The Wondering Earth is a 2019 (announced for 2023) film that is direct sequel to the first film of the same name. The film was based off the novel by Liu Cixin who also acts as the films producer. Wu Jing and Andy Lau star in the blockbuster hit as the release was met with huge success as well as rave reviews from critics.
In a futuristic era of the earth, the human race does whatever they can to save the earth during a time that the solar system is on the verge of collapse.
The original story this film is based off was a short story of sorts. The story is a connection in a bunch of other story that make up the Wondering Earth novel. That novel is big with a a lot of scientific information woven into emotional storytelling. Knowing this information would give an idea what The Wondering Earth 2 was about. The plot doesn't follow the book detail by detail but it does use feature from all of the stories. I never watch the first film because it wasn't available. You don't really need to watch the first film to enjoy this sequel since the film does a good job building the world foundation for the viewer to understand. Make sure you have two hours and a half of time because you will feel like you're in a long time loop when this film seems to drone on and on.... A lot of emotional drama happens in the mist of the scientific space events thats happens. The affects of how the earth was spiraling out of control presented in the special effects were so disheartening due to the human connections formed between the characters. You would think that the bread and butter of this film would be the intergalactic battles however, it was not. The survival of the two main characters was some of the most nail bitting entertainment I've experienced. Then there was also a mystery that pulls the rug out from under you by the end of act 2. There's going to be a third film which actually surprised me when it was announced. I don't know why because The Wondering Earth 2 ends on a very good cliffhanger.
Both Andy Lau and Wu Jing both did an amazing job in their roles. They killed their roles which proves that both as now legends at their craft. Remember when I said that the drama drives the film? Well, both men's performances are the reason why.
The Wondering Earth 2 has much going for it. Some of the layers might be a little confusing to people and they may need to do a second watch.
China normally doesn't do a good job on special effects. Wondering Earth is the exception to the rule. I only saw one scene with the yellow spaceship that looked a bit wanky. Other than that, the film looks great.
