"Quitting," a new film from Zhang Yang, tells the real-life tale of Chinese television and movie star, Jia Hongsheng. Hongsheng, who appeared in "Silver Snake" and Yang's stage adaptation of "Kiss of the Spider Woman," started to experiment with drugs in 1992, and within a few years, struggled with a harrowing heroin addiction.
Strung-out and unemployed, Hongsheng squats in his sister's (Wang Tong) apartment where he acts like a petulant teenager, acting out, spray-painting the walls and incessantly listening to music, mainly the Beatles.
In attempt to save their son, Hongsheng's parents (Jia Fengsen and Chai Xiurong) retire early and move into his sister's apartment. Initially, they are unable to help their tormented child, and helplessly watch him slip into a state of madness until he believes he is Lennon's son. "Take It Naturally" -- a loose translation of "Let it Be" -- becomes his mantra.
The dedication of Hongsheng's parents is remarkable, especially his father whose unconditional love is both touching and painful. Depressed, self-absorbed Hongsheng is unable to give or receive love and instead, completely disrespects his father.
At one point, he forces his father to squeeze into jeans that are too small because he is ashamed of his peasant's clothes. In other scenes, Hongsheng slaps his father's face and makes him drink two large bottles of beer even though he struggles with alcoholism.
Most compelling is how the story unravels. The film is told through flashbacks, and when the cameras pull away, we see Hongsheng's apartment is just an elaborate set, which reminds us that the film, like life, is only a dramatization.
Although Hongsheng's cruel and selfish character is difficult to care about, this film is worth seeing because it makes the incredible statement that parental dedication and unconditional love are necessary to prevent troubled youths from destroying themselves and others.
"Quitting" opens Fri., Dec. 13 at Landmark's Downer Theatre.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
