THE WANDERING EARTH

THE WANDERING EARTH is a live action Chinese science fiction movie that’s had wild success in China. The movie takes place on an Earth that’s been moving toward a different solar system for hundreds of years. The sun has been unable to warm the Earth’s surface, as it’s been slowly dying out. People all over the world have retreated underground, moving entire cities and civilizations in order to survive.

From above, Beijing looks practically abandoned, with only authorized people being allowed to go outside, and only in special space suits that keep them alive above ground. For years now, countries across the globe have built giant thrusters that, when blown in unison, are able to throw the Earth out of its normal orbit around the sun. They’ve been slowly moving it across the solar system, attempting to move it into another, one with a sun that will warmth the Earth again.

Han Duoduo sits in her usual class and solely desires to be outside. Her teachers tell her that this isn’t possible, but she’s determined. Her and her brother have devised a plan. They steal space suits that are authorized to leave, and Duoduo sneaks the ID badge of her grandfather, who drives a truck for the government. They make it outside and into their grandfather’s truck, but have hardly gone anywhere before they are thrown in jail for unlawful driving. Their grandfather soon finds them in jail and reminds them that their father, who has been on a mission in space, will be returning soon because his mission has ended.

However, an unexpected disaster takes everyone by surprise. Suddenly, the entire Earth is trembling with earthquakes, causing giant buildings to fall, as well as rocks and structures, crushing anyone underneath. They soon learn that as they have been trying to pass Jupiter, Earth has been captured by Jupiter’s gravitational pull, and is being quickly thrown into a fatal path. Now they have to figure out a way to thrust Earth out of the grasp of Jupiter, or suffer this deathly fate and say goodbye to the existence of the human race.

Spoken in Mandarin with English subtitles, some of the dialogue and humor doesn’t seem to completely translate, but still can be enjoyable in both languages. This sci-fi story has been very well done, a fascinating “end of the world” tale. Some of the graphics could have been done better, as a few scenes can make viewers feel as if they’re inside of a video game. However, the story is well told, with actors who give their all on screen.

THE WANDERING EARTH follows a moral worldview that centers around major themes of self-sacrifice and a love for mankind as a whole. There is a small element of false religion when a character prays to themselves and comments that “Gang Zi” will protect them. There is also violence consistent throughout the movie with a moderate amount of blood and many deaths. Because of the violence, as well as some images that could be disturbing for younger viewers, MOVIEGUIDE® advises strong caution.