Mission Impossible with Chinese Characteristics
Small-time official Li Shan De must fulfil a deadly mission: transport fresh lychees from Lingnan to Chang'an. Deadly, because this is the emperor's order and should he fail - which looks likely - the consequence is almost certain death for him and his family.But old mate Li Shan De is a math guy. He is determined to see this mission through as far as he can and puts his skills, and newly found friends, to the test.
The Lychee Road follows a typical Mission Impossible template, both in terms of characters and plot. This does limit the film's scope because it plays it safe the entire time. However, it does execute the template and its clichés rather well, making it a fun and satisfying watch once you've resigned yourself to the film's genre conventions. The emotional pull is on the weaker side, but comedic moments help lift the whole thing.
Try watch this on the big screen if you can. There's some great colour grading and well composed landscape shots that benefit from a large screen.
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