'Cities of Last Things': Release date, cast, plot, trailer and everything you need to know about the sci-fi drama
First released in 2018 at the Toronto International Film Festival, 'Cities of Last Things' was named the winner of the Platform Prize. A co-production from Taiwan, China, France and the United States, the film is a sci-fi drama that revolves around the suicide of its key character Zhang Dong Ling and retells his story in reverse chronological order.
Directed by Malaysian filmmaker Ho Wi Ding, the film takes the viewer through three different eras. While the first one is set in a dystopian vision of the year 2035, the second is a film noir segment that reflects on Zhang's job as a police officer and the third is a flashback from his childhood encounter with a local organized crime boss.
Release date
The movie first released in 2018 and can now be streamed on Netflix.
Plot
The movie begins with an opening scene where a man named Zhang Dong Ling falls from his apartment block. The dramatic plot then takes the viewer through three life-changing moments that led him to take that decision.
Told in reverse-chronological order, the film slowly reveals his inner conscience and his fraught inner world that affected him so greatly as to take his own life.
Cast
The character of Zhang is portrayed by Jack Kao in the first segment, Lee Hong-chi in the second, and Hsieh Chang-Ying in the third. The cast also includes Huang Lu and Louise Grinberg.
Director/Writer
Born and raised in Malaysia, Ho Wi Ding wrote, directed and produced the movie along with Hu Chi Hsin, Winnie Lau, Alexis Perrin and Ronan Wong.
Trailer
Netflix's 'Cities of Last Things' presents an interesting reverse take on questions related to life, love and death. The 2-minute clip shows a glimpse of the dramatic storyline.
Where to watch
The movie that first released on September 8, 2018, and is now available for streaming on Netflix.