Looking Up (2019) User Reviews

Unrealistic and overconfident dad

[xiaohei-80112 · 5/10 · 17 November 2019]

Acting is good but the story give me headache.Dad only know saying the same thing that you will be able to succeed if u believe in yourself that is annoying but in this world how many people who failed. Didn't go deep in education matter ,story line scattered.

Ambitious and emotional

[safenoe · 6/10 · 13 November 2020]

I think if you saw this movie on a plane, it would be far more emotional, but I saw it in my lounge. Anyway, Looking Up is ambitious but also has some repetitious and lagging parts. Still, its heart is in the right place for sure. The usual plot devices are there, with the inspiring ending that will restore your faith in home-school education combined with state schooling.

If Americans remade this movie, I'd imagine Will Ferrell would play the father.

It was OK

[carloswilliamhughes · 5/10 · 21 February 2020]

It was a bit disjointed and the story went from here to there without much in the way of explanation. Out of all the Chinese films I have watched, this is probably my least favourite.

It isn't a bad film and I wouldn't not recommend giving this a go, it isn't my cup of tea - you might just like thisn and relate to it but I think 5/10 is a reasonable mark for me.

Mostly Entertaining but with serious flawed patchy areas.

[laogui-04449 · 6/10 · 13 November 2020]

Some stereotypical characterisations - the stepfather and the headmaster being obvious ones. One dreadful scene with the headmaster breaking down and seemingly undergoing a transformation subsequently, that was truly laughable. The bridge collapse likewise. A major theme of the movie is the education system and the pressure and joyless rote learning of subjects - learning of facts without understanding or creativity - and promoting learning by challenge and discovery. It was heavy handed in the psychology, and pretty naive overall. 6 stars is tops for this - I enjoyed it overall, basically because I study China and Mandarin, but occasionally cringed.

There is very little connection between the bridge sections, and the transition of the plot is lacking.

[yoggwork · 4/10 · 2 October 2019]

It want to criticize the exam-oriented education, but It can't get the truthful evidence; It want to render the father and son love, but it is shaped into a broken family poison record; It want to use the space special effects to improve the grade, but tear the plot and lick the lips. The traditional old-fashioned mother, the step-father who is busy making money, the father who is eager to compensate, the child who is rebellious against the heart, this combination can enter the top 10 according to the way in the photo. It is really a god-given opportunity, and it is recommended to hurry into the mountain to practice.

Best movie of 2019, a must watch for Asians

[financegeek_org · 10/10 · 21 July 2019]

The movie is extremely relatable for Chinese, both raised in the Western world and those raised in Asia. I highly highly recommend it.

Expectations of parents, role of father figure, what it means to grow up and pursue our own dreams... this movie is easily the best movie of 2019. Throughout the film, the director inspires, relates, and motivates the audience to become better a better Chinese, and shows the work in China towards making Chinese peolp

Tale vs Reality

[GinaDRX · 4/10 · 29 July 2022]

The movie confuses me. It is alternating between reality and fairy tale throughout, without convincing me with either. I agree with the other reviewers, the father character, with all good intentions both from the film maker and in the story, is not real, at all, almost felt as if he had multiple personality. He promised things clearly impossible, which was the tale; while his story with the jail and all, was reality. I am not saying this cannot work, but the film did not pull it off. The son character was rather bland, yet making strange moves that did not fit the character. The story is weak with non-impressive acting.

BEAUTIFUL HEARTWARMING FAMILY FILM

[annieryanhall · 8/10 · 21 July 2019]

Such a pleasure to watch a film about a young boy being inspired by his hard-working Father who was challenged many times without giving up and taught this valuable lesson to his son! Loved it!!

some feelings

[j_movie · 5/10 · 15 August 2021]

The title of the film "brainwashing dad" may be more appropriate. As Ren Suxi said in the film, Ma Haowen exudes a temperament of brainwashing organization from beginning to end. This is not about Deng Chao's performance, but the problems that arise in the script and character design stage. He taught his son that he could do everything on earth and live up to his expectations. His son became the successor of "space wolf" Liu Peiqiang, but he almost selfishly sacrificed his father's wish for his dream. Is this education really successful? Maybe the screenwriter himself has no answer, so he can only rely on "being a father for the first time in this life" in "please answer 1988" to force a happy ending. Deng Chao and Yu Baimei held their breath this time and wanted to be ashamed before the snow, so they piled up countless emotional points and themes, combined with the embarrassing nostalgic Golden Melody string burning, and finally presented a hodgepodge. Director Yan is the best in the audience. Unfortunately, this character is too Facebook, and Deng Chao is too hard. It's not easy to copy Xu Zheng's success and win the movie emperor. We can see that Deng Yu and Yu have corrected their creative attitude. No way to black is the premise of making a good film.

This movie has everything in it.

[mehmetyetim · 8/10 · 20 September 2020]

We really enjoyed the movie. It is touching, and exciting. I have never felt that I'm bored during the movie. There was always some emotions or excitement. It does not feel like classic space movies, this one has very good emotional connection. I believe this movie deserves at least a solid 7. If you are interested in this type, it might be higher than 7/10.

Incredible movie. Rollercoaster of emotions. Edge of my seat the entire movie.

[brookeindy · 10/10 · 22 January 2020]

I cried like a baby on the plane while watching this because it was so powerful! Incredible film, SO well done. I will recommend this film to anyone I know. So SO SO heartwarming and inspiring

touching and inspiring

[rockywang-86973 · 10/10 · 16 November 2019]

Watched it on the airplane. Well exceeded my expectation. Asians, especially Chinese may relate better due to similar culture and social background. The love between father and son is very touching. The purpose or the choosing of life or career is proposed well which is also inspiring.

Cathartic

[bevo-13678 · 10/10 · 6 December 2020]

I like the bit where he smells the grass. Special meaning I think

Good quotes and life lessons

[biakhong · 10/10 · 17 May 2020]

A lot of important Quotes can be taken and it includes life lessons. Show the importance of good parenting (to have hope in your kids). It is a bitter sweet movie! 😭

WOOWOW!!!! OWOOOWWW

[nekeisah · 10/10 · 14 February 2021]

Best movie I've ever SEEN! So far in the movie industry, more movies like this and I will slowly heartily fall dead, it is so amazing! It is specially done for young viewers, teenagers and adults who want some good inspiration. I Rate 10/10 !! Thanks IMDb!

An excellent father son movie

[mtrinca-00320 · 8/10 · 6 December 2020]

This movie had great relationship themes between a father and son The extremes of the child being young and beholden to his talented father to becoming a mission saving hero and the father being a talented but flawed engineer trying to recover was excellent Sure there were probably some big flaws and stereotypes but it was a story of love and devotion and growing up and giving hope. The scene of Chinese nationalism, portraying the different parts of the country as one, were grating but lasted for a couple of minutes, certainly not enough to spoil the tale being told Loved it