Watch Dark Matter

Dark Matter is a drama film that was released in 2007. Directed by Chen Shi-zheng, it is based on the real-life events that occurred in the University of Iowa in 1991, where a Chinese student murdered several of his colleagues and a faculty member. The story revolves around Liu Xing, a brilliant young physics student from China who receives a scholarship to study cosmology at a prestigious American university. He arrives in the United States with high hopes and a deep admiration for his mentor, cosmology professor Jacob Reiser, played by Meryl Streep. Reiser is a well-established professor who is incredibly knowledgeable in her field and commands the respect of her colleagues and students.

Liu Xing is initially excited to begin his research and start living the American dream that he has always imagined. However, he soon realizes that the pressures of academic life in America are much greater than he imagined. Liu Xing finds it difficult to bridge the gap between his Chinese upbringing and the American culture he is trying to adapt to. He feels isolated from his fellow students who are not interested in his culture or background.

As Liu Xing delves deeper into his research, he discovers evidence that contradicts the current academic establishment. Liu Xing believes that his theories could have groundbreaking implications for the field of cosmology. But, he quickly realizes that his ideas are not welcomed by those in power at the university. The entrenched academics refuse to accept the possibility that their established ideas might be flawed and are unwilling to engage with Liu Xing's research in any meaningful way.

The lack of support from his peers and the pressure of academic competition, combined with his own personal demons, send Liu Xing on a downward spiral. Liu Xing becomes increasingly isolated and disillusioned, and he feels increasingly alienated from the academic community he once admired.

The supporting cast in Dark Matter is also very impressive, with Peng Chi playing the role of Liu's roommate and close friend, and Aidan Quinn playing the role of the university sponsor. The performances of the actors are outstanding, with particular praise going to Ye Liu, who skillfully portrays the many layers of Liu Xing, transforming from an enthusiastic and driven student to an isolated and troubled individual.

The film is hauntingly beautiful, capturing a sense of the otherworldly in the cosmic images and Liu Xing's visions of the universe. The Chinese culture and tradition are also vividly portrayed, particularly when contrasted against the sterile and materialistic American culture.

In conclusion, Dark Matter is a powerful and thought-provoking film that deals with complex and controversial themes. It is a story of discovery, ambition, and conflict that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the pressure to conform to societal expectations or struggled to find their place in the world. Despite the difficult themes, the film is ultimately a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of knowledge and ambition.

Dark Matter is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 49.