“A Writer’s Odyssey” is a 2021 Chinese science fiction film about a writer whose novel character comes to life and takes him on a fantastic journey. The story revolves around a desperate father, Guan Ning, who is searching for his missing daughter. When he is contacted by a mysterious organisation called “The House of Writing”, he learns that his daughter has been kidnapped and the only way he can secure her release is by finishing the novel of a famous author named Kongwen Li.
The film switches back and forth between two storylines. On the one hand, we see Guan Ning facing the dangers of the real world and being hunted by the author’s henchmen. On the other hand, we are immersed in Kong’s imaginative world where his character in the novel, a hitman named Tu Ling, struggles to find his maker and kill him in order to gain his own immortality.
One of the film’s most madcap ideas is the connection between the real world and the fictional world of the novel. Guan Ning and Kongwen Li have a strange connection to each other, and their actions influence each other. Surreal moments arise in which the boundaries between reality and fiction become blurred. One example is when Guan Ning enters the fictional world and suddenly finds himself in a battle between fantasy creatures and futuristic soldiers.
Another absurd scene is the display of Kongwen’s powers. He can use a special pen to bring characters to life and influence their fates. This ability leads to thrilling and action-packed moments in which the limits of imagination are exceeded.
The film also impresses with its visual effects and set design. The world of the novel is rich in fantasy, with breathtaking landscapes and impressive creatures. The action sequences are dynamic and full of special effects that transport the viewer into an exciting and surreal world.
