Dark Matter

Year: 2008

Runtime: 88 min

Language: English

Director: Shi-Zheng Chen

Drama

Driven by ambition and idealism, Chinese science student Liu Xing pursues a PhD in America during the early 1990s. As he immerses himself in his dark matter research, he confronts the challenges of academic politics and cultural isolation. His journey explores the complexities of pursuing a dream while navigating the expectations of family and colleagues, ultimately leading him on an unexpected path.

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Timeline & Setting – Dark Matter (2008)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Dark Matter (2008). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:29

Main Characters – Dark Matter (2008)

Meet the key characters of Dark Matter (2008), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:29

Major Themes – Dark Matter (2008)

Explore the central themes of Dark Matter (2008), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:29

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Movies about academic pressure like Dark Matter

Stories of brilliant minds grappling with the politics and isolation of high-stakes academia.For viewers who liked the intellectual and emotional challenges of Dark Matter, this collection features similar movies about academic ambition, mentorship, and the politics of truth within competitive institutions. These character-driven dramas explore what happens when idealism meets systemic resistance.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a talented individual entering a prestigious institution or field with high hopes. Their journey involves a clash between pure intellectual pursuit and the entrenched politics of their environment, often involving a complex mentor relationship. The story builds towards a realization that success is not just about brilliance, but also about navigating unspoken rules and power dynamics.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared focus on the intellectual and emotional battleground of academia or research. They share a cerebral, often melancholic mood, a steady pacing that mirrors methodical work, and a bittersweet tone that comes from the gap between ambition and reality.

Movies about cultural isolation like Dark Matter

Character studies of individuals striving for belonging and purpose in an unfamiliar culture.If you appreciated the themes of cultural displacement and isolation in Dark Matter, this list includes similar movies about outsiders navigating unfamiliar social landscapes. These stories focus on the bittersweet emotional weight of striving for acceptance and success while feeling profoundly alone.

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Narrative Summary

These stories often begin with hope and arrival in a new setting, followed by a gradual buildup of isolation and cultural friction. The protagonist's internal conflict between adapting and preserving their identity drives the plot. The resolution tends to be nuanced, acknowledging both personal growth and the lasting scars of the experience, rather than offering a simple happy ending.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their exploration of the outsider experience and the emotional complexity of displacement. They share a melancholic and introspective mood, a steady pacing that allows for character depth, and a consistently bittersweet tone that captures the mixed outcomes of such journeys.

Unlock the Full Story of Dark Matter

Don't stop at just watching — explore Dark Matter 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 Dark Matter is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Dark Matter Summary

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Dark Matter Timeline

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Dark Matter Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About Dark Matter

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