Dying to Survive

Not a beautiful story, but it is one of my favourite Chinese movies so far, From what I know, this one is based on a real story with some rearrangement. Xu Zheng and Ning Hao are very creative filmers. Constrained by the influence Chinese government, a lot of themes are not allowed to be filmed in mainland China. However, this one obviously neatly sidestepped the conflicts with government.

Dying to Survive, a 2018 Chinese drama based on the real-life story of Lu Yong, a Chinese leukemia patient who bought cheap cancer medicine from India for 1000 Chinese cancer sufferers in 2004. It's called a comedy-drama but there's just a little comic relief in an otherwise very serious movie. It's also called a noir comedy, which gives a greater idea what you're in for. It's very moving and realistic. The film is loosely based on the story of Lu, who has been regarded as a hero of sorts for importing and selling less expensive anticancer drugs from India to Chinese for CML patients charged huge prices by a Swiss pharmaceutical giant.

Combined with partial reality, with great written and brilliant acting, one of the best films I've ever seen in recent years. Lots of emotional and powerful scenes, recommend for those who would appreciate really good drama/featured films.

This film changed my perception towards Xu Zheng as he delivers a truly powerful performance. No doubt the powerful subject helps him, as this is a great story to be made into a film. A milestone movie for China as the subject is impactful and authentic (mostly), and most importantly allowed to be shown. The character development is also very well done and supported by a cast of memorable co-stars. A movie that does not try to reach the stars, and just really wants to tell a great story in its own ways, something many other Chinese films needs to learn from.

Common story for most poor families, cannot afford drug price, finding their own ways to survive. It's illegal but understandable. Drug monopolies like Novartis are way more evil than Monsanto.