Watch Back to the Wharf

Back to the Wharf is a 2020 Chinese thriller directed by Xiaofeng Li. The story is set in Ningbo, a port city in Zhejiang province. The movie's plot follows two estranged brothers, Chen Guang (Yu Zhang) and Chen Xiaoyan (Jia Song), as they navigate through a tumultuous journey of discovery and redemption. Chen Guang is a successful lawyer in Shanghai, who returns to Ningbo after receiving news of his estranged father's death. He is suddenly thrust into a web of deceit and corruption, which centers around his brother Chen Xiaoyan. Chen Xiaoyan is a small-time criminal who has been involved in a violent altercation that left a businessman dead, and he is now on the run from the police.

As Chen Guang tries to reconcile with his brother, he soon discovers that there are more secrets than he could have imagined. He finds himself embroiled in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse that forces him to confront his own demons and make choices that will have far-reaching consequences.

The movie explores themes of family, guilt, and betrayal. It portrays the complex relationship between the two brothers, who have drifted apart over the years due to their vastly different lifestyles. Chen Guang, the successful lawyer, struggles to come to terms with his own failures as he tries to help his brother. Chen Xiaoyan, on the other hand, is torn between his loyalty to his family and his desire for a better life.

Yu Zhang, who plays Chen Guang, delivers an outstanding performance as the flawed protagonist. He portrays the character's vulnerability, anger, and desperation with nuance and depth. Jia Song, who plays Chen Xiaoyan, also shines in his role as the rebellious younger brother. He brings a sense of danger and unpredictability to the character, which keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

The movie's setting, the wharf area of Ningbo, is both gritty and atmospheric. The director of photography, Dong Jinsong, does an excellent job of capturing the city's moodiness, especially during the nighttime scenes. The movie's soundtrack, composed by Xu Zhanhe, adds to the suspense and tension, creating a sense of foreboding throughout.

One of the movie's strengths is its pacing. The story moves forward at a brisk pace, never losing momentum. The screenplay, written by Xiaofeng Li and Yu Liu, keeps the viewers engaged by peppering the narrative with surprises and twists. The climax of the movie is both satisfying and logical, bringing closure to the story while leaving the viewers with some lingering questions.

In conclusion, Back to the Wharf is a well-crafted thriller that will keep viewers entertained throughout its runtime. The movie boasts excellent performances, a moody setting, and a tight screenplay that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The movie's exploration of themes such as family and guilt elevates it beyond a typical crime thriller, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Back to the Wharf is a 2020 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.