User reviews

I don't understand why someone would be so malicious about this movie and give it a one-star rating without even watching the full movie. Is it really just because this is a movie directed by a woman, as some viewers in mainland China said? When my parents and I walked out of the movie theater, we both had our own thoughts. Even a chauvinist like my father saw the power of disadvantaged groups in society who long to understand and change themselves. This movie represents the cry of the lower class people in China. It just happened to be filmed by a female director. Of course, this is not necessarily a coincidence.

I was so confused by this movie that I went out of my way to write my first ever review on this site. Basically, what you have here is a very mediocre awkward rom-com for 90 minutes followed by 20 minutes of processing and healing from trauma, followed by the most lovely story told only within the end credits! This last bit was by far the best part of this movie and it has me longing for the longer "behind the scenes" or documentary they could have made out of the actress' real life journey, which was way more moving and affective than the movie itself.

I get the premise and the message here is important, it just didn't feel particularly well told for most of the movie. Maybe this is my bias in not speaking the language and missing something in translation, but it didn't feel that way. This movie clearly has some moving things to say that it finally said at the very end and in the credits. I wish the whole movie had been that way, and then this review would have been a solid 8. As it was, I spent most of the movie reconsidering my decision to see it, and then feeling a little more on board at the end. Overall, this means that I liked it by the end more than I expected to from the first half, but nowhere near as much as I wanted to.

Kudos to the actress/director for her bravery and her commitment to her craft. This was clearly a very personal story for her and that part was indisputably beautiful.

From the content of the Douban short reviews, it seems that most viewers have not seen "Hyakuen no Koi." Personally, I think that "Yolo" as a remake is at least not inferior to the original. The localization of the film is very successful, whether it's the tone, the settings, or the plot. Although I also like "Hyakuen no Koi," Chinese audiences during the Spring Festival still need a more sizzling hot performance. Especially the dialogue between Le Ying and Hao Kun at the end, it has already surpassed "Hyakuen no Koi." The core is about how a person with a self-closed, introverted personality and depressive tendencies gradually finds their existential proposition through collisions with others and society. Boxing and weight loss have become the most superficial symbols, but even so, she still works hard, which should be sincerity. After all, she didn't have to do this.

"Le Ying" (Ling Jia) is a larger lass who has little success with anything save for half-drinking cola and sleeping for most of the day. She's been left a flat by her grandmother but her soon to be divorced sister "Dou Dou" (Zi Yang) needs some property if she is to be able to continue sending her daughter to private school. After initially agreeing to a transfer, a barney ensues and she storms out determined to find somewhere of her own to live. That means a job. Discipline. She gets a job in a BBQ joint for a boss who's a bit of a lecher, but she can deal with him. It's he who sends her to fetch some cigarettes from his car and that's where she rather curiously encounters "Hao Kun" (Jiayin Lei) who is a boxing coach at a gym round the corner. He's not having much success recruiting new clients so she agrees to be one. Now, on the face of it, she's not the most likely of boxers, but what now ensues sees her face a series of challenges that make her think deeply about who she is and who she wants to become. This reality check is only exacerbated by an appearance on her sister's rather comically cynical television talent show that makes "X Factor" look like "Mastermind" (though it does feature quite an entertaining strop between the panellists). The story itself meanders along a bit too slowly - it doesn't need to be over two hours long, but there can be no denying the effort put in by Ling Jia as her character comes to an empowering degree of self-realisation. It's a bit stereotypical, I suppose, but it's also quite frank and entertaining. It's can be funny, a little poignant and there's just the merest hint of chemistry between the two boxers. I doubt you'll remember it for long, and the ending is a bit of a muddle, but it is worth a watch.

This movie has been intensely debated on Chinese online platforms. It is a remake of the Japanese film "Hundred Yen Love." The director of YOLO, Ling Jia, a Chinese woman, transitioned from being a comedic actress for more than ten years to become a director and screenwriter. With only two works to her credit, including YOLO, she can still be considered a new director. However, if we take a look at the box office performance of these two works, we might be surprised by this newcomer's achievement.

"Hi, Mom," Ling Jia's first directorial effort, grossed over 5 billion Chinese yuan at the box office, ranking among the top in Chinese film history. Notably, few new directors can achieve such success. The film, adapted from the director's own experiences, tells a deeply emotional story about Ling Jia and her mother (who passed away when Ling Jia was 19 years old).

As her second film, YOLO, released during the Chinese New Year season on February 10th, also became a box office hit. Many girls were moved to tears by the protagonist Le Ying and were encouraged to find themselves, embrace life, and grow. Despite being Ling Jia's second film, YOLO has already grossed over 3 billion Chinese yuan in China and is gradually being released overseas.

Ling Jia's success has sparked jealousy among some Chinese men, who have expressed extreme negativity towards YOLO online. These negative reviews ignore the facts and are often made by people who have never even watched the movie. They claim that it is an over-marketed film about weight loss, disregarding its deeper themes and emotional impact. Not only do they criticize the movie, but they also use unfriendly language against director Ling Jia. This is extremely unfair to both a woman and her work. Admitting someone else's excellence, especially a woman's, can be difficult for many Chinese men.

These negative voices do not only come from ordinary male internet users. We have reasons to believe that some industry insiders may also be involved in manipulating the situation, as the negative reviews suddenly increased and intensified at a certain point. Online marketing is often motivated by financial gain, and malicious behavior aimed at damaging a person's reputation has unfortunately become a common practice.

It is hoped that people with independent thinking can recognize these negative comments and enjoy the movie despite its imperfections. As a creator, having room for improvement is a good thing, isn't it? After all, every master was once a beginner.

At the same time, I hope that everyone who is imprisoned in their own self-imposed cage can rise up soon, accept themselves, and embrace a new life.

Definitely worth it. Personally.

First, I went to see it just to find out what Jia Ling is like now. I knew she was quiet a large sized lady....and when I heard she lost 100 pounds, and my initial reaction was shock and curiosity. You know, her original weight was 170-180 pounds! My feelings were both stunned and admiring.

Before the moive was released, she told the audience "I hope to bring something to the audience." She did it!!!

First of all, Jia Ling's successful weight loss is probably the most superficial and obvious thing about the movie. I deeply resonate with this because I have been bouncing between losing and regaining weight for years. I've never been able to defeat myself, whether it's my cravings or my bad habit of quick enthusiasm that fades away.

Secondly, I also understood a deeper meaning: We live once, and we should win at least once.

This time, she is living only for herself.

This movie reflects my personal life journey: always trying to back off, to please others, to say fine, till one day I was literally at the edge of the cliff. And I decided to change.

Even though right now I am not anything close to the most successful, the wealthiest, the most famous human being in the world, but I am proud of myself. I am proud of myself learning to say no, to set boundaries, and to have a goal and be laser-focused on my goal.

And, if you are struggling with the feeling that you've tried so hard but nobody appreciates you, I could tell that you are actually a really powerful person as you have so much to give. Just try to focus on yourself and your goal more.

I would recommend it to anybody who is or who was a people-pleaser.

A movie full with delicate portray of emotions, it is quite touching and encouraging.

I'm not saying it is perfect but it is a good feminist movie, telling a story from a completely women's perspective and describing how she break her 10 year low ebb and painful life and become a better person.

The actress herself lost a solid 100lbs makes it perhaps the biggest stunt, but the movie is definitely more than just losing weight. The core is about self-reconciliation. I highly recommend watching it.

Other side is, it is just a movie made by a female director and got some success in China, so I personally don't understand why some Chinese men got so mad that they even come here to write bad review in a group together - the poor wording that is obviously from Chinese-English online translation has made everything even funnier.

I mean, why, what's the point guys.

This is just fun to watch, I never knew these men can be this triggered, maybe this proves YOLO's incisiveness from some point: our Chinese Ken has just been enraged because the success is not men and horses from their mojo dojo casa house🤣

The meaning converyed in this movie + This movie acheived a huge success above others during the chinese spring festival + This movie directed by a female and the only movies directed by a female during spring festival time = Some of the male audiences(Chinese Ken) did after their emotianl hurt: 1. Rating lowest everywhere online like dog peing; 2. Accuse its sucess came for its overly marketing; 3. Blindly propagandizing another movie by a whole male team is a real movie over YOLO. However that movie do maketing too (because of it's spring festival, no one in movie industry would like to miss it); 4. Trying sooooooo hard to twist the meaning of what the movie really want to express by blindly accusing it's a movie promoting girls need to be thin and ignoring by purpose how's the female character mentally change. However, the direct said it's not a movie about a women losing weight instead of a women refound her enthusiasm of life from boxing. And a muscling body (Boxer body) just a tiny byproduct.

I don't want spoil so I won't say any more detailed story here.

But telling the truth, the editing and story telling skill are remaininng room to grow but the combination of the real meaning of this movie want to express and the chinese male audience's action, like a social experiment, is reallt a fun thing after the last time I saw Barbie.

It's worth for you if you like to find out in this movie how's the progress of feminism consciousness made in Mainland of China at this time.

Considering by these, I'd rate 10 to recommend ppl to watch a movie that hurted Chinese Ken's feeling.

This movie is amazing. It's so hard to describe the impact it had on me just by words, so I recommend everyone to watch it in the cinema, experiencing the impact brought by the movie's visuals, music, and cinematography and I believe you will reckon it worths too. Many scenes deeply touched me when I watched it. Seems like the other audiences got the same feeling as we were just so into the movie, all stayed and reluctant to go when it ends until the staff came in to clean the chair. It's never too late to make changes in life, striving for yourself once, compared with the past self, progress is a true win. Appreciate the hard work and contribution made by Leying - Jialing, the main girl and meanwhile the director of this movie, bringing us a self-redemption from a female perspective. The best fit of international women's day!

It's a good movie. Many men gave the film bad reviews because they felt their status was violated by the women they exploited. They are distorting the truth, which is despicable. They didn't even see the movie, but they gave it a bad review, don't believe them, they are full of lies.

This is a very good movie, telling people that everyone can become a better self as long as they take action. Not the best,but the better. This film is suitable for people of every age and in any situation to watch, hoping that every audience can find a better version of themselves.

The Japanese version of the movie 100 Yuan love and the American version of the million dollar baby are both very good movies, but Re la gun tang is more suitable for China's national conditions. You can watch it together if you're interested.

The people who are giving this movie a one star are Chinese bots. We recently watched this movie and it was great. Comedy, drama, action, the movie hits 10/10 in all of those categories. I truly don't understand how people could hate this movie. The scene before she got on the ring was awesome.

Don't believe the negative reviews, I think there is a stigma in China about movies with strong female leads. This movie isn't about that at all. It's about a person who is at their lowest, rising to the best they can be. I hope everyone gets to enjoy this movie just as much as I did.

Again, great movie, don't be detracted by ignorant haters.

This is easily the standout movie for me that I've seen in the last 12 months that breaks the typical tropes and storylines of most movies. Jia Ling's blends comedy and emotion that will have you laughing and then crying. A fantastic movie that everyone should see. While the film is an adaptation, you can feel the director's own pain and struggles through the characterisation of Leying. A review about this movie would also not be complete without mentioning the mind blowing dedication and transformation that Jia Ling personally went through in a year to make her directorial vision into reality. While it is not uncommon to see big name Hollywood actors changing their physical appearance for a role, none of those transformations can match what she went through.

First and foremost, 'YOLO 2024' is not a film viewed from a traditional male perspective; it eschews the depiction of women as merely sexually attractive, or defining success by conventional standards such as gaining more power or wealth. Instead, it explores a journey marked by betrayal, exploitation, ridicule, misunderstanding, and survival through darkness. It depicts the quest for a brighter, more authentic existence discovered through embracing a truer self, even if this self may not perfectly align with societal norms.

The film also delves into human conflicts in our daily lives, illustrating the development of courage to forgive those who embody the darker aspects of human nature. It's about focusing on one's inner strength and peace. This narrative resonates universally, touching on struggles that ordinary people face daily, irrespective of their country or culture. Le Ying's story, in particular, strikes a chord with audiences worldwide, moving them to tears.

One of my favorite scenes is a long take on a rainy night, where Le Ying ascends a flight of stairs, with lights flickering on and off, layer by layer. It's later revealed that this was the night she attempted to take her own life. The torrential rain intensifies, symbolizing the darkest moments before the break of dawn. But if one continues to wait, the morning sunlight eventually breaks through. This scene poignantly encapsulates life itself.

In essence, the very existence of this film is to be a beacon of light amidst the dust of our lives, illuminating the shared humanity that binds us all.

Jia Ling's transformation, set as a montage sequence to "Gonna Fly Now" (yes, really) and the reveal of her fighting physique happen in the last 20 minutes of the film. While the reveal is very impressive, the transformation literally takes less than 2 minutes of film time to show. The first 1.5hrs of the film is dedicated to plot involving Jia's character's falling out with her sister and a romantic comedy with her boxing trainer. I'm not sure why so many people are emotionally moved by this film, but Rocky this is not. Far from it. The singular most fascinating part of the film is actually the end credits, where we see a documentary of sorts of Jia's intense training sessions and a rundown of her weight loss over a year's time. This begs the question: WHY WASN'T THIS IN THE MAIN FILM? THIS is what we came to see! Not some nonsense romcom that doesn't go anywhere. I rate this a 5/10. Jia's transformation is very impressive, but it needed to be the center of the film, not an afterthought told in the film's end credits. Save your money and wait for it to come to netflix or prime.

First of all, WE NEED MORE FEMALE DIRECTORS.

I waited for this movie to come to theatres in Canada, and I was pleasantly surprised and touched by it.

I'm not gonna go too in-depth with the storyline itself, that's a treasure for you to discover.

What really surprised me was, that the female director of this movie, Jia Ling, despite this being only her second film, has filmed this with such delicacy and nuance, and all of the significant characters in this movie were DYNAMIC.

No flat characters, no filler NPCs, and every important role had its own storyline.

Typically, movies that are labelled as "comedy" and "motivational" are almost destined to have a great happy ending, where everyone is happy and all complexities are resolved or forgiven - not in this one.

Each character has their depth, their strengths and weaknesses. No one in this film is perfect, but none of them are flat.

I've seen TONS of characters in men-directed films that are important, but are just boring and flat. Viewers leave the theatre only remembering them as "that mean girl", "the pretty one", etc.

Women in this film aren't "pretty", "mean", "skinny/chubby", there are so many sides given to each of the significant characters, they are more than a label.

The scenery and settings were so nice and delicate as well. The things that are neglected in a lot of films, were all caught on camera in this film.

If you haven't watched it, you really should, it's worth a watch, 'cuz I'm gonna watch it again.

Honestly it was better than expected. It was sincere, touching, and relevant (especially for watching on international women's day). As a new director, Ling's YOLO and her previous film as a tribute to her mom are both in great quality in terms of story line, acting, and executing. Even this movie has flaws, she has adopted her storyline perfectly into the Chinese context from the original Japanese one and made it even more convincing with her hard work losing 100 grams within a year. It was a tearful moment at the end of the film seeing the director's journey training for boxing and weight loss. So glad that more Chinese films are played in New York.

This movie is from female director's perspective, which is very precious. As you may know, most Chinese films are directed by male directors, and feature all about men.

This movie is so Different. It's like a first step towards movie w/ a more women's angle. This movie isn't about losing weight, rather, it's about how to love yourself how to put yourself at the first position before anyone else even your parents your relatives your friends.

This movie has laughters and tears at the same time. This is a very good movie that is suitable for the whole family to watch.

I myself am a feminist, and I think this is a movie that needs our encouragement because this movie features a woman, and it's all about her. In previous movies directed by male directors actresses are usually optional like they can be replaced by anything even a lamp which won't affect the main story which is so awful.

This film feels like a personal project for Ling Jia, one she needed to create at this moment. Set in Guangzhou, China, it is a comedy-drama inspired by the 2014 Japanese film "100 Yen Love." With an all-Asian cast representing the working and middle classes, it offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of Chinese people for over two hours.

The narrative follows a reclusive woman in her 30s who becomes involved with a boxer at a gym and decides to train with him. This storyline resonates with Chinese audiences, many of whom understand the relentless competition in society, particularly for those who feel overlooked, like our main character. The film will likely attract fans of Jia Ling, boxing films, and tales of underestimated individuals who strive to improve their lives.

"YOLO" draws inspiration from the original "Rocky" film, yet it stands apart as its own entity. While it contains some predictable elements, it also features unexpected moments, heartfelt drama, and a remarkable transformative performance from writer/director/star Jia Ling. The initial third of the film may be challenging to watch, as the protagonist is depicted in a way that could be seen as almost demeaning. However, as the story unfolds and the character develops, viewers will experience twists that lead to an emotionally uplifting journey by the film's conclusion. Unfortunately, despite the effort put into various aspects, the execution often feels lacking, with fight scenes that lack authenticity, clichéd acting, and a narrative that struggles to maintain focus.

Despite the expectations from my Chinese family and friends, I can only give it a modest rating of 5 stars.