Cities of Last Things 2019

The film commences in 2056 with a gripping sequence where an anonymous individual takes a leap from an apartment window, resulting in a tragic demise. The narrative unfolds in reverse chronological order, intricately exploring three key moments in the life of Zhang Dong Ling, leading up to this fateful act.

In the initial segment, we find a middle-aged Zhang, who is distressed after witnessing his wife engaging in suggestive dance moves with another man. In a fit of rage, he confronts the man and storms out of the dance hall. Seeking solace, he visits a prostitute and observes her using a “rejuvenation fluid” that enhances youthfulness. Driven by desperation, he acquires a gun from her and later meets another prostitute, Ara, who evokes memories of someone from his past. While attempting to scan Ara’s ID, he is met with an absence of information, which deepens his sense of loss. Their encounter escalates into a passionate affair, stirring haunting recollections for Zhang. Disguised as a doctor, he then infiltrates a heavily guarded hospital to confront the unconscious Minister of Health, Shi Zhi-Wen. After waking him, he chillingly reminds him of their past before taking his life. Zhang’s downward spiral continues as he visits his wife’s lover, who discloses that they are in love and suggests divorce, igniting a violent confrontation. In a final heated argument over the rejuvenation fluid, Zhang strangles his wife. Evidence from her memory ultimately leads the police to classify him as the murderer, prompting his desperate escape by shooting a drone sent for his capture and jumping out the window.

The second segment transports us to Zhang’s younger years when he serves as a police officer. He begins by arresting Ara for shoplifting, but fate intervenes when his partner grants him time off to surprise his wife with a cake. To his horror, he discovers Shi Zhi-Wen, his superior, tangled in a compromising situation with his wife. In a moment of rage, he threatens Zhi-Wen but is swiftly overpowered. Haunted by visions of betrayal, Zhang contemplates suicide but ultimately lacks the resolve. Acting out, he vandalizes Zhi-Wen’s locker, scattering dirty money in a fit of anger. His path crosses with Ara again, but this time he chooses compassion over duty, paying for her stolen items. However, their budding relationship leads to tragic consequences when Zhi-Wen retaliates, assaulting Zhang. After sharing a night with Ara, they dream of a life together, only for Zhang’s world to collapse as he is arrested on corruption charges, leading to a six-month prison sentence and the heartbreaking realization that he may never see Ara again. Zhi-Wen’s taunts linger, as he mockingly assures Zhang he will take care of his wife in his absence.

The final segment delves into Zhang’s youth, showcasing him with a stolen scooter while evading the police, how fate intertwines his life with Big Sister Wang, who is also fleeing from law enforcement. The police attempt to coerce Wang into becoming an informant, but her defiance shines through. As they are processed, a conversation unfolds between Zhang and Wang, revealing shared histories and familial connections. When Wang urges Zhang to forgive his estranged mother, he adamantly rejects the notion, grappling with a lifetime of pain. As the officers prepare to transport them, a tragic twist emerges as Wang is fatally shot while attempting to escape. In a haunting final scene, the film concludes with a poignant image of a woman and her child at a swing, symbolizing lost innocence and the inexorable cycle of life.