'Threads of the Game' fuses classical Chinese aesthetics with suspense

The new film "Threads of the Game" elegantly blends China's rich architectural heritage and classical aesthetics with a suspense-filled narrative, its director said.

Actor Shang Yuxian, director Zheng Wenzheng and actor Niu Junfeng interact with the audience at a screening event for "Threads of the Game" in Beijing, June 7, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Lima Media]

Directed by Zheng Wenzheng and starring Niu Junfeng and Shang Yuxian, "Threads of the Game" follows a detective investigating the theft of a treasured Ming dynasty manuscript from a secluded family library. He teams up with the family's heiress to uncover a web of deception, as each relative hides dark secrets, and every clue reveals deadlier twists in a high-stakes battle of wits.

At an advance screening and Q&A event in Beijing on June 7, the film drew unanimous praise for both its intricate plotting and its immersive, Eastern-inspired visuals.

Director Zheng told attendees that authenticity was his guiding principle: "Rooted in classical Eastern aesthetics, we meticulously recreated architectural authenticity down to the finest detail," he said. "From mechanical designs to set decorations, we integrated traditional sunmao joinery — China's ancient mortise-and-tenon woodworking system — alongside landscape gardening principles, blending these elements seamlessly into the suspense narrative. The result is an immersive world of mystery that balances historical realism with imaginative storytelling."

A poster for "Threads of the Game." [Image courtesy of Ningbo Xiaojiang Pictures]

The producers said "Threads of the Game" offers cultural and educational value while showcasing China's artistic heritage.

To accurately recreate the historical architecture and landscapes of Ningbo, Zhejiang province, the team built more than 30 detailed sets, including a precision-crafted library featuring traditional woodworking techniques. The props and environments, developed in collaboration with experts, draw inspiration from classical texts including the "Book of Changes," ensuring the film's cultural references run as deep as its plot twists.

The film's intricate secret chamber puzzles, cultural elements and human drama form what the producers described as a uniquely Eastern psychological thriller.

"Threads of the Game" will open across China on June 14.