Watch A Touch of Sin

A Touch of Sin, released in 2013, is a Chinese martial arts epic drama that portrays four different stories of individuals living across China who share a common thread of violence and oppression. The movie showcases the struggles and challenges faced by four different protagonists, each with a unique tale that reflects the stark realities of contemporary China.

The first story introduces Dahai, a miner who is fighting against injustice and rampant corruption in his hometown. He becomes a symbol of rebellion in his community and stands up against those in power, seeking retribution for the exploited working class. Wu Jiang masterfully portrays Dahai's character, highlighting the agony and pain endured by those who are oppressed.

The second story introduces Zhou San, who works as a receptionist in a sauna. He is a man struggling to come to grips with his life and his place in his society. His desperation leads him to a series of tragic decisions that ultimately result in catastrophe. Baoqiang Wang delivers an outstanding performance in this role, bringing a sense of realism to the character that makes the audience feel his despair.

The third story features Xiao Yu, a young woman who works in a clothes factory. Her life takes a turn for the worse when she realizes that she is being sexually harassed by her boss. She suffers in silence, as she is unable to find anybody who can help her. Tao Zhao excellently portrays the vulnerability and the toughness of a woman who is struggling to fight against sexual harassment.

The final and fourth story is about a migrant worker named Xiaohui. He starts his journey by leaving his rural hometown to seek opportunities in the city. However, he is soon faced with hostility and discrimination from the locals. Despite his perpetual struggle to fend for himself, he is unable to make ends meet. The portrayal of Xiaohui's story by Lanshan Luo gives a glimpse of the hardships faced by migrants when they have to leave their homes to earn a living.

Each story in A Touch of Sin is uniquely different and genuinely authentic. They all seamlessly merge into the plot to showcase the concerning social issues in contemporary China. Director Jia Zhangke has brilliantly intertwined the stories of these characters together to create a work that highlights the themes of violence, corruption, repression, and despair in modern-day China.

The characters in the movie portray the marginalized members of society who are subjected to unspeakable horrors every day. The movie is a profound commentary on the social issues that plague China, such as the growing wealth gap, the death of moral values, and the decline of virtue. It brings to light the bitter reality of the moral and societal decline that many individuals have to face on a daily basis.

The film employs a balance of action-packed scenes and peaceful moments, creating a perfect blend of drama, violence, and calmness. The cinematography is highly meticulous, capturing the austere beauty of the Chinese landscape while underscoring the themes of futility and despair running throughout the film.

In conclusion, A Touch of Sin is a highly engaging, contemplative, and captivating movie that sheds light on the prevalent issues of the Chinese society. Jia Zhangke's filmmaking style creates a perfect harmony of action and drama that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The exceptional performances of the actors and the brilliant portrayal of their characters, along with the well-crafted script, create a deeply affecting experience that will linger in the viewer's mind long after the credits have rolled.

A Touch of Sin is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 77.