A new film titled China Sea delves into the life of a canceled Lithuanian martial arts champion seeking redemption in Taiwan. Directed by Jurgis Matulevičius and written by Saulė Bliuvaite, the drama recently premiered at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia, where it received acclaim in the Critics’ Picks Competition.
The film tells the story of Osvald, played by Marius Repšys, who faces a ban from fighting after injuring a young girl during a street altercation. Stranded in his dismal Lithuanian hometown, he finds solace in a struggling Taiwanese restaurant owned by his only friend, Ju-Long. As Osvald confronts his violent past through court-mandated therapy, he meets Skaistė, a woman who represents a life he has never known.
The narrative of China Sea is inspired by the real-life experiences of a Lithuanian fighter who achieved stardom in Asia but was also embroiled in controversy. Matulevičius explained, “This story is inspired by a real person, a real fighter from Lithuania, who was a superstar in Asia, especially in Japan, in the early 2000s.” Despite initial interest in creating a biopic that celebrated this fighter, Matulevičius opted for a more nuanced approach, reflecting on the darker aspects of the individual’s life.
Bliuvaite further elaborated, stating, “He was a superstar outside of his home country, but at home, he was known for very violent incidents and being associated with a bad crowd.” The film touches on themes of isolation, not only through Osvald’s journey but also through the experiences of the Taiwanese family running the restaurant.
Exploring Isolation and Redemption
The film opens with actual footage of a fight, blending it seamlessly with scenes featuring Repšys. Matulevičius noted that this technique aims to highlight Osvald’s former glory and the disappointment that followed. “The first scene is to show his super-stardom,” he stated.
Matulevičius further described Osvald’s internal struggles: “Our main character has a man’s body, but his mindset is still stuck in his teenage years.” This reflects a broader commentary on toxic masculinity and societal pressures that shape an individual’s identity. Osvald grapples with anger and violence, having been raised in an environment that discouraged emotional expression.
Despite these challenges, Osvald seeks transformation, contemplating his life choices and striving to become a better person. He begins training children and forming connections with immigrants at the restaurant, illustrating his attempt to heal. Bliuvaite highlighted this conflict, stating, “This is a film about people who try to heal personally while being ignorant about what’s happening around them.”
The title, China Sea, serves as a metaphor for the obstacles one must overcome to reach a better life. Bliuvaite noted that this concept was present in the script from the early stages of the project.
Production Insights and Cast Dynamics
The film features a talented cast, including actors from Taiwan, such as Jag Huang and Sonia Yuan. Matulevičius recounted the surreal experience of casting Taiwanese actors, some of whom have appeared in high-profile films like Life of Pi and Drive My Car. He expressed his surprise at their willingness to travel to Lithuania for the project.
A significant technical challenge arose during filming, particularly with a scene referred to as “the ice scene.” Creating a safe environment for the actors involved complex logistics, requiring the use of strings for safety, which were later removed in post-production.
While Matulevičius and Bliuvaite do not currently have another collaborative project lined up, they continue to share ideas and provide constructive feedback to one another. Matulevičius expressed interest in exploring new themes in his next film, potentially shifting focus to the historical context of the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With its exploration of guilt, redemption, and the human condition, China Sea aims to resonate with audiences, shedding light on the complexities of personal transformation against a backdrop of cultural isolation. As the film garners attention on the international stage, it encapsulates the intricacies of both Lithuanian and Taiwanese narratives, marking a significant moment in cinematic collaboration.
