The Hedonists (2016)

"Socialism is not about you making money while you sleep"

The Hedonists is a short film by Jia Zhang Ke following a group of three miners after their mine is closed. The little guys once again take it on the chin when forces bigger than themselves are at work.

San Ming, Liang Zi, and Wen Qian begin their day like any other at the mine. Unfortunately, for them and everyone else at the mine they are told it is their last day. It’s become cheaper to import coal than to produce it at home. Their boss tells them there are lot of opportunities out there, “Go fight for yourself!” Problem is, the same economic forces causing the mine to close are also depressing the job markets elsewhere. The three middle-aged men with limited education and skills begin their job search. No job is off the table for these three, including bodyguard work for a big boss or acting at a new Shangxi Folkland as a royal court.

While the subject matter was dreary, Jia kept the mood light. Unemployment in mid-life is never something to look forward to, especially when the people involved are barely making it as it is. These three were willing to try anything except farming. Wen Qian’s “mental boxing” skills and a wrestling tryout set to the Blue Danube waltz were funny. Liang Zi’s smiling Qing emperor and San Ming’s smoking Ming guard showed the men may not have taken their jobs and lives too seriously.

Jia had been known to run afoul of the censors with his critiques, he even mentioned a historian who’d had his own run ins. This film managed to be critical and hopeful at the same time. The tone of the film suggested that these three lovely losers all stacked on the same motorcycle would find a way to survive and have a good time while they were at it.

23 May 2025

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