In the Octagon

Synopsis

"Only the River Flows" is a 2023 realist film directed by Wang Baoqiang, which tells the touching story of a mixed martial artist helping impoverished orphans change their destinies through MMA. Based on true events, the film received positive reviews after its release, with a Douban rating of 7.5.

Overview

"Never Say Never" is Wang Baoqiang's second directorial film, released in mainland China on June 2, 2023. The film is based on the 2017 "Fighting Orphans" incident. It tells the inspirational story of MMA fighter Xiang Tenghui (played by Wang Baoqiang) who, by chance, discovers the fighting talent of a group of orphans and decides to establish a fighting club to help them change their destinies through hard work.

As a film with a realist theme, "Never Say Never" does not rely on thrilling fight scenes to attract audiences. Instead, it focuses its lens on the living conditions of marginalized groups. The film portrays, in a plain and unadorned style, how children struggling at the bottom of society find direction in life through fighting, embodying the spiritual core of "born like wild grass, unyielding and resilient."

Plot Summary

Xiang Tenghui was once an excellent fighter but was forced to retire from the ring after being framed. Returning to his hometown, he runs a sand factory, barely making ends meet. By chance, he encounters a group of orphans from impoverished mountainous areas. Due to family poverty and lack of care, these children are bullied everywhere in society.

Xiang Tenghui unexpectedly discovers these children possess exceptional fighting talent and decides to form a fighting team. He imparts all his fighting skills, hoping the children can find a way out in life through fighting. However, reality is harsh—the club faces financial difficulties, and societal prejudice and misunderstanding make their situation increasingly difficult.

Just as the club is on the verge of disbanding, Xiang Tenghui learns about an important fighting competition they can enter. The winner will receive a substantial cash prize, which might be the only chance to change the children's fate. Xiang Tenghui decides to take the risk and lead these forgotten children into the ring.

Main Cast

Thematic Analysis

On the surface, "Never Say Never" is a sports competition film, but at its core, it profoundly explores the survival status of marginalized social groups, the wealth gap, and the brilliance of human nature. The "octagon cage" in the film is both the fighting ring and a symbol of the children being trapped in the predicament of the social underclass.

Wang Baoqiang stated in an interview that what he wanted to express in this film is the spirit of "not giving up in the face of adversity." The scenes of the children practicing fighting symbolize everyone's struggle against fate. As a line in the film says: "We ordinary people are like being born in an octagon cage. To get out, we have to fight with all our might."

Social Response

The film garnered widespread attention after its release. Audiences praised Wang Baoqiang for his courage to tackle realist themes and focus on marginalized groups. Many lines from the film resonated with viewers, such as "Life is like an octagon cage; you must fight with all your might to break out."

"Never Say Never" ultimately grossed over 2 billion yuan at the box office, becoming a dark horse of the 2023 summer movie season. The film's success proves that realist themes also possess strong appeal in the Chinese film market.

Box Office Performance

References

1. Douban: "Never Say Never" page https://movie.douban.com/subject/35575567/
2. Baidu Baike: "Never Say Never" entry https://baike.baidu.com/item/八角笼中/
3. Maoyan Professional: "Never Say Never" box office data https://piaofang.maoyan.com/