Dying To Survive based on a true story, both the film and the real-life efforts of Lu Yong show that change is possible. It tells a very heartwarming, tear-jerking story that can resound with all audiences to identify with. The acting of Xu Zheng truly elevates the cast and this debut work from Wen Muye takes some unconventional choices (for Chinese mainland cinema anyway) in both the filming technique, editing style, and pacing.The film is split in two distinct parts, separated by a time interval and pervaded by very different moods. The first one that act as a prologue is brush and comedic, full of energy, gags, laughs (subject matter allowing!) and even a hilarious brawl where also the timeless Chinese weapon – the foldable chair – makes a glorious appearance. But, like in every good Chinese movie, actions have consequences and the second part deals with those and the emotional toll of such actions