Table of Contents #

• Film Details
• Plot Synopsis
• In-Depth Review
• Cultural Significance
• Themes and Analysis
• Personal Recommendation
• Availability and Distribution

Film Details #

English Title: Looking Up
Chinese Title: 银河补习班 (Yínhé Bǔxí Bān)
Directors: Deng Chao (邓超), Yu Baimei (俞白眉)
Writer: Yu Baimei (俞白眉)
Language: Mandarin Chinese
Subtitles: English, Chinese, Various Languages Available
Release Year: 2019
Runtime: 147 minutes
Genre: Drama, Family, Inspirational
Production Company: Enlight Media, Orange Image

Plot Synopsis #

Looking Up weaves together two interconnected timelines that create a powerful narrative about determination, education, and the unbreakable bond between father and son. The film opens in the vastness of space, where astronaut Ma Fei (Deng Chao) finds himself in a life-threatening crisis aboard a space station. As oxygen runs low and communication with Earth becomes sporadic, Ma Fei’s mind drifts back to the formative years that shaped him into the man he became.

The story then transports us to the 1990s, where we meet young Ma Fei, a boy struggling academically and labeled as a “problem student” by teachers and society alike. His father, Ma Haowen (also played by Deng Chao), is an architect with grand dreams and an unwavering belief in his son’s potential. However, their lives are dramatically altered when Ma Haowen is wrongfully imprisoned for seven years due to a bridge collapse he designed, which was actually caused by the use of substandard materials by corrupt contractors.

Upon his release, Ma Haowen discovers that his world has completely changed. His wife has remarried, his son has grown up believing his father abandoned him, and society has branded their family as outcasts. Despite these overwhelming challenges, Ma Haowen refuses to give up on his son. He embarks on an unconventional journey to rebuild their relationship and nurture Ma Fei’s confidence and curiosity about the world.

The narrative brilliantly contrasts traditional Chinese education methods—focused on rote memorization and standardized testing—with Ma Haowen’s progressive approach that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and following one’s dreams. As father and son navigate poverty, social stigma, and the intense pressure of the gaokao (China’s national college entrance examination), their bond deepens, and Ma Fei begins to discover his own potential.

In-Depth Review #

Looking Up stands as one of the most emotionally resonant and culturally significant Chinese films of recent years. Directors Deng Chao and Yu Baimei have crafted a masterpiece that operates on multiple levels—as a deeply personal father-son story, a critique of China’s education system, and an inspirational tale about pursuing seemingly impossible dreams.

Cinematography and Visual Storytelling #

The film’s visual language is nothing short of spectacular. The contrast between the intimate, earth-bound scenes of family struggle and the breathtaking sequences in space creates a powerful metaphorical framework. The space scenes are not merely spectacular set pieces but serve as profound symbols of human potential and the heights one can reach when nurtured with love and belief.

The cinematography captures the evolution of China itself—from the economic struggles of the 1990s to the technological advancement that enables space exploration. The visual progression mirrors Ma Fei’s personal growth, creating a parallel narrative between individual development and national progress.

Performance Excellence #

Deng Chao delivers a tour de force performance in his dual role as both the father, Ma Haowen, and the grown-up son, Ma Fei. His portrayal of Ma Haowen is particularly remarkable—a man who maintains his dignity and optimism despite facing imprisonment, social ostracism, and personal loss. Deng Chao brings nuance to a character who could have easily become a one-dimensional “inspirational father figure,” instead creating a complex individual with his own flaws and vulnerabilities.

The young actor portraying teenage Ma Fei (Sun Yihan) delivers an authentic performance that captures the confusion, anger, and gradual transformation of a boy discovering his own worth. The chemistry between the father and son characters feels genuine and unforced, making their emotional journey deeply affecting for audiences.

Educational Philosophy and Social Commentary #

One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its thoughtful examination of education and child development. The movie doesn’t simply dismiss traditional Chinese educational methods but presents a nuanced view that acknowledges both their limitations and the systemic pressures that perpetuate them.

Ma Haowen’s educational philosophy—encouraging his son to “think” rather than merely memorize—reflects broader conversations happening in contemporary China about educational reform. The film advocates for an approach that values creativity, critical thinking, and individual potential over standardized test scores and conformity.

The portrayal of teachers and school administrators is particularly well-handled. Rather than creating cartoon villains, the film presents educators who are themselves trapped within a system that prioritizes test scores over genuine learning. This nuanced approach allows for empathy while still critiquing systemic issues.

Cultural Significance #

Looking Up arrives at a pivotal moment in Chinese cultural discourse. As China positions itself as a technological and scientific leader on the world stage, questions about education, innovation, and human potential become increasingly relevant. The film’s space exploration theme is not coincidental—it reflects China’s real-world ambitions in space and the broader narrative of national advancement through individual excellence.

The movie also addresses themes that resonate deeply within Chinese society: the pressure of academic achievement, the importance of family honor, the impact of rapid economic change on traditional family structures, and the challenges of maintaining human values in an increasingly competitive society.

The father-son relationship depicted in the film speaks to broader generational tensions in modern China, where rapid social and economic changes have created different worldviews between parents and children. Ma Haowen’s unwavering belief in his son’s potential, despite social pressure to conform to conventional measures of success, offers a powerful alternative narrative about what it means to be a good parent in contemporary China.

Themes and Analysis #

The Power of Belief and Encouragement #

The central theme of Looking Up revolves around the transformative power of believing in someone’s potential. Ma Haowen’s consistent message to his son—“You can do anything you set your mind to”—becomes more than just parental encouragement; it becomes a fundamental philosophy about human potential and the importance of nurturing individual talents.

Education vs. Learning #

The film draws a clear distinction between education (the formal system of schools, tests, and grades) and learning (the process of developing understanding, creativity, and wisdom). This theme resonates particularly strongly with Chinese audiences familiar with the intense pressure of the gaokao system, but its message is universal.

Resilience and Perseverance #

Both father and son demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Ma Haowen’s ability to maintain his optimism and determination despite imprisonment and social ostracism provides a powerful model of perseverance. Similarly, Ma Fei’s gradual transformation from a failing student to an astronaut illustrates the long-term impact of sustained effort and belief.

Social Justice and Corruption #

The film doesn’t shy away from addressing issues of corruption and social injustice. Ma Haowen’s wrongful imprisonment due to the use of substandard building materials by corrupt contractors reflects real concerns about corruption in China’s rapid development period. The family’s subsequent social ostracism highlights how victims of systemic corruption often suffer compound injustices.

Dreams and Aspiration #

The space exploration theme serves as a powerful metaphor for human aspiration and the pursuit of seemingly impossible dreams. The film suggests that with proper nurturing and belief, individuals can reach heights that seem unattainable to conventional thinking.

Personal Recommendation #

Looking Up is an extraordinary cinematic achievement that deserves recognition as one of the finest Chinese films of the past decade. This is not merely entertainment—it’s a profound exploration of human potential, family bonds, and the power of education to transform lives.

For Chinese audiences, both those raised in China and those in the diaspora, the film offers deep cultural resonance and emotional connection. The themes of academic pressure, family expectations, and the pursuit of dreams will feel intimately familiar, while the film’s hopeful message provides inspiration and validation for those who have felt marginalized by conventional measures of success.

The movie’s emotional impact is undeniable—it’s virtually impossible to watch without being moved to tears at multiple points. However, these are not manipulative tears but genuine emotional responses to authentic human struggles and triumphs. The film earns its emotional moments through careful character development and honest portrayal of both struggle and growth.

Beyond its entertainment value, Looking Up serves as an important cultural document. It captures a specific moment in Chinese history while addressing timeless themes about education, family, and human potential. The film’s message about the importance of nurturing creativity and individual thinking over rote memorization has particular relevance as China continues to evolve its educational system and compete in innovation-driven global markets.

For international audiences, the film provides valuable insights into contemporary Chinese society while telling a universally relatable story about the power of parental love and belief. The space exploration elements add spectacular visual appeal while serving deeper metaphorical purposes about human potential and aspiration.

This is essential viewing for anyone interested in contemporary Chinese cinema, educational philosophy, or simply powerful storytelling about human relationships and potential. The film’s 147-minute runtime allows for proper character development and thematic exploration without feeling excessive or indulgent.

Availability and Distribution #

Theatrical Release #

• China: Wide theatrical release in major cinema chains including Wanda, CGV, and local theaters
• United States: Limited theatrical release in select AMC theaters, particularly in areas with significant Chinese populations
• International: Festival screenings and limited releases in various countries with Chinese diaspora communities

Streaming and Digital #

• China: Available on major Chinese streaming platforms including iQiyi, Youku, and Tencent Video
• International: Limited availability on specialized Asian cinema streaming services
• Digital Purchase: Available for digital rental or purchase on various platforms (availability varies by region)

Physical Media #

• Blu-ray/DVD: Available in China with Chinese subtitles and select international releases with English subtitles
• Special Editions: Collector’s editions available in China featuring behind-the-scenes content and director commentary