The Wasted Times 2016
Directed by
Er Cheng
Made by
China Lion Film Distribution
Plot Summary
The film unfolds against the backdrop of Shanghai during the tense years leading up to and including the Japanese occupation from 1934 to 1945. With a captivating non-linear narrative, it intricately revisits key moments, gradually revealing the complex truths behind them. At the heart of the story are two central figures: Lu, a Chinese crime lord, and Watabe, his Japanese brother-in-law.
The first narrative arc is set in 1937 Shanghai, just before the Japanese invasion. Here, we meet Lu, portrayed as a powerful crime boss and an enforcer for Mr. Dai. His brother-in-law, Watabe, manages a local Japanese restaurant and has two children. Tensions rise as the Japanese army pressures Dai and another industrialist, Zhang, to support the establishment of a Japanese bank in Shanghai. While Lu staunchly opposes this, Zhang betrays him, leading to a tragic assault that culminates in the death of Lu’s gang and family members. In a dramatic scene set in Watabe’s restaurant, Watabe heroically saves Lu’s life by shooting a leading Japanese officer, but is gravely wounded in the process. The devastating loss drives Lu to take Watabe’s children away from Shanghai.
In a flashback, the second arc introduces Xiao Liu, who is married to Mr. Dai. Xiao Liu, a discontented film actress, conducts affairs that embarrass her husband greatly. Seeking to restore his pride, Lu is called upon to manage the situation but finds it impossible to harm Xiao Liu. As a resolution, they orchestrate her relocation to northern China, and Watabe is tasked with escorting her to a train station in Suzhou.
The third segment delves into the life of Wu, another actress whose struggling husband faces troubles with the law. In her desperation, Wu turns to Mr. Dai for help, who is infatuated with her. She receives a lucrative offer that hinges on her husband’s willingness to relocate, oblivious to the consequences this would have on her personal life.
As we shift forward to 1941 Hong Kong, Lu has relocated there with Watabe’s sons, and he tracks down Zhang, seeking revenge for his earlier betrayal. This hunt results in a tragic sacrifice when Lu’s affair with Xiao Liu leads to unexpected consequences.
Returning once more to the events of the shootout, we discover that Watabe survived. However, it is revealed he had been a double agent working with the Japanese to prepare for the invasion while keeping Xiao Liu as a prisoner. With the full brutality of war upon them, Watabe struggles with his conflicting loyalties. As the story unfolds further, he finds himself as a prisoner of war in the Philippines.
The final arc presents a poignant conclusion post-Japanese surrender in September 1945. Lu, now in a Shanghai asylum, is reunited with Xiao Liu, who recognizes him. Their reunion is bittersweet, leading to a confrontation with Watabe at the POW camp. As tensions escalate, tragic decisions unfold, culminating in a heartbreaking act of violence. In the film’s poignant closing scene, Lu is left to walk back to Hong Kong alone, embodying the weight of loss and betrayal that has permeated his journey.
Timeline
Introduction of Lu and Watabe
The story unfolds in 1937 Shanghai, a vibrant city filled with tension as the threat of Japanese invasion looms. Here, we are introduced to Lu, a powerful crime lord and enforcer for Mr. Dai, and his brother-in-law, Watabe, who operates a local Japanese restaurant.
Tensions Rise in Shanghai
As the Japanese army exerts pressure on various industrialists, including Lu and Zhang, to support a Japanese bank, underlying tensions escalate. Lu's firm opposition contrasts sharply with Zhang’s betrayal, setting off a chain of tragic events.
Tragic Assault and Loss
The mountain of stress culminates in a devastating assault that leads to the death of many members of Lu's gang and family. This tragic event marks a turning point in Lu's life, overshadowing his future with sorrow and vengeance.
Watabe's Heroic Act
In a heroic moment, Watabe intervenes during the assault and saves Lu's life by killing a leading Japanese officer. However, during this act of bravery, Watabe is severely wounded, marking an irreversible shift in their fates.
Lu Takes Watabe’s Children
In the aftermath of the assault and Watabe's injuries, Lu makes the difficult decision to take Watabe's children away from the dangers of Shanghai. This act reflects Lu's commitment to protecting his brother-in-law’s legacy despite their complex relationship.
Xiao Liu's Affairs
A flashback reveals the troubled life of Xiao Liu, Mr. Dai's wife, who is entangled in affairs that embarrass her husband. Lu is called upon to handle the situation, showcasing the complicated interplay of personal and business relationships in their world.
Xiao Liu's Relocation
To save face, Lu orchestrates Xiao Liu's move to northern China, delegating Watabe with escorting her to a train station in Suzhou. This decision showcases the lengths to which Lu will go to maintain honor among the elite.
Wu's Desperation
Wu, an actress with a troubled husband, seeks help from Mr. Dai, who is infatuated with her. This plea for assistance opens a new chapter, highlighting the personal sacrifices made as women navigate the trials of an oppressive society.
Lu's Revenge in Hong Kong
By 1941, Lu has relocated to Hong Kong with Watabe's sons and begins to hunt down Zhang for his earlier betrayal. This quest for revenge not only reflects Lu's shifting priorities but also unravels deeper layers of his character.
Watabe's Betrayal Revealed
As the narrative unfolds, it is revealed that Watabe survived and was acting as a double agent for the Japanese. His conflicting loyalties place immense pressure on him, complicating the already fragile dynamics between the characters.
Watabe as a POW
After the full brutality of the war unfolds, Watabe finds himself as a prisoner of war in the Philippines. This turn of events illustrates the far-reaching consequences of loyalty and betrayal during wartime.
Post-Japanese Surrender
In the aftermath of the Japanese surrender in September 1945, Lu is in a Shanghai asylum. He experiences a poignant reunion with Xiao Liu, a moment filled with complexity as they face their shared history.
Confrontation at POW Camp
The reunion leads to a tense confrontation with Watabe, who is now at the POW camp. This moment is a culmination of past choices, revealing the emotional and moral conflicts that each character grapples with.
Tragic Decisions
As tensions reach a breaking point, tragic decisions are made that result in acts of violence that reshape their fates once more. This climax serves as a bitter reminder of the cost of loyalty and betrayal in their lives.
Lu's Journey Back to Hong Kong
In the film's poignant closing scene, Lu embarks on a solitary journey back to Hong Kong, left to contemplate the profound weight of loss and betrayal that has accompanied him throughout his life. This moment reflects the somber reality of survival in a war-torn world.
Characters
Lu
Lu is portrayed as a formidable Chinese crime lord grappling with his sense of loyalty amid the turmoil of war. His character is driven by a desire for revenge against betrayal, showcasing both his ruthlessness and vulnerability. Throughout the film, Lu's decisions lead him on a tragic path of loss and sacrifice.
Watabe
Watabe stands as a complex figure, torn between his duties as a Japanese national and his familial ties to Lu. His role as a double agent reveals significant internal conflict, as loyalty to his family clashes with his responsibilities during wartime. Watabe's character embodies themes of duty, betrayal, and ultimately, sacrifice.
Xiao Liu
Xiao Liu is a discontented film actress whose affairs create ripples of embarrassment for her husband. Throughout the film, her character reflects the struggles of women during war, navigating personal desires amidst societal expectations. Her eventual relocation underscores her desire for autonomy and the search for identity.
Wu
Wu is depicted as a struggling actress entangled in a desperate situation, showcasing the harsh realities faced by women in a wartime setting. Her relationship with Mr. Dai adds layers to her character, illustrating themes of love and betrayal while highlighting the sacrifices one must make for survival.
Setting
Time period
1934-1945
This period encompasses significant global events, including the rise of militarism in Japan and the subsequent occupation of China. The film captures the escalating tensions leading to war, marked by betrayal and personal conflicts against a backdrop of national strife. The narrative illustrates how personal relationships are irrevocably changed by the broader historical context of war.
Location
Shanghai, Suzhou, Hong Kong, Philippines
The film is primarily set in Shanghai during the tumultuous years of the Japanese occupation, known for its vibrant culture and complex dynamics between local crime lords and foreign powers. Suzhou, featured as a train station destination, is famous for its classical gardens and cultural heritage. Hong Kong serves as a critical location for the aftermath of the Japanese invasion, while the Philippines represents a distant theatre of war where pivotal character developments unfold.
Themes
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Betrayal
Betrayal is a central theme that permeates the relationships between characters, particularly reflected in Lu’s struggles with Zhang and the revelation of Watabe’s dual loyalties. The film illustrates how personal betrayals can have devastating consequences, not only on individual lives but also on collective fates during wartime. This theme emphasizes the complexity of human relationships under extreme conditions.
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Loss
Loss resonates throughout the narrative, framing the emotional journeys of characters like Lu and Watabe. From the death of family members to the poignant sacrifices made for loyalty, each character must grapple with the profound impacts of their choices. The film poignantly explores the weight of these losses and how they shape the identities and actions of its central figures.
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Identity
Identity shapes the motivations and actions of each character, with factors such as nationality and personal history deeply influencing their choices. Lu and Watabe's contrasting backgrounds highlight the complexities of identity during a time of conflict, where personal affiliations often collide with nationalistic pressures. The film reflects on how these elements of identity are challenged and redefined through the chaos of war.
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