Synopsis
Junjun, a 50-year-old cab driver who had devoted his life to the job, found himself forgotten by society. Struggling to make ends meet and care for his half-paralyzed father, Junjun became an illegal driver. After the governmental transportation department issued warnings and fines, Junjun scrambled to become a certified online ride-hailing driver, but his car’s poor condition disqualified him. Desperate to purchase a new car, Junjun sought out his old friend and boss, Hou San, to collect the wages owed to him. Yet, as he ventured to reclaim what was owed, Junjun encountered a new set of complications.
Niu Niu
Niu Niu, born in 1989, earned a B.S. in Economics and an M.S. in Economics from Nankai University. Continuing Class of Director Department, Beijing Film Academy. Screenwriter and director of Mr. Junjun. The film won the FEI MU AWARDS·JURY AWARD and YOUTH JURY GRAND AWARD at 6th Pingyao Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon International Film Festival.
Director's statement
Under a rapidly changing society, some can reap profits from the situation while others can’t keep up with the times. The film’s protagonist is as such, this marginalized person eliminated by society. In this era when almost everyone can drive and every family has a car, driving as a profession is not as rare as before, which causes the protagonist to lose his foothold. This film not only shows the difficulties encountered by the protagonist but also the efforts of ordinary people for life. This film aims to portray the stories of these marginalized individuals or social groups, to attract more societal awareness for them. The overall tone of the film reveals reality rather than deliberate aesthetic beauty. The cast was purposefully chosen to be all non-professional actors. The film’s central message is filmed through hand-held photography and long-shots.
