Motherly love shines in Zhang Mo's crime thriller 'Last Suspect'
- By Zhang Rui
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E-mail China.org.cn, November 4, 2023
Director Zhang Mo unveiled her latest film "Last Suspect" to audiences this week, demonstrating how maternal love can work within the context of a crime thriller.
Cast and crew pose for a photo at the premiere of "Last Suspect" in Beijing, Nov. 2, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Askwin]
The emotionally charged film follows lawyer Chen Zhiqi, who must defend a death row prisoner to save her kidnapped daughter. She teams up with a police officer to investigate, facing challenges that arise when confronting the deceased's mother. As the layers of the case unravel, Chen is thrust into a treacherous web of conspiracy, racing against time to secure her daughter's release. The film also delves into the troubling realms of online verbal violence and the spreading of rumors.
Actress Zhang Xiaofei, who portrays the resolute lawyer Chen Zhiqi, expressed her gratitude at the premiere in Beijing on Oct. 30. She was elated to breathe life into a character that seamlessly melds suspense with examinations of human nature and maternal devotion. Additionally, the role explores the complexities and depth of the legal profession.
Veteran actress Kara Hui portrays the mother in the film, describing her character as "pitiful." She revealed that when preparing for the role, she divided her performance into layers. Initially, she portrayed the mother as a teacher with a scholarly demeanor. However, in the courtroom scenes that follow, the character transforms into a vengeful mother after being confronted with extreme events. The audience can perceive this change through Hui's shifting gaze.
An IMAX poster for "Last Suspect." [Photo courtesy of IMAX China]
"Last Suspect" marks the first solo project of Zhang Mo, daughter of China's prominent director Zhang Yimou, who had previously collaborated with her father in co-directing "Snipers." It also marks her debut working on a crime thriller, for which she also had a role in writing the script, signifying a new endeavor in her filmmaking career and taking the audience on a thrilling journey. Zhang said, "I felt relieved and even a little surprised by the audience's recognition," as the film embarked on a promotional roadshow in various cities nationwide.
"Last Suspect" hit Chinese theaters on Nov. 1.
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