The film "Catch the Doll" is a poignant and thought-provoking work that, on the surface, delivers the signature humor of the Happy Twist team, but underneath, it presents a cruel allegory that resonates deeply with the audience. Here are my impressions of the movie, articulated in English:
"Catch the Doll" is a masterful blend of comedy and tragedy, a film that starts with laughter but ends with a profound reflection on life's ironies. The movie, starring the iconic duo Shen Teng and Ma Li, is akin to a sugar-coated shell that initially offers the sweet taste of humor but gradually reveals the bitter pill of social satire and a probing examination of human nature.
The film's narrative is a stark portrayal of the extreme pressures and expectations placed on children by their parents. Shen Teng's character, Ma Chenggang, a wealthy businessman, and his wife, Chunlan, played by Ma Li, are the epitome of parents who are willing to go to any lengths, even to the point of deception and manipulation, to ensure their son's success. Their approach to parenting is chilling, turning the concept of a nurturing home into a prison of expectations and control.
The movie cleverly uses exaggeration to highlight the absurdity of such an extreme parenting style. Ma Chenggang's belief in the necessity of hardship for his son's growth is a twisted interpretation of the saying, "Heaven will confer a great responsibility on a person, it will first exercise his mind with suffering, and his sinews and bones with toil."
"Catch the Doll" also invites us to consider the broader implications of such behavior. It raises questions about the value of individual freedom and the right of children to have their own dreams and aspirations, rather than being mere tools to fulfill parental ambitions. The film serves as a mirror, reflecting the often-overlooked issues of excessive expectations, out-of-control education, and the disregard for personal value in modern society.
In the end, "Catch the Doll" is not just a comedy; it's a social commentary that provokes deep thought and self-reflection. It's a film that, despite its humorous facade, leaves a lasting impact, urging viewers to question the nature of love, control, and the true meaning of success. The movie's ending, which is both happy and tinged with regret, encapsulates the complex emotions that it stirs within us, reminding us that often, we spend our lives trying to heal the wounds of our childhood.
