Lighting Up the Stars might genuinely be the best Chinese movie!
Lighting Up the Stars might genuinely be the best Chinese movie I’ve ever seen. It’s beautifully acted, emotionally raw, and quietly powerful in a way that sneaks up on you—and then wrecks you in the best possible way.
At its core, this is a story about grief, connection, and unexpected redemption. Zhu Yilong plays a funeral director fresh out of prison, a man emotionally numb and stuck in the margins of life. When he crosses paths with a little girl who’s just lost her grandmother, neither of them expect the impact they’ll have on each other’s lives. But what unfolds is one of the most touching found-family relationships I’ve seen in a long time.
The performances are incredibly natural—especially from the child actress, who brings so much life and heart to the screen. The way their relationship grows is never forced. It’s funny, heartbreaking, awkward, and real. You’re watching two broken people slowly light up each other’s darkness, and it’s impossible not to get swept up in that.
Visually, the film is understated but gorgeous. The pacing is gentle but never drags. The writing avoids melodrama, letting the emotions land through quiet moments, shared silences, and small acts of care. I laughed, I cried, and I finished the movie feeling emotionally full. It’s the kind of story that changes you a little just by watching it.
Pros:
✔ Powerful found-family storyline
✔ Authentic, grounded performances
✔ Emotionally layered without being manipulative
✔ Healing themes handled with grace and realism
✔ Unforgettable chemistry between the leads
Cons:
✘ Honestly, very little. Maybe not for viewers looking for fast pacing or plot-heavy structure
Would I rewatch?
Absolutely. This is the kind of movie I’ll come back to when I need to be reminded of hope, humanity, and the beauty in unexpected connections.
At its core, this is a story about grief, connection, and unexpected redemption. Zhu Yilong plays a funeral director fresh out of prison, a man emotionally numb and stuck in the margins of life. When he crosses paths with a little girl who’s just lost her grandmother, neither of them expect the impact they’ll have on each other’s lives. But what unfolds is one of the most touching found-family relationships I’ve seen in a long time.
The performances are incredibly natural—especially from the child actress, who brings so much life and heart to the screen. The way their relationship grows is never forced. It’s funny, heartbreaking, awkward, and real. You’re watching two broken people slowly light up each other’s darkness, and it’s impossible not to get swept up in that.
Visually, the film is understated but gorgeous. The pacing is gentle but never drags. The writing avoids melodrama, letting the emotions land through quiet moments, shared silences, and small acts of care. I laughed, I cried, and I finished the movie feeling emotionally full. It’s the kind of story that changes you a little just by watching it.
Pros:
✔ Powerful found-family storyline
✔ Authentic, grounded performances
✔ Emotionally layered without being manipulative
✔ Healing themes handled with grace and realism
✔ Unforgettable chemistry between the leads
Cons:
✘ Honestly, very little. Maybe not for viewers looking for fast pacing or plot-heavy structure
Would I rewatch?
Absolutely. This is the kind of movie I’ll come back to when I need to be reminded of hope, humanity, and the beauty in unexpected connections.
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