Watch A Cool Fish

A Cool Fish is a Chinese comedy-drama film released in 2018, directed by Xiaozhi Rao and starring Jianbin Chen, Suxi Ren, and Binlong Pan. The film premiered at the 68th Berlin International Film Festival and was highly acclaimed, winning the FIPRESCI Prize in the Panorama section. It tells the story of a security guard, Li Xiaoyu, who becomes entangled in a web of crime and corruption when he befriends a small-time criminal, Shuo Wang. Though their unlikely friendship puts them both at risk, they find strength in each other's company and are forced to make difficult choices as they navigate their way through the underworld of modern-day China.

The film begins by introducing us to Li Xiaoyu (Jianbin Chen), an unassuming and somewhat lonely security guard at a shopping mall. On the surface, his life is simple and unremarkable, with little to distinguish him from the other menial workers around him. But as we soon discover, there is more to Xiaoyu than meets the eye. He is a man of considerable intelligence and resourcefulness, with a deep sense of justice and a yearning for something more meaningful in life.

One day, Xiaoyu encounters Shuo Wang (Binlong Pan), a petty thief and conman who is trying to evade the mall security guards after attempting to steal a mobile phone. Xiaoyu is initially hesitant to help him, but eventually agrees to let him hide in his car. What begins as a simple act of kindness quickly grows into something more complex as Wang begins to involve Xiaoyu in his various schemes, using his insider knowledge to help him pull off a series of small-scale crimes.

Despite their differences, Xiaoyu and Wang develop a genuine bond over time, with Xiaoyu starting to see Wang as a friend and confidant. However, their relationship is complicated by the fact that Wang is also involved with a dangerous criminal gang, led by the ruthless Brother Dao (Chu Zhang). When Xiaoyu learns the truth about Wang's involvement with the gang, he is forced to choose between his loyalty to his friend and his own sense of right and wrong.

The film is notable for its strong performances, particularly from Chen and Pan, who have a natural chemistry onscreen that makes their characters' friendship feel authentic and believable. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Zhang delivering a chilling portrayal of the gang leader Brother Dao, and Suxi Ren standing out as Xiaoyu's love interest, a fellow security guard who is drawn into the dangerous world of the criminal underworld.

What sets A Cool Fish apart from other crime dramas is its deft handling of tone. While the film deals with serious themes such as corruption, loyalty, and morality, it does so with a light touch, balancing dark humor with moments of genuine emotion. The result is a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, one that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer long after the credits have rolled.

In conclusion, A Cool Fish is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and comedies alike. With its excellent performances, deft handling of tone, and complex themes, it is a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, one that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer long after the credits have rolled.

A Cool Fish is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.