Kinematics Theory (Mandarin)

I had seen the Chinese film 'The Ambiguous Focus' long time back, so I was quite fascinated to hear that this film, which came after the sad film, was actually planned as a prequel to it. The story takes us back to high school when Zhang Zhe and Zhang Nan were starting to get to know each other and the moments that lead to potentially them becoming a couple.

Zhang Zhe, a smart student, and Zhang Nan, a handsome swimmer, couldn't understand each other. They did not expect to meet each other at the same university, even though they have known each other since childhood. Zhe is a mathematical genius, but has a social phobia; Nan is an athlete, but he hates being used as a racing machine by his father. Soon they both realize that they can actually support one another. They soon come to a truce and agree to help each other out. Their mutual support and reliance help them to understand what they really want - Nan's deep abiding love of swimming without any of the trappings of competition, and Zhe's greater ease when communicating with others. And, of course, each other. All this is achieved wit the help of a girl, who somehow becomes a close friend of the shy Zhe. Some confusions arise when swimming captain (who likes this girl) beats up Zhe thinking he is flirting with er, but in fact it is the girl who makes Zhe realize how much he is into Nan and that they probably are better with each other.

This prequel is in such contrast to the dark and serious Ambiguous focus. I am glad the makers took the same actors but put them into more of a cmic and light hearted setting. The two boys had a love-hate relationship that blossomed into a close-friendship, and eventually into a full-blown relationship (not shown here but in the sequel). Obstacles were in the way, but they were quite minor as the two guys were able to rely on each other. There are a few serious moments, mostly coming later in the movie and relating to Nan's father and the pressure he places on his son to compete at the top of his game all the time. The film shows us how the two characters understand how to achieve their own desires. The two leads are extremely hot and suit the part to the T. Nan looks like an actual swimmer and Zhe is so darn cute. There is more than enough eye candy, because Nan is practically showing off his perfect body and abs in almost every single scene. Although, at this point it is important to say that I don't think this movie can be called BL or LGBT cinema. At best it is a budding bromance, which eventually gets into a full blown gay relationship as shown in Ambiguous Focus.  It's more obviously suggested that Zhe in particular might be gay, especially whenever he ogles Nan half-naked in his swimming trunks. The film has nothing memorable about it, but thankfully since it is just about an hour long film, and hence you don't mind watching it for some cute and hot characters. You will agree that Nan has definitely one of the hottest bodies around. (5.5/10)