斑马君 
On this day (August 21st), the film "Wishing You Happiness!" unveiled a series of "hug-themed" posters, conveying the warmth of embraces when words fail to express love. Directed by Kang Bo with supervision by Yin Lu and screenplay by You Xiaoying, the film stars Xiao Yang and Song Jia in the lead roles, alongside Ni Dahong, Wu Yue, Wu Yufang, Zhou Yiran, Ding Jiali, Liu Dan, Liu Jun, and Liu Batel in special appearances. Set for release across the nation on September 15th, the movie delves into the story of a couple, Luo Yu (played by Xiao Yang) and Bai Hui (played by Song Jia), who, during their divorce cooling-off period, become embroiled in a family dispute as a lawyer and doctor, respectively. As the end of the cooling-off period draws near, they gain new insights into themselves, their marriage, and their family.
The "hug-themed" posters released for the film tell a poignant story through simple embraces. The concise three-character slogans mirror the complexities of life within each household. "Counting down, unable to stay, hug you" — Qin Zhiyuan (played by Ni Dahong) and Yan Li (played by Wu Yufang) face the harsh realities of life after the loss of their son, clinging to each other in their twilight years. The coldness of a world without their child is palpable in their embrace. "Broken, picking up the pieces, hug you" — Luo Yu and Bai Hui, a middle-aged couple on the verge of divorce, cannot hide their pain and despair. In the moment of their embrace, Bai Hui's tears fall, and Luo Yu's face is filled with concern and regret, leaving one to wonder what led them to this point. Young newlyweds Wang Ran (played by Zhou Yiran) and Qin Kewen (played by Liu Batel) experience changes in their emotions due to constant pressure from family to have a child. The strain of trying to conceive takes a toll on Wang Ran, but her husband's understanding and support keep her going — "loving each other, staying together, hug you." Luo Yu, as Qin Zhiyuan's legal representative, finds solace in sharing his experiences with a man who understands his struggles. The mother, paralyzed (played by Ding Jiali), weeps out of fear of being a burden to her son, and Luo Yu comforts her with a tender hug. Bai Hui, as the doctor of Xia Meiyun's (played by Wu Yue) daughter, offers a compassionate embrace when the rest of the world seems to turn its back. The pain of losing a child is only hinted at here. Amidst the chaos of life, they find solace in each other's arms. Hug yourself, and hug others too, may these embraces bring comfort to those who have endured life's hardships.
Following the release of the "hug-themed" posters, a thematic featurette titled "The Meaning of Happiness" was also unveiled, spotlighting the female creators behind the film. From a female perspective, they delve deeply into the concept of happiness. The featurette begins with the statement that "we are not necessarily for or against marriage; we are for happiness," resonating with many viewers. Happiness comes in many forms, and marriage is just one of them. The goal is to seek genuine happiness, not simply follow societal norms.
Song Jia's interpretation of "happiness" brings us back to the essence of the film, emphasizing that experiencing pain and hardship can make one cherish happiness even more. For Wu Yue's character, the well-being of her daughter becomes her ultimate source of strength, a protective "lioness" willing to fight for her child's safety. Zhou Yiran's character grapples with anxiety caused by her in-laws' insistence on having a grandchild, reflecting a common issue in Chinese families. The film's supervisor Yin Lu and screenwriter You Xiaoying share their thoughts on the title "Wishing You Happiness!", highlighting that happiness cannot be measured and that everyone deserves it. After experiencing various challenges, the characters choose to face life anew and rediscover the true meaning of happiness.
The "hug-themed" posters and thematic featurette vividly portray the hardships faced by families dealing with loss, showcasing the intricate dynamics of Chinese family relationships. Issues like "pressure to conceive," "midlife crises," "financial stress," and "the pain of losing a child" mirror the struggles of ordinary families in real life. The film's authenticity has sparked strong emotional reactions from audiences.
In previous trailers, scenes such as "divorce cooling-off periods" and "the diverse lives witnessed at the civil affairs bureau" opened up discussions among netizens, who shared their personal stories in the comment sections. Many expressed how watching "Wishing You Happiness!" had moved them deeply and suggested bringing their parents to see the film to help them better understand their children's perspectives.
With its realistic portrayal of adult dilemmas and the exceptional acting ensemble, "Wishing You Happiness!" has garnered much anticipation. The film covers multiple generations and explores topics related to family, life, and marital relationships, focusing on issues like "embryo custody rights" and "families who have lost their only child." Through nuanced storytelling, the director presents the complex interplay between different generations' views on family, using small-scale narratives to reflect broader social phenomena, all while demonstrating deep humanistic care.
"Wishing You Happiness!" is produced by Zhejiang Hengdian Film & TV Co., Ltd., Sichuan Lianrui Pictures Co., Ltd., Shanghai Taopiaopiao Film Culture Co., Ltd., Tianjin Lianrui Pictures Co., Ltd., Tianjin Zoey Films Co., Ltd., Horgos Embarrassed Film Culture Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Lianrui Woodhorse Cultural Media Co., Ltd., Beijing Lianrui Culture Co., Ltd., Shanghai Gengxi Film Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Film (Group) Co., Ltd., Beijing Zhouchi Brothers Film Culture Co., Ltd., Beijing Weimengchuangke Network Technology Co., Ltd., and Wushu We Media (Chengdu) Co., Ltd. It will be released nationwide on September 15, 2024. Because life is hard, we wish you happiness!
