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The Last Year of Darkness (2023)

  Director: Ben Mullinkosson Genre: Documentary Runtime: 1 hour 32 minutes Languages: Chinese, English Release Date: March 15, 2024 (United States) Streaming Platform: MUBI Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) 🧭 Synopsis "The Last Year of Darkness" offers an intimate glimpse into Chengdu's underground nightlife, centering around Funky Town, a queer-friendly club nestled beneath the city's construction cranes. As urban development threatens its existence, the film follows a group of young ravers, performers, and lovers navigating moments of doubt, self-destruction, and epiphany.   🎭 Key Figures Yihao Yang: A drag performer grappling with childhood trauma and self-identity. 647: A skateboarder and food delivery worker, representing the city's gig economy. Kimberly & Xiao Long: A couple facing mental health challenges, seeking solace in Funky Town's embrace. Darkle & Gena: DJs pioneering Chengdu's queer music scene, exploring their...
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The Last Year of Darkness (2023)

 


Director: Ben Mullinkosson
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 1 hour 32 minutes
Languages: Chinese, English
Release Date: March 15, 2024 (United States)
Streaming Platform: MUBI
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)



🧭 Synopsis

"The Last Year of Darkness" offers an intimate glimpse into Chengdu's underground nightlife, centering around Funky Town, a queer-friendly club nestled beneath the city's construction cranes. As urban development threatens its existence, the film follows a group of young ravers, performers, and lovers navigating moments of doubt, self-destruction, and epiphany. 

🎭 Key Figures

  • Yihao Yang: A drag performer grappling with childhood trauma and self-identity.

  • 647: A skateboarder and food delivery worker, representing the city's gig economy.

  • Kimberly & Xiao Long: A couple facing mental health challenges, seeking solace in Funky Town's embrace.

  • Darkle & Gena: DJs pioneering Chengdu's queer music scene, exploring their sexual orientations. 

🎬 Direction and Cinematography

Mullinkosson's approach is immersive, capturing raw moments—from public intoxication to candid confessions. His unobtrusive presence allows subjects to reveal vulnerabilities, painting a vivid portrait of youth seeking connection amidst societal constraints. 

🎶 Soundtrack

The film's auditory landscape is rich, featuring tracks from Chengdu's underground scene and poignant selections like David Bowie's "Life on Mars," underscoring the ephemeral nature of the characters' experiences.

📝 Themes and Analysis

At its core, the documentary explores:

  • Transience: The impermanence of safe spaces in rapidly modernizing societies.

  • Identity: The struggle of marginalized youth to find and express themselves.

  • Community: The importance of chosen families in providing support and understanding.

Critics have lauded the film for its candid portrayal of Chengdu's queer community. The Guardian describes it as a "candid and intimate dive into Chinese club culture," highlighting its unfiltered depiction of the protagonists' lives. 

🏁 Conclusion

"The Last Year of Darkness" stands as a testament to the resilience of youth subcultures in the face of societal change. Through its heartfelt narratives and vibrant visuals, the film captures a fleeting moment in time, offering viewers a window into a world where self-expression thrives amidst adversity.

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