Cities of Last Things

Cities of Last Things

Year: 2019

Runtime: 106 min

Language: chinese

Director: Wi Ding Ho

Sci-FiDramaCrime

As reality begins to disintegrate, an ordinary man finds his life interwoven with remarkable events spanning three distinct periods within a single city. Presented in reverse chronological order, the film explores the protagonist's experiences as the line between everyday life and escalating chaos progressively dissolves, revealing a profound and unsettling journey.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Cities of Last Things (2019)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Cities of Last Things (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2056

The story is set in a near-future world where societal issues, such as desperation for youth and the consequences of dishonorable actions, are prevalent. The timeline reveals the protagonist's journey through moments of love, betrayal, and loss, contrasting the stark realities of his future with the innocent hopes of his youth. This time period is marked by innovations like 'rejuvenation fluid,' which raises questions of morality and the human condition.

Location

An apartment, Dance hall, Hospital

The film unfolds in various urban locations, including an apartment where a tragic event occurs, and a dance hall that serves as a backdrop for themes of infidelity and despair. The hospital, heavily guarded yet pivotal, represents the intersection of past relationships and dark actions. Each place contributes to Zhang Dong Ling's emotional turmoil and the narrative's gripping tension.

🏙️ City 💃 Dance 🏥 Hospital

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:32

Main Characters – Cities of Last Things (2019)

Meet the key characters of Cities of Last Things (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Zhang Dong Ling (Mature) - Jack Kao

Zhang Dong Ling is a complex character filled with layers of sorrow and rage. His journey through betrayal and loss leads him to make fateful decisions that pull him deeper into despair. The character embodies the tragic consequences of unresolved emotional conflicts and exploration of self when faced with profound desperation.

👨‍🦳 Mature 💢 Anger 🌌 Loss

Ara - Louise Grinberg

Ara is portrayed as both a symbol of temptation and a reflection of Zhang's lost love. Her character adds depth to the story, representing the complexities of human connections and the impact of choices made in dire circumstances. Through her, we see the duality of compassion and despair in the face of adversity.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Love 🧭 Fate 💔 Temptation

Shi Zhi-Wen - Chin-Hang Shih

Shi Zhi-Wen serves as a powerful antagonist in Zhang's life. His actions are pivotal in driving Zhang into a path of destruction, marked by betrayal and manipulation. Zhi-Wen's character embodies the ruthlessness of ambition, showcasing how personal conflicts can spiral into tragic outcomes.

🕵️‍♂️ Authority 💼 Ambition ⚔️ Conflict

Big Sister Wang - Ning Ding

Big Sister Wang is a strong-willed character who represents defiance against authority and the pursuit of freedom. Her interactions with Zhang reveal shared traumas and familial connections, ultimately highlighting the struggles they both face within their respective worlds. Her tragic end accentuates the film's themes of loss and the longing for escape.

🚨 Defiance ✊ Strength 🔗 Bonds

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:32

Major Themes – Cities of Last Things (2019)

Explore the central themes of Cities of Last Things (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal is a central theme in 'Cities of Last Things' as Zhang grapples with infidelity in his marriage and the treachery of those he once trusted. His encounters with both women and men unveil a web of emotional pain, as personal relationships are torn apart by deceit. This theme highlights the character's downward spiral and relentless search for solace in a world filled with broken promises.

🌪️ Despair

The film explores deep-rooted despair as Zhang faces the dire consequences of his actions and emotional turmoil resulting from his relationships. The unfolding narrative reveals a relentless cycle of violence and regret, capturing his struggle with identity and loss. This theme permeates through each timeline, illustrating how despair shapes his choices and ultimately defines his tragic fate.

🔄 Cycles

The theme of cycles is woven throughout as Zhang's past continually influences his present actions. The film depicts the repetitive nature of violence, loss, and emotional trauma, symbolized in the final scene of innocence lost. Each segment reveals how decisions resonate through time, demonstrating how unresolved issues can perpetuate a cycle of suffering.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:32

Unlock the Full Story of Cities of Last Things

Don't stop at just watching — explore Cities of Last Things in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Cities of Last Things is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Cities of Last Things Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Cities of Last Things, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Cities of Last Things Summary

Cities of Last Things Timeline

Track the full timeline of Cities of Last Things with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Cities of Last Things Timeline

More About Cities of Last Things

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More About Cities of Last Things

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