Duckweed (2017)

Duckweed Poster
Original Title: 乘风破浪

When a son attempts to reconcile with his father, a series of fateful events allow him to experience the father's life in the past.

Introduction to "Duckweed"
"Duckweed", launched in 2017, is a Chinese dream drama movie directed by Han Han, who is also a popular Chinese writer and race automobile motorist. The film integrates elements of time travel, funny, and household drama, creating a touching and frequently funny story. It explores complicated father-son relationships, reconciliation, and comprehending one's roots through an engaging story that unfolds when the lead character all of a sudden takes a trip back in time.

Plot Overview
The movie's lead character is Xu Tailang (played by Deng Chao), an expert car racer who has a strained relationship with his daddy, Xu Zhengtai (played by Eddie Peng), who Tailang believes never truly took care of him. Their distinctions peak throughout a heated argument right before Tailang is set to participate in a significant race. An accident during the race relatively thrusts Tailang back to the year 1998, where he finds himself in his home town without any idea of how he got there.

Tailang then experiences a more youthful variation of his father, Zhengtai, who is absolutely nothing like the stern and distant figure he knows. The young Zhengtai is rebellious, associated with racing (much to Tailang's surprise), and a leader of a little group of friends. As Tailang spends time with the more youthful Zhengtai and atrioventricular bundle of bros, including their buddy Lao Yeh (played by Zhao Liying), he starts to comprehend and value this formerly unidentified side of his father's life.

Time-Travel Adventures
While embedded in the past, Tailang discovers the numerous elements of his father's youth. Contrary to his initial beliefs, he finds out about the hardships and challenges his father faced, which formed his stern personality. Tailang recognizes that Zhengtai's difficult demeanor was a result of the sacrifices he needed to make and the responsibilities he took on, including his dedication to Tailang's mother, who has mysterious circumstances surrounding her.

Throughout his time-travel experiences, Tailang not only gains insights into his father's past but likewise inadvertently affects the occasions. This adds a comical component to the storyline, with Tailang continuously attempting to avoid modifying history, often resulting in entertaining encounters and misunderstandings.

Styles of Family and Reconciliation
"Duckweed" digs deeply into the styles of family ties, intergenerational miscommunication, and the quest for reconciliation. By experiencing his father's vibrant dreams and disappointments, Tailang recognizes the parallels in their lives, specifically their shared passion for racing. This shared interest ends up being a bridge between the two, fostering a newfound respect and compassion in Tailang for his father's sacrifices.

As the story progresses, Tailang's initial animosity fades, paving the way to a desire to reconnect and restore the fractured relationship. His time-travel journey ends up being a catalyst for healing and understanding, amplifying the extensive impact of viewing one's parents beyond their roles as guardians, but as people with their own dreams and battles.

Conclusion and Reception
With a mix of humor, fond memories, and drama, "Duckweed" presents a story that resonates with its audience, emphasizing the universal values of household and the bonds that connect us together in spite of our distinctions. Upon its release, the film received positive responses for its emotional depth, engaging storytelling, and the strong performances of the cast, particularly Deng Chao and Eddie Peng.

"Duckweed" holds a mirror to the audience, prompting viewers to reflect on their own household relationships. It welcomes a contemplative look at how the previous shapes us and the importance of making amends before it's too late. It eventually provides a message of love, forgiveness, and the timeless connection in between parents and their children.

Top Cast

  • Eddie Peng (small)
    Eddie Peng
    Xu Zhengtai
  • Deng Chao (small)
    Deng Chao
    Xu Tailang
  • Zhao Liying (small)
    Zhao Liying
    Xiao Hua
  • Dong Zijian (small)
    Dong Zijian
    Xiao Ma
  • King Shih-Chieh (small)
    King Shih-Chieh
    Police Director
  • Zhang Benyu (small)
    Zhang Benyu
    Luo Li
  • Li Ronghao (small)
    Li Ronghao
    Huang Zhiqiang
  • Zack Gao
    Liu Yi
  • Mason Lee (small)
    Mason Lee
    Ah Jun
  • Chow Yun-fat (small)
    Chow Yun-fat
    Self (archive footage)
  • Zhang Guoqing (small)
    Zhang Guoqing
    Ramen Shop Owner