In his debut film Wild Nights, Tamed Beasts, director Wang Tong touches upon universal worries about an aging population, yet he also demonstrates the audacity of modern Chinese filmmakers to experiment with genre boundaries. The movie is a blend of thriller, twisted romance, and dark social commentary-driven drama, set within the gritty backdrop of “China noir.”
Wan Qian (renowned for her roles in God of War and The Wild Goose Lake) portrays a caretaker/guardian angel who looks after terminally ill elderly individuals. Rao Xiaozhi, director of the action film Home Coming, takes on the role of a zookeeper whose life becomes intertwined with hers when he is tasked with caring for his own dying father. Wang skillfully manipulates the audience’s understanding of reality by using innovative techniques such as moving cameras, split screens, and a continuous dance between what’s real and what’s imagined.
According to the director, “I aimed to use a realistic approach while infusing the film with a touch of romanticism. The mere fact that this story can be told and shown, I believe, is a genuine reflection of our society and era.” He further states, “I strive for my films to be grounded in reality, with stories rooted in real-life experiences. My goal is for the audience not only to observe someone else’s narrative but also to feel something, to contemplate, and to see themselves mirrored in it.
Wang completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in directing from Beijing’s Communication University of China. His debut, the critically acclaimed short film “Time to Die” (2015), brought him into the spotlight, eventually earning him a place among the top five emerging filmmakers by the CFDG Young Director Support Program in 2020.
The director’s work is heavily influenced by his upbringing, as he was raised by elderly relatives. He explains that the concept for the film emerged from numerous discussions with them over time. His first short film, “Time to Die“, also delved into real-life themes and traditional culture. The creation of this film provided a foundation that further deepened his understanding of complex topics such as life, death, and the elderly.
“In contemporary society,” he notes, “the elderly often experience loneliness, while the younger generation grapples with helplessness – a situation that resonates with many.”
Rao delivers an impressive performance in his first major acting role. Wang admits to leaning on Rao’s more experienced guidance both on and off-screen.
“Through this project, I’ve come to understand that creation is not solely personal,” he says. “It originates from a personal or shared emotional experience but evolves into a collective process. During the making of this film, our producers Rao Xiaozhi and Wan Qian were actively involved. We had numerous discussions throughout, so the final product truly reflects a collective emotion.”
Global distribution rights for “Wild Nights, Tamed Beasts” are managed by Moebius Entertainment.
As a gamer, I draw inspiration from filmmaker Michael Haneke, who significantly shapes my creative path. I aim to delve deeper into understanding the intricacies of human nature, just as he does through his compelling works.
He mentions: “Relating tales about real-world problems is undeniably tough due to the raw and intricate nature of life. Yet, this is where art’s strength lies – it mirrors reality. Through another person’s narrative, you can recognize your own experiences, gain understanding, and delve deeper in contemplation and emotion.
Read More
2025-06-14 02:25