Suburban Birds is a Chinese film directed by Qiu Sheng that follows the story of a group of engineers who investigate the mysterious disappearance of a construction team in a suburban area of China. The story revolves around the themes of memory, time, and human relationships amidst changes in urbanization. The movie is structured in two parts, with the first part introducing the characters and setting up the mystery of the missing construction team. The main character, Hao (played by Zhihao Chen), is a young engineer who is tasked with investigating the cause of the collapse of a new building. While investigating the local area, he discovers that a team of construction workers has gone missing, leading him to take on a new investigation.
As the investigation progresses, Hao encounters several other characters, including two young boys who join him in his quest to solve the mystery. Through their interactions, the movie explores the themes of memory and time, as the characters reflect on their past experiences and how they have shaped their present lives.
The second part of the movie takes place years later, as Hao and his team return to the area to continue their investigation. The movie jumps back and forth between the present day and the past, as Hao reflects on his experiences and the impact they have had on his life. As the investigation continues, new clues are revealed that shed light on the mysterious disappearance of the construction team.
Throughout Suburban Birds, the cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty of the suburban landscape and the changing urban environment. The movie also features a haunting soundtrack that adds to the sense of mystery and tension.
The acting in Suburban Birds is top-notch, with Zhihao Chen delivering a standout performance as the lead character, Hao. His portrayal of the character is nuanced and complex, capturing the emotional impact of the investigation on his life. The supporting cast, including Yihao Chen and Jing Deng, also deliver strong performances, adding depth to the story and characters.
Overall, Suburban Birds is a masterful exploration of memory, time, and human relationships in a changing urban landscape. The movie offers a unique perspective on the impact of urbanization on Chinese society, and the toll it can take on individual lives. With stunning cinematography, a haunting soundtrack, and powerful acting, Suburban Birds is a must-see film for fans of foreign cinema.
Suburban Birds is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 72.