zhang Junhan

  Zhao Hongbing

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  Cui Di

  Chen Weidong

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  Liang Long

  Club Li

Reviews

My Name is Huang Zhonghua has received generally positive feedback from both critics and audiences. On IMDb, the film holds a solid rating around 7.3/10, with viewers praising Liu Ben's performance and the film's atmospheric portrayal of 1990s northeastern China. Reviewers from notable Chinese cinema outlets highlight the film’s strong character development and compelling narrative structure, though some note its pacing can be slow for viewers unfamiliar with regional histories. According to a review on Asian Movie Pulse, the film "stands out for its sincere and heartfelt approach to storytelling, capturing the spirit of an era often overlooked by mainstream cinema." However, some critics on Metacritic have pointed out that the film might feel niche, catering mostly to audiences interested in crime dramas or Chinese cultural contexts, rating it around 60/100. The cinematography and production design have been widely praised for authenticity, but a few critics wished for a more dynamic plot progression. Overall, My Name is Huang Zhonghua is considered a noteworthy addition to contemporary Chinese filmography, especially for those who appreciate character-driven crime dramas.