The Jackson Yee-starrer Big World narrates the story of Liu Chunhe, a young man with cerebral palsy who does his best to lead a resilient life despite being subjected to discrimination and prejudice. He writes poetry, plays the drums in his grandmother’s choir group, and wishes to attend a university and marry Yaya (played by Zhou Yutong). Does he succeed? We’ve got the answers in our ending explained piece for Big World, the Chinese movie currently streaming on Netflix.
Big World premiered at the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), winning the Audience Award. One of the highest-grossing Chinese movies helmed by Yang Lina, it recorded a whopping USD 99.7 million worldwide, as of 20 January, according to Variety.
Reflecting on the message of the movie, director Yang shared in a behind-the-scenes video that Big World is meant to open a window into the life of China’s disabled minority. She said, “There are 80 million disabled people in China, but we seldom see them on the streets. Where have they gone? Did they make themselves invisible? Do they not want to go outside? The film explores a group of small and unnoticed individuals in a big world.”
The cast and the characters they play
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- Jackson Yee as Liu Chunhe
- Diana Lin as Chen Suqun
- Jiang Qinqin as Chen Lu
- Zhou Yutong as Yaya
Spoilers ahead!
Big World Chinese movie ending explained: Why does Liu Chunhe try to end his life?
Trigger warning: Mentions of self-harm/suicide
Towards the end of the Jackson Yee starrer Chinese movie, Chunhe’s mother, Chen Lu, gives birth to a baby girl. Later, when Chunhe accompanies his grandmother Chen Suqun to the hospital to meet his little sister, his mother pushes him away from the baby. Before bed that night, a heartbroken Chunhe asks his grandmother if his sister would ever want a brother like him.
Soon, a flashback offers viewers a deeper insight into the strained relationship between Chunhe and his mother. Once, when a young Chunhe was hiding in a large trolly bag to escape her nagging, she assumed he had gone out of the house. Unable to locate him, Chunhe’s mother had asked her second husband aloud, “Wouldn’t it make our lives easier if we couldn’t find him at all?”
In the present, Chunhe sheds silent tears recalling that day and decides to confront his mother. What follows is a heated argument between them where Chunhe informs his mother that he always knew that she resented him and wanted him to stay hidden at home. Agreeing to his allegations, she admits she has always resented his existence.
In the next few days, Chunhe grows even quieter. In one of his vulnerable moments, Chunhe, who has a habit of choking while eating due to his disease, deliberately starts filling his mouth with multiple candies. When his grandmother comes to check on him, she finds him lying unconscious on the floor.
Chunhe is rushed to the hospital and after a minor operation, survives. His mother visits him there and apologises. Later, Chunhe requests his grandmother to keep his suicide attempt a secret from his mother.
Big World Chinese movie ending explained: Does Liu Chunhe get into the university of his dreams?
Yes, he does.
Once back from the hospital, Chunhe spends most of his time applying to universities. His goal is to study Chinese literature at a prestigious university so that he can fulfil his dream of becoming a teacher.
While his mother believes that no university will accept him, towards the end of the movie, Chunhe finally receives an acceptance letter from Normal University.
In the climax, viewers see Chen Suqun dropping off her grandson Chunhe at the university campus. Before bidding her goodbye, Chunhe requests her to enjoy her life, now that he is no longer her responsibility.
Do Yaya and Chunhe end up together?
No, they don’t.
Chunhe and Yaya first meet during one of Chen Suqun’s choir group rehearsals. They become friends eventually and start spending time together. Yaya’s presence and interest in knowing him better bring Chunhe joy, and he starts dreaming of a future with her.
During one of their outings, Chunhe musters up the courage to hold Yaya’s hand. However, she leaves without any explanation. Chunhe understands Yaya’s unspoken words and realises she doesn’t have romantic feelings for him. The duo never meet again.
Watch Big World on Netflix
(Hero and featured image credit: Netflix)