Watch Quitting

Directed by Zhang Yang, Quitting is a poignant drama from 2001 that tells the story of a troubled Chinese teenager trying to break free from his addiction to drugs and find his place in the world. The film is a semi-autobiographical account of the life of Jia Hongsheng, one of China's most talented actors, and his struggles with fame, addiction, and mental illness.

The film begins by introducing us to Hongsheng, a young man in his late teens who is a standout in his theater class. He is the son of successful Beijing opera actors and has been performing since he was a child. However, his talent and charisma are soon overshadowed by his addiction to drugs, and he finds himself spiraling out of control.

As the film progresses, we see Hongsheng's descent into addiction and his repeated attempts to quit. Although he is determined to get clean, he is constantly surrounded by temptations and bad influences. Despite the efforts of his family and friends to help him, he repeatedly relapses and hits rock bottom.

Throughout the film, we see the impact of Hongsheng's addiction on his family, particularly his father and mother, who are struggling to deal with their son's behavior. They try everything in their power to help him, but they are ultimately forced to accept that they cannot save him from himself.

The film is notable for its stunning cinematography, which captures the beauty of Beijing and the stark realities of drug addiction in equal measure. The film’s use of colors and music add a lyrical quality to the storytelling that enhances the emotional impact of the narrative.

One of the most touching aspects of the film is the relationship between Hongsheng and his father, played by Jia Fengsen. Despite their differences, they deeply love and respect each other. The scenes between the two are some of the most moving in the film, as we see the pain and frustration that both of them feel as they try to navigate their difficult relationship.

The film also features strong performances from Xiuling Chai, who plays Hongsheng's long-suffering mother, and Hongsheng himself, who plays a version of himself in the film. Hongsheng's performance is particularly noteworthy, as he manages to bring a raw vulnerability and honesty to his portrayal of a troubled young man desperate to break free from his addiction.

The film's ending is both haunting and uplifting, as Hongsheng finally manages to get clean and rebuild his life. Although he still struggles with mental illness, he is able to find solace in his family and in his art.

Overall, Quitting is a moving and powerful film that examines the complexities of addiction and the impact it can have on individuals and their families. It is a film that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.