General Plot#
"Lion Boy 2" is the first movie in a new chapter of my life, lasting just over two hours, which feels just right.
In the film, the three brothers Ajuan, Amiao, and Agou meet Zhang Wat and Wang Chaoyu from the Qiuzhen Martial Arts School through lion dancing at a commercial event. The loss of their jobs leads to their landlord's forced eviction, leaving the three brothers without a place to rest, prompting Ajuan to "demand her salary."
The decline of traditional martial arts schools has brought Qiuzhen Martial Arts School to the brink of closure. To revive the school's "vitality," Wang Chaoyu takes Ajuan, who needs to treat her father's illness, to participate in the "Shanghai Fight Night" competition.
With a foundation in martial arts from lion dancing and guidance from Zhang Wat, Ajuan undergoes three months of "intensive training" and makes a name for herself as a dark horse in the competition. However, she is later disqualified due to slander from the Jinxin Fight Club.
Reporter Xu keenly discovers that online trolls are manipulating public opinion and reveals the cheating tricks of the Jinxin Fight Club fighters. Together with Ajuan and others, they successfully expose the truth and defend their dignity.
Character Analysis#
The lion dancing performed by the three characters in the film is the southern lion dance, also known as the "waking lion," which has lion heads representing "Liu Bei," "Guan Yu," and "Zhang Fei." The roles of Ajuan and her companions seem to correspond to these figures.
In the climax of the film, Ajuan challenges Xiao Zhangyang, and the three enter as "waking lions," seemingly to awaken their compatriots.
The character analysis mainly focuses on the lion dancers Ajuan, Amiao, and Agou.
Ajuan:#
Under the pressure of survival, she is brave enough to change, willing to fight and work hard, and is very relatable. There is a scene in the film showing wild grass growing in various parts of the city, and Ajuan is like that wild grass, able to grow tenaciously regardless of how difficult the environment is.
Amiao:#
Amiao is one of the characters in the film that I find stunning, knowing how to seize opportunities perfectly. There are three scenes in the film where Amiao seizes the moment:
- At the beginning, Amiao introduces the cultural knowledge of lion dancing and the invitation for lion dance performances from the martial arts school.
- During a moment when Zhang Wat leaves, a child argues with his mother about wanting fried noodles, and the smooth operation and delicious taste enliven the "street food stall."
- When Xiao Zhangyang's boxing gloves break, he goes on stage to let everyone understand that there is plaster hidden in the gloves.
Agou:#
Agou is the "king of laughter" in the film, providing most of the comic relief. Although he doesn't speak much, he always gets to the point, understands the other two, and guides the rhythm of the lion dance similar to the drum music, coordinating with the plot development of the other two.
Viewing Impressions#
The character portrayals in the film are very vibrant; every ordinary person is facing life in their own way, striving to live and create life.
Near the end of the film, when Ajuan expresses her doubts about negative news, the old man with white hair replies: "Leave it to time; I believe the honest will clear themselves."
Life is not a single linear path; every point can trigger a butterfly effect. Time exposes falsehoods and reveals the truth. The honest will clear themselves, and those with a clear conscience have nothing to fear.
Film Quotes#
Practicing martial arts and being a person both require a breath of spirit.
They have their rules; we have our methods.
As traditional martial artists, we must uphold tradition while having the courage to change. Only by seeking innovation and change can we ultimately seek the truth.
On the arena, using wisdom and courage, good tactics can allow the weak to defeat the strong.
Like wild grass, firmly rooting in the arena.
If you can be as elusive and resilient as this wild grass, hiding a move behind your back, you might just take them down.
What lies behind this wild grass? I see a mighty lion.
Never say give up until the last second.
No matter where the future leads, please do not forget that boy who writes and draws in the book.
Laughing loudly as I walk out, are we not the common people?
Leave it to time; I believe the honest will clear themselves.