DVD Corner

An Elephant Sitting Still Blu-ray Review

“An Elephant Sitting Still” is an intimate character drama. 

Based on the short story by Hu Bo (who also wrote and directed the film), 2018’s “An Elephant Sitting Still” is a drama about the interconnected lives of a group of characters on a single day that include Wei Bu (a high schooler), his friend Li Kai, Yu Cheng (an unhappy gang member who slept with his friend’s wife), Yu Shuai (a school bully and the brother of Yu Cheng), Wang Jin (a grandfather who is basically forced into going to a nursing home), and Huang Ling (a high school student who has a strained relationship with her mother and is also having an affair with the school’s Vice Dean). As the  day unfolds, we see tragedies befalling these characters which causes their lives to fall apart. One story that keeps popping up throughout the narrative is that a circus in Manzhouli allegedly has an elephant that sits still. Is the elephant in pain? Does the elephant simply enjoy sitting still? Has the elephant given up on life? It’s unclear, but this myth remains a hopeful and fascinating curiosity to those who hear it. 

Similar in many ways to “Werckmeister Harmonies,” “An Elephant Sitting Still” is an emotional cinematic experience about loss, disillusionment, anguish, and legends. Some viewers may find it to be a triggering, hard to watch, gloomy and depressive story about the daily grind of life, the have nots, and the hopelessness that can take hold of life. It is even more tragic knowing that Hu Bo committed suicide after completing the film. If you are able to handle the heavy themes and have an open mind, you’ll find yourself getting swept up by an original, deep, and soul baring story from a true artist and an original voice in Chinese cinema. Between Hu Bo’s almost in your face directorial style and his unique storytelling vision, ‘Elephant’ is the type of movie you just don’t see much of these days. It feels like a true independent film and never shies away from delving into the harsher elements of life while also leaving you with hope in the end. 

At 230 minutes, the movie is a lot to take in. Admittedly, the first 2 hours were the better portion as the movie slows down in the third hour. The story does rally back in the final half-hour when all roads lead to Manzhouli. To say anything more would be spoiling the journey of these characters.  

The entire ensemble cast is extraordinary. Peng Yuchang gives a strong performance beyond his years as Wei Bu. Zhang Yu has arguably the most complex with Yu Cheng and the actor really takes advantage of the part to the fullest extent. Wang Yuwen (Huang Ling) excels during some of the more intense character moments of the entire film. Liu Congxi gives a quiet and soulful performance as Wang Jin (whose life is on the verge of great change).

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.78:1 1080p. How does it look? The stylized cinematography and lighting shines in hi-def.

Audio Track: Mandarin 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? This is generally a quiet film, but the 5.1 track still does the job.

Extras include a theatrical trailer and Hu Bo’s short film “Man In The Well.” The back cover states there is a booklet with an essay, an interview, and a short story but my review copy did not contain one.

August 24, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | An Elephant Sitting Still Blu-ray Review, Chinese Film, Hu Bo