Joanna Lee A.

Napilas Reaction Paper on the Film OCEAN HEAVEN

I do not actually prefer this kind of film. This film is a tearjerker, the kind of film that would have my mother weeping openly on most parts of the film while my father holds a pail to catch her tears. I will have numerous thoughts before watching these sorts of films since I prefer action and science-fiction films. Though at some point in watching the movie I realize that it was an exception. I was on the verge of tears on more than one occasion, and this is one that hit me really hard. All films are designed to garner a reaction from their audience, and this one succeeded with me. I can't say that it will succeed with everyone, but if you're susceptible, you might want to grab a handkerchief before sitting in a couch watching this. The big gimmick here is seeing Jet Li in a weepy drama that doesn't involve a single kick, punch, chop or poke in the eye. There are no flying kicks or rapid fire punches here, just a lot of heart and Jet Li playing very against type. This is a simple bittersweet realist drama that is a moving cinematic experience because of the earnest performances. For someone like me, who grew up watching the former wushu champion kick shifty-faced villains, it's strange to think of a Jet Li movie containing no kung fu. It is probably the wrong approach to think of Li's past roles before watching this movie. In fact, the central focus of "Ocean Heaven" isn't really Jet Li's (non-violent) battle against cancer but actually on the story of a father's tireless love for his autistic son. It is a film about a terminally ill father's attempt to teach his autistic son the necessary life skills to survive on his own before he passes away. It is also a poignant tribute to the infinite love that parents have for their children and their unending desire to take care and look after them to their best abilities, no matter the struggle, no matter the effort. Even the cynical among all people will be touched by Jet Li's attempts to bond with his autistic son and educate him about the harsh world he has yet to fully experience and in

which he will soon be left all alone. The aquarium setting the Ocean Heaven of the title also adds a fresh atmospheric twist to the story. So much of the success of this film depends on how Wen portrays his character's interactions with these two. There are no magical solutions to the familial issues, just a lot of hard work from caring people. There are no real antagonists in this story. Some might consider this a negative, but the movie does not need it. I am glad, because Dafu's life is difficult enough and the movie is emotional enough. I had to watch it in two sittings because the first half depressed me quite a bit. I do recommend this movie and hope those who are on the fence about watching this to give it a watch. I think it is quite a good film. I feel that my own personal experiences have helped it to reach me in exactly the way it was intended. The film isn't particularly flashy, but it looks good. I really connected with Ocean

Heaven, though I can see it not being for everyone. I recommend it for someone looking for a
break from kicks to the face every once in a while. Overall, the movie is more than the sum of its parts and certainly a lot more than I expected.