Directed by mainland hitmaker Zhang Yimou, "Article 20" combines the genres of a legal thriller and a domestic farce. Its plot centers around the legal right to self-defense in China, making it a state-approved crowd favorite. Viewers might be surprised to learn that the film was the fourth highest-grossing release during the Lunar New Year and was co-produced by the office of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP).
"Article 20" has certainly cemented Zhang's reputation as a masterful and conflicted story weaver, capable of meshing together disparate elements into a comprehensive plot. The movie's emotional peak sees a heartfelt speech emphasizing the improved justice that Chinese citizens deserve.
Han Ming, portrayed by Lei Jiayin, serves as the viewer's proxy in the movie. He is a conflict-averse SPP prosecutor, unwittingly entangled in a case involving Hao Xiuping (Zhao Zanilia) and Wang (Yu Hewei), her missing partner. Both Hao and Wang find themselves the victims of a violent loan shark, Liu, after borrowing money from him. Wang retaliates against his abuser by stabbing Liu 26 times, causing his eventual demise in hospital.
Meanwhile, Han is on a dual mission, balancing the complexities of his professional life while safeguarding his domestic life, in particular his wife's fears of an alleged affair with his idealistic colleague. However, with the escalating conflicts in his life – including his son facing criminal charges, personal protection becomes a far-fetched dream for Han.
"Article 20" succeeds on multiple fronts - the comedic undertones in Han's domestic life contrast with the intense courtroom drama, revealing Zhang's ability to blend comedy and drama to keep audiences enthralled. The humor primarily derives from the palpable chemistry and flawless comedic timing between Lei and Li, playing Han's wife.
The strength of Meng Li's screenplay shines through, featuring rapid-fire dialogue that reflects the dynamic of Han's marriage. Despite turning into a drama towards the end, fans of the movie are likely drawn to the amusing bickering of Han and Li.
However, the film's intense conversational rhythm tends to become tiresome after a while, reducing the impact of serious disagreements between Han and Li. There's also a sense that the film's message overpowers Zhang's usually unflagging pace.
While "Article 20" may seem to suffer from being an SPP-approved production, its potential and energy cannot be underestimated. Audiences may find enough of a charm in it to enjoy the intriguing complexities Zhang and his team present, with a blend of satire and straightforward narrative that remains engaging throughout.
