Ocean Heaven (2010)

Explores the subject of parental love and autism in kids.

Director:

Xiaolu Xue (as Xiao Lu Xue)

Writer:

Xiaolu Xue (screenplay) (as Xiao Lu Xue)

Stars:

Jet Li, Zhang Wen, Lun-Mei Kwei

11 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Jet Li	...	Wang Xingchang
Zhang Wen	...	Dafu
Lun-Mei Kwei	...	Ling Ling
Yuanyuan Zhu	...	Chai
Yuanyuan Gao	...	Dafu's Mother
Yong Dong	...	Aquarium Director
Ran Chen	...	Teacher
Mei Yong	...	Principal Tan
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Rui Chen	...	Xiao Ya
Chunhai Li	...	Acrobatic Troupe Director
Chao Ma
Bo Rong	...	Cleaner
Zhan Shibao	...	Mental Hospital Doctor
Zhao Xiuyun	...	Head of Wellfare Instituation
Minqiu Yan	...	Principal Liu

Storyline

The story of a father's tireless love for his autistic son. A terminally ill father's attempt to teach his autistic son the necessary life skills to survive on his own before he passes away. It is also a poignant tribute to the infinite love that parents have for their children and their unending desire to take care and look after them to their best abilities, no matter the struggle, no matter the effort.

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Plot Keywords:

man wears eyeglasses | love | autistic son | autism | illness | 

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Taglines:

Explore true love and affections from the angle of ordinary people

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jet Li wants this film to get a good message across and promote the works with autism as well as the works of his charity 'The One Foundation'.

User Reviews

When brotherly affection transcends physical limitations...

I had no idea that Jet Li had starred in a movie such as this, and when I found out, I must admit that I was intrigued and wondered how he would fare in a movie such as this. So it was with some expectations that I sat down to watch "Ocean Heaven" (aka "Hai yang tian tang").

First and foremost I must say that writer and director Xiaolu Xue managed to accomplish something quite unique and beautiful with "Ocean Heaven". It was a rather beautiful story that was both entertaining and also had somewhat of a deeper message other than just being for entertainment purposes.

Then I must also move on to say that Jet Li was surprisingly good in a dramatic role, albeit it was a bit odd to see him in a mature and serious role such as the one he portrayed in "Ocean Heaven". But he managed that with flying colors. However, it was actually Zhang Wen who stole the spotlight with his performance.

This is the story of an Wang Xingchang (played by Jet Li) who is taking care of his disabled brother Dafu (played by Zhang Wen). Dafu is a man with autism and needs his brother to assist him in many things. But when given some bad news, Wang Xingchang must ensure that Dafu learn enough to be self-sufficient.

While the story in "Ocean Heaven" is a touching and profound, then it just lacked something to become a real tearjerker. But it is definitely a beautiful movie with equally beautiful performances by the cast.

If you enjoy dramas and if you enjoy Asian cinema, then you should by all means give "Ocean Heaven" a chance. I enjoyed it, and I was genuinely surprised with Jet Li's performance in a slowed down movie such as this in comparison to the adrenaline-fueled and fast paced action martial arts movies that he usually stars in.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [China] Official site [Japan]

Country:

China

Language:

Mandarin

Release Date:

18 June 2010 (China)

Also Known As:

Ocean Heaven

Filming Locations:

Longkou, Yantai, China

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$616,319

Company Credits

Production Co:

BDI Films Inc.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min 102 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1