Gu Xiaogang’s “The First Taste of Loneliness”: A Cinematic Exploration of Grief and Healing

Rising Chinese filmmaker Gu Xiaogang, known for his captivating storytelling and visual mastery, is making waves with his latest project, “The First Taste of Loneliness.” This highly anticipated film will star renowned Chinese cinema icon, Zhou Xun, whose notable works include “Suzhou River” and “Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress.” The film is set to delve into complex themes such as grief, love, and the cyclical nature of life, all through the lens of loneliness.

A Triumphant Trilogy

“The First Taste of Loneliness” is not just another film; it represents the concluding chapter of Gu’s “Shan-Shui” (“Landscape”) trilogy. The series began with “Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains,” which made history in 2019 by being the first Chinese film to close Critics’ Week at Cannes. Following this success, Gu continued his narrative exploration with “Dwelling by the West Lake,” which garnered three nominations at the 17th Asian Film Awards, including a Best Actress win for lead Jiang Qinqin. The films have resonated with audiences, as evidenced by the impressive 121 million RMB gross at the domestic box office prior to the film’s upcoming release in Japan in 2024.

The Narrative Opened

Zhou Xun stars as a woman navigating the complexities of her father’s death. As she processes her grief, she must also adjust to her mother beginning a new romance. Meanwhile, the discovery of a list of her father’s final wishes adds another layer of depth to the emotional narrative. Set across three generations—elderly, middle-aged, and youth—the film promises to be a profound meditation on love, death, and healing, exploring the notion of loneliness that resonates with many.

International Reach and Collaboration

Handling international sales for “The First Taste of Loneliness” will be Paris-based Losange Films, excluding select regions such as France and the Greater China area, while co-production duties fall to Tandem Films led by Mathieu Robinet. This collaboration is significant in expanding the film’s global footprint, especially given Gu Xiaogang’s rising status on the international stage.

“Young director Gu Xiaogang impressed us from his very first film,” said Alice Lesort, head of international sales at Losange Films. She emphasized that “this new project promises to establish him as a major contemporary filmmaker.” This statement reflects the keen interest from international circles in Gu’s unique storytelling approach that blends visual flair with substantial themes.

Tandem Films’ Mathieu Robinet added, “The strength of ‘The First Taste of Loneliness’ lies not only in its striking visual ambition but also in the emotional depth and moral complexity of its narrative.” With quotes like these underscoring the film’s potential, audiences eagerly await its release and the conversations it will spark.

A Stellar Cast and Crew

In addition to Zhou Xun, the film features a prestigious Chinese cast that includes award-winning actress XI Meijuan, known for her role in “The Left-Behind Lady,” as well as Wang Shengdi, Zhou Yiwei, Mu Zhicheng, and XU Chaoying from “Green Wave.” The film will also benefit from the expertise of acclaimed Japanese cinematographer Takimoto Mikiya, celebrated for his work on films like “Like Father, Like Son.”

The film’s crew is rounded out by talented professionals in various capacities: production designer Zhou Xingyu, costume designer Su Chao, sound director LI Danfeng, and editor Matthieu Laclau. Together, they comprise a dynamic team poised to bring Gu’s vision to life.

Reflecting on a Major Moment

As we look forward to “The First Taste of Loneliness,” it is clear that Gu Xiaogang’s work is not only a milestone for his career but also represents a significant contribution to modern cinema. This film offers audiences an opportunity to reflect on universal themes of grief, love, and healing, challenging us to navigate our emotions more profoundly. With its anticipated release, Gu continues to solidify his place as a formidable figure in the ever-evolving landscape of international filmmaking.

In summary, “The First Taste of Loneliness” is set to be a cinematic exploration that resonates on many levels—philosophical, emotional, and human. We can’t wait to witness the beauty Gu Xiaogang and his team will undoubtedly create on screen.

For more on Gu Xiaogang’s filmmaking journey, check out our articles on his earlier works like Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains and Dwelling by the West Lake.