Under the Light

Under the Light is a 2023 Chinese crime drama film directed by Zhang Yimou, and stars Lei Jiayin, Zhang Guoli, Yu Hewei and Zhou Dongyu. It was released in theaters in China on September 28, 2023. The film tells the story of Su Jianming, an ordinary young policeman who works at the Municipal Bureau's Criminal Identification Center. In order to protect the safety of the people, he embarks on a thrilling investigative journey.

Synopsis
The story revolves around Su Jianming (Lei Jiayin) and Li Huilin (Zhou Dongyu) jointly investigating a criminal case involving wealthy businessman Li Zhitian (Yu Hewei). In order to investigate the case, Su Jianming ignored the dissuasion of his powerful father Zheng Gang (Zhang Guoli) and rushed to the "Hongmen Banquet" hosted by Li Zhitian. As clues emerge, the investigation becomes more and more like a game of chess.

Cast

 * Lei Jiayin as Su Jianming
 * Zhang Guoli as Zheng Gang
 * Yu Hewei as Li Zhitian
 * Zhou Dongyu as Li Huilin
 * Sun Yizhou as David
 * Li Naiwen as Liu Feng
 * Xu Yajun as Liu Bo
 * Tian Yu as Tang Danian
 * Xu Zili as Sun Heyang
 * He Zhengjun as Wen Hui

Special appearance

 * Chen Daoming as Chen Weimin
 * Joan Chen as He Xiuli
 * Wang Xun

Background
As a criminal procedural blockbuster set in the city, the film is different from the image style of Zhang Yimou's previous films. This is something Zhang Yimou has never tried before, an urban and modern shooting style that replaces the classical composition. From the early stages of creation, Zhang set the tone of the film: "Don't write about simple sympathy, but write about the understanding of human nature".

In order to pursue a sense of reality, director Zhang asked all members of the crew to show up without makeup. Actor Chen Daoming stated this is his first time doing so during his acting career.

The film also marked the second collaboration between Zhang Yimou and Zhou Dongyu since her breakthrough film Under the Hawthorn Tree ten years ago.

Filming
In May 2019, the film started shooting in Chongqing. On September 13, the film was announced to be completed.

Release
The film released the first trailer on December 27, 2022. On the same day, it also announced that the film was scheduled for release on January 22, 2023. On December 29, 2022, the film released the list of full cast.