What story does the Light of the White Tower tell?

"The Light of the White Tower" tells the story of the ambiguous relationship between middle-aged man Gu Wentong and young photographer Ouyang Wenhui, thus revealing their complex conflicts with their father, lover and themselves.

"The Light of the White Tower" is a feature film written and directed by Zhang Lu, starring Xin Baiqing, Huang Yao, Tian Zhuangzhuang, Nan Ji, and Li Qinqin. The film will be released in mainland China on October 27, 2023. The film tells the story of the ambiguous relationship between middle-aged man Gu Wentong and young photographer Ouyang Wenhui, thus revealing their complex conflicts with their father, lover and themselves.

Director Zhang Lu uses an almost floating and light attitude to develop a subtle network of relationships around the film's protagonist Gu Wentong, which is rare in cinemas. "The Light of the White Tower" is not about the giant shadow left behind one person, but about the collection of many, many smaller shadows that make up the moving and tragic complexity of life.

Film evaluation of "The Light of the White Tower"

There are so many events and observations in the film that the audience only subtly noticed the overall design of director Zhang Lu, a possible connection in the future. The relationship was already on shaky ground before it even began, while another relationship that had been broken was being carefully repaired.

"The Light of the White Tower" is a very clever and realistic reflection of the extremely unpredictable winds of fate, and it is impossible to predict that everything will always be so perfectly balanced. But it does show that middle age can be both comfortable and disappointing. When the audience realizes the invisible and intricate connections with the past, with the people in their life orbit, and with the place they call home, these connections will always give them a sense of comfort.