Escape from the 21st Century
| Escape from the 21st Century | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Chinese | 从21世纪安全撤离 |
| Hanyu Pinyin | Cóng 21 shìjì ānquán chèlí |
| Directed by | Li Yang |
| Written by | Li Yang |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Saba Mazloum |
| Edited by | Huang Shang |
| Music by | Hu Xiaoou |
Production companies |
|
| Distributed by |
|
Release date |
|
Running time | 98 minutes |
| Country | China |
| Language | Mandarin |
| Box office | $15.8 million[1] |
Escape from the 21st Century (Chinese: 从21世纪安全撤离) is a 2024 Chinese science fiction comedy film written and directed by Li Yang in his feature-length directional debut. It stars Zhang Ruoyun, Zhong Chuxi, Song Yang, and Wu Xiaoliang, with Zhu Yanmanzi, Leon Lee, and Wen Zhengrong in supporting roles. The film blends elements of ACG culture, cyberpunk, Chinese-style dreamcore, and time travel.
Synopsis
The story is set on the fictional planet K, where three high school students, Wang Zha, Chengyong, and Paopao, accidentally gain the ability to travel back and forth 20 years into the future. However, the future turns out to be far less wonderful than they imagined, and this power draws them into a conspiracy in the future world.
After discovering that the future is unpredictable and that their present lives are full of hardship, they face a series of challenges and crises. Determined to change their fate, Wang Zha and his friends decide to become superheroes, joining forces to battle evil forces and save a world on the brink of destruction.
Cast
- Zhang Ruoyun as Wang Zha
- Chen Yichen as young Wang Zha
- Zhong Chuxi as Liu Lianzhi
- Song Yang as Wang Chengyong
- Li Zhuozhao as young Wang Chengyong
- Wu Xiaoliang as Han Guang
- Zhu Yanmanzi as Yang Yi
- Ma Fantin as young Yang Yi
- Leon Lee as Bubble (Paopao)
- Wen Zhengrong as the Third Master
- Shi Liang as Wang Chengyong's father
- Kang Qixuan as Junior Bubble
Release
The film was originally scheduled to be released in China on August 3, 2024,[2] but on July 26 it was announced that the release would be moved up to August 2. Preview screenings began in select cities on July 18, with nationwide limited previews across China on July 27 and 28.[3]
Fortissimo Films acquired the film's international distribution rights.[4] The film was selected for the "Midnight Madness" section of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and had its international premiere during the festival.[5][6]
Reception
Cath Clarke of The Guardian gave the film 3 out of 5 stars, describing it as a "barmy" coming-of-age science fiction film in which teenagers accidentally travel 20 years into the future. She noted the film's energetic direction and maximalist style.[7]
References
- ^ "Evacuate from the 21st Century". The Numbers. Nash Information Services, LLC. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ^ "电影《从21世纪安全撤离》定档8月3日，张若昀、钟楚曦主演". The Beijing News. 26 June 2024. Archived from the original on 2024-06-29. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
- ^ "喜剧科幻电影《从21世纪安全撤离》角色海报藏玄机-国际在线". CRI Online. 23 July 2024. Archived from the original on 2024-08-06. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
- ^ "China's Sci-Fi Adventure 'Escape From the 21st Century' Picked Up by Fortissimo Films". Variety. 13 July 2024. Archived from the original on 2024-07-18. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
- ^ "'The Substance' to open TIFF Midnight Madness; full selection revealed". Screen Daily. 25 July 2024. Archived from the original on 2024-08-05. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
- ^ Chinese sci-fi 'Escape From The 21st Century' flies to North America, UK-Ireland. Screen Daily, December 11, 2024.
- ^ Escape from the 21st Century review – teenagers fast-forward to the future in barmy sci-fi. The Guardian, February 18, 2025.