The Chinese film “Upstream” is about a troubled programmer who has to deliver food. A fate that upsets many Chinese viewers.
Supplier in Paris – AFP/Archive
In China, an unusually critical film about the hard life of food delivery workers is causing a stir. “Upstream”, directed by star director and actor Xu Zheng, tells the story of Gao Zhilei, a programmer who loses his job.
The film hits a nerve because it encapsulates many of China’s current economic problems in Gao’s fate: Even in his mid-40s, he is unable to find a new job because he is considered too old. The pressure is great, as he also has to pay off the mortgage on his expensive apartment, which has lost massive value during the real estate crash.
His daughter goes to an expensive private school. Gao also has to pay his father’s high medical bills somehow. In desperation, he takes a job as a food delivery man.
Gig workers are on the rise in China
Delivery services have seen a huge boom in China in recent years, especially in urban centers. Platforms like Meituan and Ele.me dominate the market, with millions of gig workers working for these companies. Gig workers are people who have flexible, often short-term employment contracts and usually work without permanent employment. There are more and more of them in China.
The services rely on highly algorithmic systems that calculate and optimize delivery times in minute detail. In the film, Gao quickly learns about the merciless working conditions. He has to cope with 14-hour days and take life-threatening risks in road traffic in order to earn a halfway acceptable income.
Cinema-goers moved by history
“For a moment I didn’t want to continue watching. Not because the film was bad, but because it was too bitter,” reads one of many comments on the social network Weibo. “The film didn’t mention me, but I felt like every word was about me,” writes another user, whose post was shared many times.
“The helpless situation of Gao Zhilei, who falls into a parallel life, is a true portrayal of too many peers,” said another user. However, “Upstream” also sparked controversy. Some moviegoers criticized the optimistic ending, which they considered unrealistic.
Protagonist Gao manages to free himself from his financial problems through hard work. He develops a navigation app that integrates the secret shortcuts of an experienced colleague. This makes him the best driver on his team and he receives a bonus. The app eventually attracts the interest of investors.
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