Struggling

About This Movie

Struggling is a raw portrait of love and hardship in the 1930s China. Directed by Shi Dongshan, the film captures the tension between personal and political turmoil with a strikingly intimate lens. The pacing is deliberate, allowing viewers to feel the weight of the couple's sacrifices. The chemistry between the leads feels genuine, pulling you into their world of longing and despair. War looms large and the atmosphere is thick with uncertainty, heightened by practical effects that ground the film in a gritty realism. The themes of duty versus love are explored with a nuanced touch that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the era. It's a film that's as much about the struggle of a nation as it is about the struggle of two hearts.

Focuses on personal versus political themes · Realistic portrayal of wartime struggles · Notable for its intimate performances