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A Writer’s Odyssey Movie Review

A Writer’s Odyssey is a 2021 Chinese fantasy film directed by Li Yang and starring Lei Jiayin. This is a very underrated gem of fantasy storytelling.

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“You really are a juicy meatball! Yes, juicy and tender“

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Guan Ning must kill Lu Kongwen, a writer, to rescue his kidnapped daughter. Little does he know that Lu Kongwen’s latest novel comes to life and affects reality. This Chinese film wasn’t a huge hit at the box office and it’s not well known at all in the West, but it should be better regarded as it’s such an entertaining flick.

First off, I have to say that the mixing of the real and the fantastical realm wasn’t executed in the best way possible. The result is a film that simply never came alive during those scenes in the real world. They were pretty good and at times even quite funny and/or moving, but it is the fantasy stuff that takes the cake as the most memorable part here.

There is a video game quality to this film that really appealed to me. It’s not like a video game in a bad way – terrible effects and too much action – but in a good way – strong imagination, memorable fights and unique details, such as weapons and creature designs. The final battle between the monster and the main heroes was absolutely fantastic as it perfectly mirrored a final boss fight in a game. It was epic, memorable and most importantly just fun.

Lei Jiayin was very good in the main role and quite charismatic. Guan Ning got a pretty good arc that was also genuinely moving toward the end. The family aspect really worked. Kongwen really needed better development, but I liked Tu Ling quite a bit and of course the villain was excellent. That parasitic creature was the highlight for me, especially in terms of the humor. Some of his lines cracked me up.

A Writer’s Odyssey has that signature Chinese humor that focuses on a lot of silliness and goofiness, which really appeals to me personally. The guy hitting others with billiard balls forcefully as a weapon was one instance of that goofy hilarity while the other was the bad guys complaining about the good guy being mean while he would be killing them.

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The movie mixes the dramatic with the comedic quite well. The pacing and structure are pretty good, but admittedly the first half was a bit predictable in its basic plot beats. The second half was much more interesting and fresh. The special effects are extensively used, but genuinely superb and the film is a big colorful feast for the eyes with great world building.