A powerful new drama titled China Sea delves into the life of a canceled Lithuanian martial arts champion who seeks refuge in a Taiwanese family’s restaurant. The film, directed by Jurgis Matulevičius, explores themes of guilt, isolation, and second chances. It recently had its world premiere at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia, where it won the Critics’ Picks Competition.
The narrative centers around Osvald, portrayed by Marius Repšys, who faces life after being banned from competition due to an incident where he injured a girl during a street fight. Stranded in his bleak Lithuanian hometown, he finds solace in a rundown restaurant owned by his only friend, Ju-Long. Court-mandated therapy introduces him to Skaistė, a woman who represents a new life he has never known. Yet, as Osvald struggles to hold onto this fragile hope, his violent past resurfaces, forcing him to confront the choices between redemption and self-destruction.
The film’s cast includes notable actors such as Jag Huang, Severija Janusauskaite, Sonia Yuan, and Vaidotas Martinaitis. The narrative draws inspiration from the real-life story of a Lithuanian fighter who was a superstar in Asia, particularly Japan, in the early 2000s. Matulevičius explains that while some producers initially wanted to create a biopic praising the fighter, he found this approach unsuitable given the fighter’s controversial reputation.
Bliuvaite, the film’s writer, notes that despite the fighter’s fame abroad, back home he was associated with violent incidents and a negative crowd. The film reflects on the isolation experienced by both Osvald and the Taiwanese family running the restaurant, highlighting their struggles to connect with their surroundings.
The opening scene of China Sea features actual TV footage of a fight, blending it with the film’s scripted content to illustrate Osvald’s past glory. Matulevičius emphasizes that the protagonist, despite his physical prowess, grapples with emotional turmoil stemming from toxic masculinity and unresolved issues from his youth.
As the story unfolds, Osvald embarks on a journey of self-discovery, realizing the need for change. He begins training children and attempts to assist the immigrant family, reflecting a desire to heal. Bliuvaite articulates that the film portrays individuals striving for personal healing while remaining unaware of the larger issues around them.
The title, China Sea, serves as a metaphor for the obstacles one must navigate to reach a desired destination. The filmmakers reveal that the character of the protagonist’s coach was based on the actual coach of the real-life fighter, adding a layer of authenticity to the portrayal of mentorship and the struggle for redemption.
In crafting this film, Matulevičius drew inspiration from the documentary The Work, which explores rehabilitation in a prison setting. He cast Repšys, who has a background in martial arts, for his ability to portray the physicality required for the role. The director also noted the challenge of casting Taiwanese actors, with notable names eager to participate in a project set in a Baltic country.
One of the most technically demanding scenes involved creating an “ice scene” where actors interact with a hole in a frozen lake. Creative solutions were employed to ensure safety during filming, necessitating extensive post-production work to achieve the desired effect.
Looking ahead, neither Matulevičius nor Bliuvaite has a major joint project lined up but continue to share ideas and provide candid feedback to one another. The director expresses interest in a future project that shifts focus from the ocean to the dry sands of the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared by Lithuania and Russia.
As China Sea makes its way through international film festivals, it stands as a testament to the complexities of human nature and the healing journeys individuals undertake amid their struggles.
