A hard-hitting drama titled China Sea follows a canceled Lithuanian martial arts champion as he seeks refuge in a Taiwanese family’s restaurant. The film, directed by Jurgis Matulevičius and penned by Saulė Bliuvaite, delves into themes of guilt and the quest for redemption. It had its world premiere at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia, where it won the Critics’ Picks Competition.
The film’s protagonist, Osvald, played by Marius Repšys, faces the fallout of a street fight that injured a girl, leading to his ban from competition. Stranded in his bleak hometown in Lithuania, he finds solace in Ju-Long’s rundown Taiwanese restaurant. Court-ordered therapy introduces him to Skaistė, a woman who represents a life he has never experienced. As Osvald clings to this glimmer of hope, his violent past threatens to resurface, placing him at a crossroads between redemption and self-destruction.
In discussing the film’s development, Matulevičius explained that it is based on a real-life Lithuanian fighter who gained fame in Asia, particularly in Japan, during the early 2000s. Initially approached to create a biopic that would celebrate this fighter, Matulevičius opted for a different approach, stating, “He was a superstar, but he was also a very controversial figure. I would not praise him in a biopic. That’s not my style.”
Bliuvaite added that the controversy surrounding this figure and his violent incidents back home informed the narrative. The pair were also intrigued by a small Asian restaurant named China Sea in Vilnius, where they observed an isolated middle-aged Asian man. This exploration of isolation became a central theme in their film, connecting the lives of Osvald and the restaurant family.
The film opens with real television footage of a fight, edited purposefully to blur the lines between reality and fiction. This choice serves to highlight Osvald’s past stardom. Matulevičius elaborated on the character’s internal struggles, stating, “Our main character has a man’s body, but his mindset is still stuck in his teenage years.” He emphasizes how societal expectations of masculinity hinder emotional expression, leading to anger and violence.
Osvald’s journey is one of transformation. Matulevičius highlights his character’s realization of the need for change, describing a pivotal moment where Osvald begins to train young fighters and connect with the restaurant’s immigrant family. “He is trying to go on a path of healing,” Bliuvaite noted, juxtaposing personal growth with the challenges and crimes occurring around him.
The title China Sea serves as a metaphorical hurdle that Osvald must overcome to find peace. Bliuvaite explained that this concept originated early in the script’s development. The emotional weight of this metaphor resonated deeply with the cast, particularly with the actor portraying Osvald’s coach, who had real ties to the inspiration behind the film.
The creative team drew inspiration from the documentary The Work, which explores rehabilitation in a prison setting. This focus on healing aligns with the film’s themes of personal redemption and confronting past traumas. Repšys, who has a martial arts background, faced the challenge of losing weight for the role, showcasing his commitment to authentically portraying Osvald.
Casting Taiwanese actors for the film presented its own surreal challenges. Matulevičius recalled his initial doubts about whether renowned actors, such as Jag Huang from Life of Pi, would be interested in participating. Ultimately, their enthusiasm for the project led to a unique cross-cultural collaboration.
Filming presented technical challenges, particularly a scene dubbed “the ice scene,” which required creating an ice hole in a lake. Health and safety regulations complicated the process, leading the team to use strings for the actors, which were later edited out in post-production.
As the duo reflects on their collaboration, they express a desire to continue developing unique stories, but for now, they are focusing on individual projects. Matulevičius is interested in exploring historical narratives set in the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared by Lithuania and Russia.
With its compelling themes and cross-cultural collaboration, China Sea stands as a significant cinematic achievement, poised to resonate with audiences far beyond its Lithuanian roots.
