Paul Magne Haakonsen
I had no idea that Jet Li had starred in a movie such as this, and when I found out, I must admit that I was intrigued and wondered how he would fare in a movie such as this. So it was with some expectations that I sat down to watch "Ocean Heaven" (aka "Hai yang tian tang").First and foremost I must say that writer and director Xiaolu Xue managed to accomplish something quite unique and beautiful with "Ocean Heaven". It was a rather beautiful story that was both entertaining and also had somewhat of a deeper message other than just being for entertainment purposes.Then I must also move on to say that Jet Li was surprisingly good in a dramatic role, albeit it was a bit odd to see him in a mature and serious role such as the one he portrayed in "Ocean Heaven". But he managed that with flying colors. However, it was actually Zhang Wen who stole the spotlight with his performance.This is the story of an Wang Xingchang (played by Jet Li) who is taking care of his disabled brother Dafu (played by Zhang Wen). Dafu is a man with autism and needs his brother to assist him in many things. But when given some bad news, Wang Xingchang must ensure that Dafu learn enough to be self-sufficient.While the story in "Ocean Heaven" is a touching and profound, then it just lacked something to become a real tearjerker. But it is definitely a beautiful movie with equally beautiful performances by the cast.If you enjoy dramas and if you enjoy Asian cinema, then you should by all means give "Ocean Heaven" a chance. I enjoyed it, and I was genuinely surprised with Jet Li's performance in a slowed down movie such as this in comparison to the adrenaline-fueled and fast paced action martial arts movies that he usually stars in.
kristopherreese
There might be spoilers in here, but I don't think I will give much away.When I read the description on the box, it caught my attention. I wasn't sure about it because the movie is in Mandarin and I would have to rely on subtitles. I don't believe I have ever heard autism mentioned in any other country and I was intrigued, so I purchased the movie.I am the father of a 23 year old autistic girl. I have been around other autistic children and found the acting to be very believable. The storyline is heart wrenching. The writer had to have had some experience with an autistic family in some way, this movie made me see many things that are parallel to my life. I think all parents of disabled children worry about what will happen to the child when they are gone. I have to admit that I started crying a few times during this movie.While this movie is based in China, it really is universal. I believe it conveyed the feelings and emotions of all parents of autistic children. If you want to get a glimpse of the life of a family with autism, this movie will give you a slight idea. There is so much more pain and heartbreak and frustration that is not a part of this movie, but it is still a small window into autistic life.I wish I was able to contact the director and actors directly to thank them for this movie and express how emotional it was watching it.I HIGHLY recommend this movie, it was very well done.
Jason Zhou
"Ocean Heaven" is about JetLi (Wang Xincheng), who plays the role of a forty-seven years terminally ill father, Wang works at the aquarium while struggle to look after his twenty-one years old son Dafu, who suffers autism from childhood. He live in his own world and impaired social interaction and communication, he cannot take care of himself in daily life. Dafu's mother killed in an accident when he was young, but believed she was suicides, because she could not bear to combat his son is autism. Wang single-handedly brought up Dafu and trying to teach him basic necessary life skills in order to survive on his own and take care for himself after he found out he is terminally ill and only has 3 to 4 months to live. As well as teaching him how to wear clothes, how to cook, how to ride the bus, he struggles to look for a home for his son before he passes away. Finally they found a newly opened institution with helps from the principal of the school for intellectual disabilities children that Dafu attended as a child.In order to let his son live comfortably, Wang made the layout of his son's room exactly the same as his usual one.The film has an opening scene of Wang trying to kill himself and his son by tied themselves to a big rock and jumped into the ocean,because Wang do not know what to do with his son and do not want him to suffer on his own after Wang die. However, Dafu loves water, he is an expert swimmer, which saved their lives. Everyday, swimming at the aquarium that his father works for are the happiest time of his life, where he meet Lingling, Lingling plays the role of a clown who is part of a traveling circus that perform in the aquarium for a short period of time, they get well together as Lingling is a orphan, they become friends and Lingling has taught Dafu how to answer the phone in the aquarium when he hears it, because she know she will be leaving soon with her circus. Eventually, Wang passed away without regrets, Dafu also learned everything his father has taught him and works at the aquarium, at the end, Dafu lying on the back of the turtle, swim with peace of mind and happiness. Just like lying on his father's back.A father who is terminally ill and single-handedly brought up his son. A son who suffers autism that cannot take care of himself in daily life, when we see such film like this, we cannot help but thought where is the Ocean that makes people happy and delightful? Where is the desirable to feel the happiness of heaven? Ocean heaven is a movie that can touch something deep in people's heart. The director aims to raise public's concern on the struggling and desperate status of autistic people in the society in a very impressive way. The director has well knowledge with autism, which is one of the key elements to makes such amazing touched film. This film is a masterpiece of Xiaolu Xue,whose own personal experience from working as a volunteer at an autism school for ten years. This movie is about sincerity. It shows that in this day and age those filmmakers are willing to do something for society. It is trying to express gratitude to all the parents in the world through the film. At the beginning of the movie, father jumps into the ocean with the son and tries to end their life in the heart of the ocean. This is a very impressive scene. The ocean is beautiful and peaceful, sky is blue, all of these lead people to think about the positive things of life. However, this father, attempted to kill themselves in the heart of the ocean. Xue has successfully sets a question mark in audience's mind. The trembling of Dafu's fingers was the major element used in the film, showing the characteristic of autism patients, the compulsive behavior of Dafu appears to follow rules and arranging objects in stacks or lines. Restricted behavior of Dafu preoccupation with a single toy, all of these,which makes the film more reality and touched. Dafu's daily life is totally dependent on father due to his autism. When the father tries to find a shelter for Dafu after he knows he would die within few months, it is sad that there is no government organizations is able to help them, including hospital, insurance, welfare, disabled school. But fortunately, Dafu is taken by a group of people who are eager to help voluntary groups of people in society. This contrast reflects the problem and the instant need of improvement of china health care system. The thing that goes into the deepest of people's heart is the father's selfless love to Dafu. He accomplished an impossible task, which is to teach Dafu the necessary life skills to take out his daily activities, such as taking a bus, cooking, getting across the road and working at the aquarium. In order to prevent Dafu feel lonely, He dressed as a turtle and swim with his son, he told Dafu, he will become a turtle,he will always by his side.This is a very emotionally charged family drama showing a father's tireless, selfless love for his autistic son. This film has strong Social significance.Director Xue has well knowledge with autism and shows that in this day and age those filmmakers are willing to do something for society. Xue has successfully raise public's concern on the struggling and desperate status of autistic people in the society in a very impressive way and express gratitude to all the parents in the world through the film. Although,Wang and Dafu will never see each other again, but the eternal between them will always exist, because, Love, will always exist.Dafu will live happily in the heaven that his father created.
