Filmmaker Chen Sicheng has taken a new path in his career by producing a realistic drama based on a creative nonfiction story. The film marks a departure from his previous mystery case-solving blockbusters such as "Detective Chinatown" and "Sheep Without a Shepherd," as well as this summer's hit "Lost in the Stars."

Filmmaker Chen Sicheng on stage at the premiere of "Endless Journey" in Beijing, Dec. 10, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Bravo Entertainment]

"Endless Journey," a crime film produced by Chen and directed by Dai Mo, hits Chinese cinemas on Dec. 15. The story follows a group of former police officers on their yearslong pursuit of a murder suspect. Initially investigating a horrifying rape and murder case, they were imprisoned after a failed interrogation resulting in a suspect's death. Emerging as underdogs post-sentence, they, undeterred, reunite as vigilantes under the team leader's inspiration. Their dedication and perseverance unfolds in the film as they uncover the truth.

"I read the reports very early on, and I felt it was a story about a brave and lonely man. Then what really touched my heart was screenwriter Zhang Ji's script, which turned a one-man hunt into a team pursuit," Chen told China.org.cn. "I'm really interested in these kinds of stories — about individuals making choices and showing perseverance after encountering accidents in their destiny."

As he got deeper into the development of the script, Chen considered directing the film himself. However, he eventually entrusted the project to his long-time collaborator, Dai Mo, who directed the blockbuster film "Fireflies in the Sun" and the hit online series of "Detective Chinatown" for Chen's company.

Addressing the audience at the premiere in Beijing on Dec. 10, Dai highlighted his commitment to Chen's principle of "preserving authenticity and evoking emotion in the audience." More specifically, he eliminated some of the more dramatic elements so as to effectively communicate sincerity and emotion. To ensure the actors could immerse themselves deeper in their roles, the director deliberately adopted a sequential shooting approach.

A poster for the IMAX version of "Endless Journey." [Image courtesy of IMAX China]

As many industry insiders and fans praised him for "stepping out of his comfort zone," Chen noted that he and his company As One Production would like to explore more genres and fields in the future, the only precondition being a good story. "Realistic stories are much more difficult to find," Chen said. "They're happening all around us, but the creative process may be even more challenging than other genre films."

The original story of "Endless Journey," written by Shen Lan and published online in 2018, is more legendary than any fiction — exactly what Chen was looking for. 

The film features a stellar cast, including Zhang Yi, Li Chen, Wei Chen, Cao Bingkun, Wang Xiao, Zhang Zixian and Yang Xinming. While lead actor Zhang Yi has played cops before in film and on TV, Chen said that his performance is different this time and even better than he expected.

Cast and crew of "Endless Journey" pose for a picture at the film's premiere, Beijing, Dec. 10, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Bravo Entertainment]

"Everyone may face difficulties and challenges in their lifetime. I hope this film can comfort people, easing their anxiety and predicament, and delivering some solace, warmth and bravery," the producer added. "Accidents and difficulties are things that none of us can avoid in our lives, just like the characters in the film, but we can choose how we face these difficulties."

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