We all enjoy a good cry now and then, but get ready to dive deep into the emotional currents of Cai Shangjun’s latest cinematic offering, The Sun Rises on Us All. The director, known for his gritty realism in People Mountain People Sea, recently premiered this powerful Chinese drama at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival—the first Guangdong-produced film to have entered the main competition—and trust us, it’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll.

At its heart, The Sun Rises on Us All is a somber yet utterly compelling narrative of two former lovers, Meiyun (played by Xin Zhilei) and Baoshu (Zhang Songwen), whose lives are inextricably linked by a devastating past. Years ago, Baoshu made the ultimate sacrifice, taking the fall for a crime Meiyun committed, only to be left behind as she started anew. Seven years on, a chance encounter in a hospital brings them face-to-face. Meiyun, now a burgeoning fashion retail owner grappling with a complicated personal life, finds herself confronting the man whose life she irrevocably altered. Baoshu, recovering from tumor removal, accepts her offer of a place to stay, and in the quiet intimacy of their reunion, the film meticulously unravels the layers of their shared history, revealing how “repentance brings no pardon and sacrifice brings no justice.” Their estranged yet intertwined daily lives become a poignant exploration of old wounds and the desperate search for redemption.

The true brilliance of this film lies in the raw and authentic performances of its lead actors. Xin Zhilei—who also won the Best Actress award the the Venice Film Festival—delivers a masterclass in nuanced acting as Meiyun. She flawlessly embodies the internal conflict of a woman who projects a facade of success on her livestreams while wrestling with profound guilt and the harsh realities of her existence. Her ability to convey such complex emotions with subtle shifts in expression is captivating.

Zhang Songwen as Baoshu is equally formidable. He portrays a man scarred by both physical illness and emotional betrayal with remarkable depth. His chemistry with Xin Zhilei is palpable—a convincing portrayal of ex-partners whose passionate past has soured, yet whose fates remain stubbornly intertwined. Together, their performances elevate the film, providing a much-needed emotional anchor to its morality-driven melodrama.

While the focus is heavily on the leads, actor Feng Shaofeng also contributes to the film’s powerful ensemble, rounding out a cast that brings an undeniable authenticity to this heartbreaking narrative.

Cai Shangjun’s direction, characterized by its understated intensity, allows these incredible performances to shine. The film’s strength lies in its ability to tackle weighty themes through seemingly simple scenes, letting its characters “wrestle in silence, erupt in despair.” The Sun Rises on Us All is a testament to the enduring power of love, the crushing burden of sacrifice, and the inescapable echoes of our past. You won’t want to miss this one. Released just a few days ago, catch a clip from the film below before seeing where you can catch the full film in all its tear-filled glory.

Cover image via The Hollywood Reporter.