A new film titled China Sea has captivated audiences with its powerful narrative, focusing on a canceled Lithuanian martial arts champion seeking redemption. Directed by Jurgis Matulevičius, this hard-hitting drama explores themes of guilt and second chances. The film premiered at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia, where it won the Critics’ Picks Competition.
The story centers on a fighter named Osvald, portrayed by Marius Repšys, who finds himself banned from competition after injuring a woman in a street altercation. Stranded in his bleak hometown in Lithuania, Osvald seeks refuge in a struggling Taiwanese restaurant run by his only friend, Ju-Long. The film’s synopsis reveals that court-ordered therapy leads him to a woman named Skaistė, who represents a life he has never known. As Osvald grapples with his violent past, he must choose between redemption and self-destruction.
The film features a talented cast, including Jag Huang, Severija Janusauskaite, Sonia Yuan, and Vaidotas Martinaitis. The collaboration between Lithuania and Taiwan marks a significant milestone as this is the first co-production between the two countries.
Matulevičius shared insights into the film’s development, revealing that it is inspired by a real-life Lithuanian fighter who gained fame in Asia during the early 2000s. “Some producers approached me about creating a biopic, but I was not interested in glorifying a controversial figure,” he explained. Instead, he and writer Saulė Bliuvaite opted to explore the darker aspects of the fighter’s life, including violent incidents and his eventual shooting in 2015.
The narrative intertwines the lives of Osvald and an unnamed Asian restaurant owner in Lithuania, drawing parallels between their experiences of isolation. Matulevičius described the connection, stating, “Both characters face isolation in their lives, one as a kickboxing superstar and the other as an immigrant trying to make a life in a foreign land.”
The film’s opening sequence utilizes real television footage of a fight, coupled with scenes featuring Repšys, effectively blurring the line between reality and fiction. Matulevičius noted, “This first scene is designed for viewers to understand his super-stardom.”
Themes of frustration, rage, and toxic masculinity permeate Osvald’s journey. “He embodies a man’s physicality but is mentally trapped in his teenage years,” Matulevičius pointed out. “His upbringing in a rough neighborhood has left him knowing only anger and violence.” The character’s arc involves a desire for transformation as he begins to confront his past and consider a better future.
Bliuvaite added that the film delves into the personal healing journeys of its characters, highlighting their ignorance to the chaos surrounding them. “This film is about individuals trying to heal while being unaware of the world’s issues,” she said.
The title China Sea serves as a metaphor for the hurdles one must overcome to achieve personal growth and redemption.
In terms of casting, Matulevičius emphasized the significance of authenticity. The actor portraying Osvald’s coach was the real-life coach of the fighter who inspired the film. This connection added emotional depth to the project.
The production faced its challenges, particularly with the technical demands of specific scenes, including one requiring an ice hole in a lake. “We had to find a solution to ensure safety while achieving the desired visual effect,” Matulevičius explained.
As the creative team looks toward future projects, they are focused on developing their individual ideas while sharing insights with each other. Matulevičius expressed his interest in exploring historical themes in his next film, specifically focusing on the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With its compelling narrative and rich themes, China Sea captures the complexities of human experience, making it a notable addition to the world of international cinema.
