Always Have Always Will

Director and Screenwriter | Narrative Innovation from an Award-Winning Team
Adaptation of Zhang Jiajia's Original Work: Following "I Belonged to You," Zhang Jiajia personally crafted the screenplay, transforming the contrast of "darkness and glimmer" from the novel into a visual poem.
Liu Jie's Directing Style: Known for portraying the nuances of human nature (as seen in "De Lan" and "Judge"), Liu Jie wraps the struggles of marginalized characters within the framework of a road movie.

Core Plot | A Journey of Forced Redemption
Living with disappointment, Song Yili (played by Peng Yuchang) falls into despair under the dual pressures of debt and family, only to be "kidnapped" by the terminally ill Yu Xiaoju (played by Yang Enyou), embarking on an unknown journey together. Along the way, they encounter:
Portraits of Marginalized Lives: Characters such as homeless singers, truck drivers, and single mothers paint a survival picture of society's fringe groups.
Mutual Healing: Yu Xiaoju uses a childlike perspective to pierce through Song Yili's façade of strength, while Song Yili teaches her the weight of life through the harsh realities of adulthood.

Performance Highlights | Age Span and Emotional Outbursts
Peng Yuchang: From "Come On!" to "RETURN TO DUST," he embodies a complex character, illustrating a transformation from numbness to rebirth.
Yang Enyou: Following her role in "Lighting Up The Stars," she challenges herself with a sick child role, captivating the audience with her blend of maturity and innocence.
Supporting Cast: Wei Daxun plays a mysterious homeless singer, while Li Xueqin makes a cameo as a single mother, adding dark humor and realism to the journey.

Thematic Depth | A Fable of Light in Darkness
The film uses "travel" as a metaphor for life’s dilemmas, conveyed through:
Symbolism: A worn-out travel van, late-night roads, and unexpected events symbolize the unpredictability of fate.
Memorable Quotes: Lines like "All the ups and downs and brilliance are unique experiences" encapsulate the philosophy of life.

Audience Expectations | Dual Resonance of Healing and Reflection
After the trailer release, the "little girl kidnaps the uncle" premise sparked curiosity, with online discussions noting, "It seems absurd, but it hides societal metaphors." Critics remarked: "Zhang Jiajia's narrative style, combined with Liu Jie's stark cinematography, creates an adult version of "Kikujiro."

"Always Have Always Will" redefines the depth of Chinese road movies with the courage to "live toward death." Witness how despair is illuminated by glimmers of hope on March 8!