General Plot#
"Lion Boy 2" is the first movie in a new chapter of my life, lasting just over two hours, which feels just right.
In the film, the three brothers Ajuan, Amiao, and Agou meet Zhang Watt and Wang Chaoyu from the Qiuzhen Martial Arts School through lion dancing at a commercial event. The loss of their job leads to the landlord's forced eviction, leaving the three brothers with nowhere to rest, prompting Ajuan to "demand her wages."
The decline of traditional martial arts schools has put Qiuzhen Martial Arts School on the brink of closure. To revive the school's "vitality," Wang Chaoyu takes Ajuan, who needs to treat her father's illness, to participate in the "Shanghai Fighting Night" competition.
With a foundation in martial arts from lion dancing and guidance from Zhang Watt, Ajuan undergoes three months of "intensive training" and makes a name for herself as a dark horse in the competition. However, she is later disqualified due to slander from the Jinxin Fighting Club.
Reporter Xu keenly discovers the manipulation of public opinion by online trolls and the cheating tricks of the Jinxin Fighting Club's fighters. Together with Ajuan and others, they successfully expose the truth and defend their dignity.
Character Analysis#
The lion dancing of the three characters in the film is of the southern lion variety, also known as "waking lion," with lion heads representing "Liu Bei," "Guan Yu," and "Zhang Fei." The roles of Ajuan and the others seem to correspond to these figures.
In the climax of the film, Ajuan challenges Xiao Zhangyang, and the three enter as "waking lions," seemingly to awaken their compatriots.
The character analysis mainly focuses on the lion dancers Ajuan, Amiao, and Agou.
Ajuan:#
Under survival pressure, she is brave enough to change, willing to fight and work hard, full of life. There is a scene in the film showing wild grass growing in various parts of the city, and Ajuan, like wild grass, can still grow tenaciously regardless of how difficult the environment is.
Amiao:#
Amiao is one of the characters in the film that I find stunning, knowing how to seize opportunities at the right moments. There are three scenes in the film where Amiao seizes the opportunity:
- At the beginning, Amiao introduces the cultural knowledge of lion dancing and the invitation for lion dance performances from the martial arts school.
- During a moment when Zhang Watt leaves, a child argues with his mother about wanting fried noodles, and the smooth operation and delicious taste enliven the "street food stall."
- When Xiao Zhangyang's boxing gloves break, he goes on stage to let everyone understand that there is plaster hidden in the gloves.
Agou:#
Agou is the "king of laughs" in the film, providing the comic relief. Although he doesn't speak much, he always gets straight to the point, understands the other two, and guides the rhythm of the lion dance similar to the drum music, coordinating with the plot development of the other two.
Viewing Impressions#
The character portrayal in the film is very vibrant; every ordinary person faces life, strives to live, and creates life in their own way.
Near the end of the film, when Ajuan expresses doubts about negative news, the old man with white hair replies: "Leave it to time; I believe the clear will clear themselves."
Life is not a single linear path; every point can trigger a butterfly effect. Time reveals falsehoods and brings the truth to light. The clear will clear themselves, and those with a clear conscience have nothing to fear.
Film Quotes#
Practice martial arts and be a person, both require a breath of spirit.
They have their rules; we have our methods.
As traditional martial artists, we must uphold tradition while having the courage to change. Only by seeking novelty and change can we ultimately seek the truth.
On the ring, using wisdom and courage, good tactics can allow the weak to defeat the strong.
Like wild grass, firmly root yourself on the ring.
If you can be as elusive and unbreakable as this wild grass, hiding a move behind your back, you may be able to take them down.
What lies behind this wild grass? I see a mighty lion.
Never say give up until the last second.
No matter where the future leads, please do not forget that boy who writes and draws in the book.
Laughing loudly as I walk out, how can we be mere weeds?
Leave it to time; I believe the clear will clear themselves.