Big World (Chinese Movie) Review: A Quiet Film That Made Me Cry

I found this movie by accident on TikTok, during one of my nightly bored scrolls, when something caught my eye for a second and made me swipe back. It was a man with cerebral palsy in a wheelchair watching the actor who plays him in a film inspired by his life. The clip itself was emotional to watch, and I immediately saved it to watch later. I wasn’t disappointed.

IMBD, Big World

Big World follows Chunhe, a young man living with cerebral palsy, as he navigates daily life under the weight of physical limitations, social judgment, and complicated family expectations. Though often underestimated and spoken for by others, Chunhe quietly holds onto his own sense of dignity, humor, and desire for independence.

At the center of the film is his relationship with his grandmother, whose unwavering support becomes both a source of strength and emotional tension. As Chunhe steps beyond the narrow boundaries imposed on him by society and circumstance, the film focuses less on dramatic plot turns and more on small, human moments.

Why I loved it:

Most movies I watch are centered on big plots and explosive moments, villains larger than life, and extraordinary heroes. Big World is about real life moments instead. It’s about learning how to face difficulty, how to step outside when it feels intimidating, how much effort it can take just to move through the day. It’s about how hard it sometimes is simply to be.

Chunhe is someone who faces difficulty from the moment he wakes up, from getting out of bed, to eating, to navigating family life. He is easy to root for and easy to relate to, because many of us have felt isolated, or wanted to stay in bed simply because facing the world felt harder. He tries genuinely hard to make the best of his situation, and I found that deeply admirable. I also loved watching his grandmother on screen. She was wonderful, full of warmth, determination, and an endless fight for her grandson.

Jackson Yee delivers an incredibly moving performance, fully transforming his body to portray a character living with cerebral palsy. He makes the movie feel personal and deeply felt.

🔥 Why You Should Watch

• Grounded in reality

• Emotional story

• Quiet human moments

• Strong understated performances

👎 What Might Not Work For Everyone

• Slow-paced film

• Emotionally heavy

• Not an easy watch

❤️ Final Verdict

This is an intensely emotional film that portrays everyday life through someone facing constant difficulty. It’s a worthwhile watch if you’re open to a quiet, human story that doesn’t rush its emotions.

Acting: 5/5

Storyline: 4/5

Cinematography: 5/5

Overall Entertainment Value: 5/5

 I rate it 9/10 stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Movie: Big World (2024)

Watch: YouTube