“Upstream” (the original title of the film is “Ni xing ren sheng”) is a 2024 Chinese drama which includes Xu Zheng as the director and the lead actor along with Xin Zhilei and Wang Xiao. The film focuses on the life of Gao Zhilei, a middle-aged programmer who works as a food delivery rider after losing his job and going through a financial crisis. This narrative demonstrates the hardships of the people employed within china’s delivery gig economy and gives a glimpse of their lives.
Critical Reception:
The film has an average or negative reception according to its critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the ratings audience score is 4.05 stars, with many viewers rated highly on its topicality and emotional focus.
But some commentators criticize the fact that the film depicts the challenges of the gig economy but does not deal with its structural problems, mainly because of its positive ending.
Cultural Significance:
The document “Upstream” makes a striking point with regards to socio-economic problems that many face within China today, more so in the quicker growing gig economy. First-hand experience on the part of the filmmaker, who is a delivery rider, gives perspective to an army of people who are faced with similar situations of working under unfavorable conditions, thus enabling an overall comprehension of their world.
Where to Watch:
Many have been eagerly waiting to get their hands on “Upstream”. Fortunately, it received its international release in December 2024. Considering the developments in Chinese cinemas, it is fair to reason that it has also done well domestically. As for New Delhi in India, a few international platforms that showcase Chinese films may be getting the movie. Viewers are advised to browse Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other relevant movies in cinema for further information.
