The Chinese drama market in 2023 can be said to be in full bloom.
However, in theaters, the quality of the films is not as bright as that of Chinese dramas, and they are very out of the ordinary. There are even a handful of films that have gained word-of-mouth directly because of their quality.
This time, Mr. Tomato selected the top ten domestic films with the best reputation in 2023. Still using the Douban score as a reference and the evaluation of the majority of viewers as the criterion, this list of the top ten domestic films in 2023 was finally formed.
No. 10, "In the Octagonal Cage" Douban 7.3
Wang Baoqiang's directorial debut is called "Havoc in Tianzhu". Although
has earned a lot of money at the box office, the quality of the film is hard to describe.
Baoqiang packed up his bags, received the "Golden Broomstick", and vowed to make a good movie next time.
Perhaps he himself did not expect that the director's second film would be included in the top ten films of the entire year.
"The Octagonal Cage" is a relatively mature commercial movie.
Although there are still various problems in terms of rhythm, performance and story advancement.
But all the flaws cannot be covered up. As a director, Wang Baoqiang wants to work hard to make a movie, a subject, and express the sincerity of an issue.
"In the Octagonal Cage" tells the story of a group of poor children in Daliang Mountain who make a living by boxing, and their coach.
The film is adapted from a true story, and Wang Baoqiang plays the coach.
There are several scenes in the film that are still fresh in Mr. Tomato’s mind.
For example: Baoqiang went to the home of two teenagers to collect debts, and saw his paralyzed sister lying on the bed, and his sister's hint of "paying back the money with her body."
This scene is heartbreaking to watch.
And the subsequent design: the coach placed the funding money in the window where the sun shines in, which is also one of the best treatments of lens language in the film.
Another example: At the final climax, for a moment, Wang Baoqiang’s face in the car showed the facial makeup that changed outside the car.
The facial makeup and facial expressions overlap, using a very romantic but imagistic processing method to show the inner conflicts of the characters. This advanced processing method of
is very useful to the audience when placed in "The Octagonal Cage".
Wang Baoqiang also used a movie to prove that Chinese directors can make good movies with depth.
No. 9, "The Mistake by the River" Douban 7.3
This is a very contradictory movie with highly polarized reviews.
"The Mistake by the River" is not a suspense film or a crime film in the general sense, but a film between a literary and artistic drama.
The movie is adapted from Yu Hua's novel of the same name. It tells the story of detective Ma Zhe's process of exploring the truth of a criminal case, and how he is deeply involved but unable to escape.
Several murders that happened by the same river are actually not complicated; what is really complicated is the director's way of handling the film.
Many viewers were confused going in and out. In the end, they had no idea what the movie was about.
However, many netizens who are happy to watch brain-burning literary and artistic films enjoy it and watch it again and again, looking for the pleasure of exploring the secrets.
This is also the reason why the score of "The Mistake by the River" has been declining since its release.
Domestic movies have always given people the impression that the plot is straightforward, the good and the bad are clear, easy to understand, and the rhythm is clear.
But "The Mistake by the River" smashed all this into pieces.
uses an extremely literary and artistic approach to give a bunch of seemingly unrelated intentions, but in fact they are inextricably linked.
connects these intentions through various film techniques, and uses Ma Zhe's personal experience to form an unclear story using the plot trend of pressing the gourd and lifting the ladle, as well as details and metaphors.
A movie is like a poem. How you can read it depends on the audience's ability to appreciate it.
Generally speaking, "The Mistake on the River" is meant to pick the audience. If you can enjoy it, there is nothing wrong with it; if you can't, it doesn't matter, but we cannot deny the existence of this kind of movie.
It is a metaphor for the spiritual dilemma of modern people; it itself is also a triumphant song of realistic magic and criticism of reality.
No. 8, "Crossing the Angry Sea" Douban 7.5
This is a movie with a fateful fate.
We all know Cao Baoping's film "Heart of the Burning Sun". In fact, this series has three parts, the other two are "She Kills" and "Walking Through the Angry Sea".
"She Kills" is still far away, and "Wide the Angry Sea" was completed as early as 2020, but it was delayed until the end of this year. The
movie has attracted a lot of attention, which comes from two aspects.
On the one hand, both the scale and some sensitive plots and elements can arouse everyone's desire to watch it.
On the other hand, most Chinese audiences approve of Cao Baoping.
His films have enough depth, breadth and scale, which are almost an endorsement of quality.
Facts have also proved that "Crossing the Angry Sea" did not disappoint everyone.
Through the process of an almost crazy father looking for the murderer of his daughter who was killed while studying abroad, it reveals the deep-seated problems in the relationship between father and daughter, and even the relationship between parent and child, in Chinese native families.
The movie's camera is sharp and the story is shot vigorously, especially when the father played by Huang Bo uncovers the truth layer by layer, and finally discovers that the death of his daughter can hardly be blamed on anyone else, and the culprit is himself.
The deep sense of powerlessness and emotional impact is a slap in the face to all "Chinese parents".
All giving that does not meet the needs of children is essentially control and has nothing to do with love.
I hope that our generation will understand this deeply.
hopes that parents of our generation will no longer be called "Chinese parents".
No. 7, "Vicious Lawyer" Douban 7.5
"Vicious Lawyer" is the only movie on this list that has the temperament of a Hong Kong movie.
The reason why a simple legal film can gain so much love from the audience is because it almost represents the spirit of the old Hong Kong movies.
In recent years, domestic film and television dramas have increasingly focused on the middle class and even the elite.
Those idle moans and groans in the exquisite petty bourgeoisie life are boring to watch. However, there are very few films that truly focus on the people at the bottom.
But "Vicious Lawyer" is different. It not only focuses on the bottom class, but also achieves the best balance between "speaking for the bottom class" and "entertainment". The various Hong Kong-style low-level swear words in the
film may sound extremely vulgar, but they are also the most important part of the lines in Hong Kong films.
These lines have not only been carefully designed and polished, but also what words are said in which scenes have been carefully considered.
In terms of content, the script of "The Vengeful Lawyer" is also impeccable.
From Zeng Jie'er's suspicion of child abuse to murder, the film changes through the prosecution from a legal perspective, reversing the layers like peeling an onion, bringing the audience into an atmosphere full of suspense.
Through this story, "Vicious Lawyer" explores the theme that most legal films explore: procedural justice or substantive justice, which is the most important?
But in fact, the two are often contradictory to each other.
There are some evil people who are good at playing with procedural justice and get away with it. When encountering such a person, what is the meaning of the law?
This is also the ultimate thought left to us by the movie.
In short, "The Vengeful Lawyer" is one of the most outstanding Hong Kong films in recent years.
also hopes that in the future, more and more Hong Kong films will reach this level; Hong Kong films have never died, they are just alive in another form.
No. 6, "Hachi the Dog" Douban 7.5
Everyone says that remakes are not good movies, but "Hachi the Dog" really breaks this iron rule.
"Hachi" is adapted from the Japanese movie of the same name. The Japanese version is in the top 250 of Douban and has moved netizens all over the world.
Although the Chinese version of "Hachi" does not reach the heights of the original, at least in terms of localization, it is very qualified as a commercial film. The
movie is set in the mountain city of Chongqing. With Chongqing’s unique landforms, plot and rhythm, it looks very Chinese.
The "Little Eight" in the original work was changed to "Eight Barrels", giving this Chinese pastoral dog a special emotion.
After the localization adaptation of the plot, it is simple but emotionally sincere. Feng Xiaogang gave one of the best performances since his debut. His character shaping skills are second only to "Who Else" brother in "Kung Fu".
The warm human atmosphere is also presented by the director using very delicate lens language.
The only disappointing thing is that after Professor Chen's death, Batong was almost abandoned.
Neither the daughter, son-in-law, family, nor my wife have ever thought of looking for Batsun.
Especially because of the behavior of abandoning dogs once the house is demolished, in the eyes of dog owners, this may be slightly different from reality.
But overall, as a movie, "Hachi" is qualified.
Although most tears are shed for the eight tubes.
It is undeniable that dog movies are so easy to cry about.
Whether it is foreign or Chinese.
No. 5, "Fengshen" Douban 7.8
In terms of production time, Wu Ershan's "Fengshen" was suppressed for a total of five years.
Many people say that as long as it is an old movie, it will not be good to watch.
turned around and was slapped in the face by "Fengshen".
The first part of "Fengshen" took in a box office of 2.634 billion, ranking fifth on the 2023 box office list.
has a word-of-mouth rating of 7.8, which can be regarded as a real double success in terms of word-of-mouth and box office, and it also proves the audience's attitude towards the movie.
For now, "Fengshen" has at least three praiseworthy aspects.
The first is an innovation and change in the story of "Feng Shen Bang".
movies have created many mythical characters that are different from previous impressions.
For example, King Zhou was no longer a comatose and cruel king, but a brave general capable of conquering and fighting.
Daji is no longer a simple cold beauty, but a fox demon who looks like a fox, an amplifier of desire.
Lei Zhenzi is no longer humanoid, Jiang Ziya has become funny, there is also the stupid Nezha, the handsome Yang Jian and so on.
The second is fascinating with its exquisite special effects and grand scenes.
Although the special effects are not top-notch, at least on the big screen, they are still very shocking.
The scene with snowflakes falling at the beginning is still fresh in my memory, especially the scene where King Zhou led his troops to attack Jizhou Hou Suhu. Compared with other domestic blockbusters, a lot of money was spent on special effects.
The third is the depth and breadth of the spread of public opinion caused by it.
"What the horse sees is determined by people."
"It doesn't matter whose son it is, it matters who you are."
"You all say that the white fox is a monster, but it is obviously auspicious."
A few lines, to It is still a hot meme on the Internet and even a direction for short video creators to gather together to create.
This proves that "Feng Shen" has a national foundation and popularity, and also illustrates the success of this movie from the side.
What makes Mr. Tomato happy is that this is only the first one.
There will be many big war scenes in the second and third parts. All we can do now is look forward to it.
No. 4, "I Love You" Douban 7.9
Another movie with a Hong Kong pedigree, another tragic song about the people at the bottom, this is "I Love You".
Although the movie is adapted from the Korean comic of the same name, the plot design of "I Love You" and the performances of several actors are too intense.
This kind of emotional tension is what earns the most tears.
's silent eye-to-eye contact and simple conversations with deep affection always have enough stamina to make us unable to recover for a long time after watching the movie.
The movie tells the story of four old people who collect waste, but from every bit of it, we can almost see the shadow of our grandparents and grandparents.
Tears are not shed for their love, but for our demands and our debt to them.
The movie is from the perspective of the elderly from beginning to end, deconstructing traditional family concepts and social concepts from the perspective of the elderly.
The extravagant white party is one of the climax of the film and the most powerful expression of the film.
The harmony of many families is maintained by the compromise, dedication, flattery and self-sacrifice of the older generation.
They have never thought about loving themselves more in their lives, but they give everything to their children without hesitation.
But when they have silver hair and gray temples, who really cares about whether they are being themselves or whether they are always loving others?
The third place, "The Three Brigades" Douban 7.9
"The Three Brigades" is a breath of fresh air in the cinemas during the end of the year and the Lunar New Year. It is a phenomenal film that attracts most viewers into the cinema.
It may be difficult for everyone to imagine that Deep Blue’s original work "The Three Brigades" only has 5,000 words.
But at the end of the year, we saw the spectacular scene of the film version of "The Third Brigade" and the drama version of "The Third Brigade" singing duet across the air. This also shows from the side that what we are lacking is good stories.
Although it is a police film, "The Third Brigade" never puts the core of the story on hunting down criminals, solving cases, fighting, and action.
To be more precise, "Three Brigades" is about the professional beliefs of a group of men, which is the most ideal and sacred state of the "police" profession.
The real Cheng Bing spent eight years in prison, spent four years chasing the murderer, and devoted most of his life to the search for the murderer Wang Eryong. Although he no longer has the identity of a policeman, in his heart Here, he is more policeman than all policemen. In the
movie, Cheng Bing, played by Zhang Yi, has almost no changes in the story.
For the sake of justice, for the 14-year-old girl to rest in peace, and for the murderer to be brought to justice.
These men, adhering to their own obsessions, put aside everything and traveled across half of China to hunt down the murderer.
They have tasted the suffering of the world, but they have never taken off the police uniform in their hearts.
"The Three Brigades" focuses on the difficulty of several middle-aged men chasing the murderer, as well as their inner struggles and struggles with themselves.
It is difficult to spend 12 years for a belief.
From the beginning, Cheng Bing alone summoned three brigades to arrest people, and in the end, Cheng Bing alone captured Wang Eryong as a water deliveryman.
In the middle, there are ups and downs, just like everyone's life.
After suffering, the infatuation never changes.
The scene in the movie where the uncles sing "Young Aspirations Don't Tell the Sorrows" can touch the softest place in the hearts of many married men.
As a commercial movie, "The Three Brigades" has points of excitement, laughter, tears, and explosions.
The documentary lens language is full of tragedy and stirring in reality.
The logical details are self-consistent, and the emotions are genuine.
Zhang Yi's performance is still attractive, and the supporting roles are all outstanding. The score of 7.9 points is well deserved.
In the words of a Douban netizen: Maybe we will never become Cheng Bing, but this society needs Cheng Bing.
ranked second, "Chang'an 30,000 Miles" Douban 8.3
"Chang'an 30,000 Miles" received 1.824 billion box office, ranking seventh this year.
This is an unexpected movie, and it is also a movie that cannot be called a movie.
"Chang'an 30,000 Miles" has a 168-minute set, which is nearly three hours, but in these three hours, there is actually no specific plot conflict.
He uses Gao Shi's memories as the main perspective to show the life of Li Bai, the great poet of the Tang Dynasty.
From the carefreeness of youth, to the complacency of middle age, to the frustration and desolation of old age.
Li Bai's image and personality were reshaped by "Thirty Thousand Miles from Chang'an".
If it weren't for this animated movie, many viewers wouldn't even know that these great poets of the Tang Dynasty had such inextricable influences and connections.
The biggest feature of this animated film is that it uses the word "culture" as a shell to show the essence of Chinese culture and history in the form of animation.
Dong Yuhui and "Thirty Thousand Miles from Chang'an". These two phenomenal hits are the happiest thing Tomato has seen this year.
This is the rise of cultural confidence and a new understanding of Chinese youth’s culture and literati temperament.
is full of poetry and calligraphy. Although children in the cinema recited poetry along with it, it does not meet the moral requirements of movie viewing.
But these historical treasures that can be recited out loud are the essence of culture that we, the people, have ignored for half our lives.
The national style should be popular. The most beautiful culture in the world is Chinese culture.
This understanding should be deeply ingrained in the bones of every Chinese person, making it the source of our self-confidence after menstruation.
For five thousand years, as long as culture remains, China will always be there.
No. 1, "The Wandering Earth 2" Douban 8.3
The lifeblood of "Chinese science fiction" is tied to "Little Breaking Ball".
Since the first film became a hit, "The Wandering Earth 2" has been growing amid doubts.
Unexpectedly, after its release, it once again became the dawn of domestic science fiction.
The hard core of "The Wandering Earth 2" is all-round and undisputed.
First of all, is unique in the sophistication and meticulousness of its special effects.
For the first time, domestic science fiction does not need to be afraid of close-ups. Every shot shown in the close-ups has a sense of the future and a sense of giant objects.
And sci-fi architectural designs such as space elevators that make people look up and down are also constantly broadening the unique sci-fi universe of the Chinese people.
Secondly, , movies do not just show special effects.
In terms of character creation, "The Wandering Earth 2" is even better than the first one.
Especially the role of Tu Hengyu played by Andy Lau is extremely deep.
He has a discussion of "humanity" and "AI" at the same time. This is an in-depth thinking that a movie should have, and it is also a character trait that a science fiction film should portray.
and finally are the presentation of the unique spiritual attributes and values of the Chinese people.
The "Mountain Moving Project" and the "Digital Life Project" at the beginning of the movie are a direct collision of Chinese and Western values.
is one that emphasizes seeking common ground while reserving differences, working together, and living together, which is the greatest expression of collectivism.
one requires cloud backup and eternal storage in the form of data. To put it bluntly, it is short-sighted and waiting for death.
Ma Zhao said it well: Civilization without people is meaningless.
So in the movie, the Chinese are the leaders of the entire plan.
Because of this kind of value, Mr. Tomato believes that even compared with top Western science fiction films, "The Wandering Earth 2" is not inferior.
"A community of human civilization" is more than just talk.
The last scene of astronauts from all over the world blowing up the moon at the same time is still fresh in my memory.
Relatively speaking, there are not as many high-scoring movies in 2023 as in previous years.
But in terms of quality, it does not lose to any movie of the year.
We have seen a hundred flowers blossoming in movies this year, and naturally we have also seen countless genres that were previously unseen blossoming in theaters.
And in the new year, we will have more movies to watch, look forward to, and shoot.
This is a great happiness for movie fans.
(Movie Rotten Tomatoes Editorial Department: Miaomiao)
