Friday Review: Lighting Up The Stars

Recently, I decided to check out a movie that has been on my bucket list for years; what I discovered was not only a warm film on family and living but also a heavy plot full of dark spins and meaningful messages.

Lighting Up The Stars was released in March 2022 by Chinese director Jiangjiang Liu, starring famous actor Yilong Zhu and child actress Enyou Yang. The story revolves around the relationship between Sanmei Mo, an ill-tempered mortician who struggles with his failing family business, and Xiaowen Wu, a rebellious, mischievous orphan who recently lost her grandma. Too näive to understand the concept of death, Wu begins chasing after Mo for an explanation of why “he is stealing [her] grandmother.”

At first, Mo is irritated with Wu, calling her names like “freak” and “devil,” with no intention of letting her into his life filled with the duties of being a mortician stricken with the pressure of  preserving his family’s “dead” artistry. Yet, with her grandmother gone and distant family giving her the cold shoulder, Mo eventually takes Wu in out of pity, silently swearing to give her the home she never had. Thus, their journey begins: Though initially rough and incompatible, they learn to care for each other with grace and respect while simultaneously overcoming the various challenges of the funerary industry. Witnessing and suffering many deaths, Wu gradually develops trust in and treats Mo as his father, who, in the process of being her caretaker, learns the value of patience and hope. The movie ends as the two sit outside their successfully-salvaged business, staring into the dark night—“they never left us, they just became bright stars in the sky. Always watching over us.”

I felt emotionally attached to Lighting Up The Stars for many reasons. First, Director Liu highlighted dynamic, unconventional family bonds through dialogue and conflict, whether between Mo and Wu or Mo and his father. The film also shared the poignant message that, sometimes, the strongest bonds come from a chosen family, such as the one formed by Mo and Wu. Mo and Wu’s relationship was also realistic and relatable on many different levels because it reflects a household culture some of my peers and I experienced growing up in China—harsh, indirect, and tough love. Wu’s situation is reflective of that of countless orphans—being abandoned by her irresponsible mother and aloof father with her grandmother as her only accompaniment.Yet, she stands resilient: brave to the many mature and heartbreaking realities presented in the film, giving second chances to the many adults around her, and not once losing her curiosity, special quirks, hope, or her sweet, wide grin. Along with the tremendous sorrow and sympathy I had watching Wu play and grow, I was inspired by her actions and mindset to stay true to herself as well.
 
Mo’s personal revolution also deeply struck me; despite undergoing so many obstacles to satisfy his father’s orders and Xiaowen’s needs, he never complained or backed away from any situation. Starting as reckless, stubborn, and somewhat violent, he was able to realize his purpose in the job he was given, as well as the meaning of his existence to Xiaowen. Eventually, the qualities that made him so stubborn turned into traits of defiance, courage, determination—allowing him to truly fulfill the role of the “best father” and “best son.”

Presented entirely in the native dialects of Zhu and Yang’s hometowns, the movie stands as a bold work that acts towards demystifying mortality and love. Yes—you, the audience, will be devastated by the series of events that twist and morph throughout, sensually incurring a rollercoaster of sentiments. You will also wince at the vivid, vulgar scenes and crude swears that occasionally jump at you, attempting to bring you to the forefront of Wu and Mo’s world. Try Lighting Up The Stars when you find yourself trapped or lost in grief, confusion, or misunderstanding—the night sky will reveal to you the most earnest souls and help guide you forward.