The film China Sea delves into the life of a canceled Lithuanian martial arts champion as he seeks redemption and grapples with his tumultuous past. Directed by Jurgis Matulevičius and written by Saulė Bliuvaite, this hard-hitting drama premiered at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia, where it won the Critics’ Picks Competition. Inspired by real-life events, the film illustrates the struggles of guilt and the pursuit of second chances.
A Glimpse into the Story
At the center of China Sea is Osvald, portrayed by Marius Repšys, a once-promising fighter banned from competition after injuring a girl in a street altercation. Stranded in his bleak Lithuanian hometown, Osvald finds refuge in a run-down Taiwanese restaurant owned by his only friend, Ju-Long. The film follows his journey through court-mandated therapy and a burgeoning connection with a woman named Skaistė, who represents a life he has yet to experience. As Osvald attempts to cling to hope, the shadows of his violent past threaten to engulf him, forcing him to choose between redemption and self-destruction.
The cast also includes Jag Huang, Severija Janusauskaite, Sonia Yuan, and Vaidotas Martinaitis, each contributing to the film’s rich tapestry of characters.
Bridging Cultures and Narratives
Matulevičius explained that the film is a unique co-production between Lithuania and Taiwan, blending elements of truth with fiction. He reflected on the inspiration behind the project, noting, “This story is inspired by a real person, a real fighter from Lithuania, who was a superstar in Asia, especially in Japan, in the early 2000s.” The narrative does not shy away from the controversial aspects of its protagonist, avoiding a glorified portrayal in favor of a more nuanced exploration of his character.
Bliuvaite added context about the fighter’s dual existence, saying, “He was a superstar outside of his home country, but at home, he was known for very violent incidents and being associated with a bad crowd.” The director and writer were particularly interested in the character of Ju-Long, who represents the immigrant experience in Lithuania, creating a parallel between the isolation felt by both individuals.
The film opens with real TV footage of a fight, seamlessly intertwined with scenes featuring Repšys, establishing Osvald’s past fame. According to Matulevičius, this editing choice was intentional, stating, “It’s edited for you not to know. This first scene is to show his super-stardom.”
As Osvald navigates his emotions, he grapples with themes of frustration, rage, and toxic masculinity. Matulevičius poignantly described Osvald’s dilemma: “Our main character has a man’s body, but his mindset is still stuck in his teenage years.” The narrative captures the struggle of a man shaped by a violent environment, forcing him to confront his past and seek a new path forward.
Bliuvaite remarked on the film’s deeper message, stating, “This is a film about people who try to heal personally while being ignorant about what’s happening around them.” The title China Sea serves as a metaphor for the significant obstacles one must overcome to achieve personal growth.
Incorporating elements of rehabilitation and personal change, the film showcases Osvald’s efforts to better himself by training children and fostering connections with the immigrant community. This journey of healing contrasts with the backdrop of ongoing societal issues, reinforcing the film’s exploration of morality and responsibility.
Highlighting the collaborative spirit of the project, Bliuvaite and Matulevičius expressed their commitment to sharing ideas and providing honest feedback to one another. While they do not have another joint project lined up, Matulevičius hinted at future endeavors, saying he wishes to explore themes related to history and environment in his next film.
“I want to go back in time to the middle of the 19th and 20th centuries in the Curonian Spit,” he shared, referring to the UNESCO World Heritage Site that straddles Lithuania and Russia. This ambition reflects the directors’ ongoing dedication to storytelling that resonates on multiple levels.
As China Sea continues to garner attention, audiences can expect a thought-provoking examination of redemption, identity, and the complexities of human emotion.
