2. "Lighting Up The Stars"

A poster for "Lighting Up The Stars." [Image courtesy of Lian Ray Pictures]

Liu Jiangjiang's directorial debut, "Lighting Up The Stars," was a surprise in 2022. The tear-filled, down-to-earth family drama, starring movie star Zhu Yilong and child star Yang Enyou, tells of a mortician who meets an orphan who has just lost her grandma, bringing about unexpected changes to his life and attitude. This brave production proved that despite unusual themes and adversity, such films can still have heart. The story brought warmth to the people despite such a cold and somehow ominous subject, helping the audience understand more about life and death and inspiring them to live and cherish life in the present.