Yolo (2024) Review: A Chinese Boxing Drama About Self-Transformation and Determination

 

Yolo (Original Title: 热辣滚烫) | 2024 | 2h 9m
Genre: Sport / Boxing / Drama / Comedy / Action | Country: China
Director: Jia Ling | Writers: Shin Adachi, Yu Bu, Yupeng Guo
Cast: Jia Ling, Lei Jiayin, Zhang Xiaofei
IMDb: 6.9
My Rate: 8/10

After being betrayed by the people closest to her, Le Ying decides to change her life and prove herself by winning just one boxing match.

Warning

Contains violence, sensual scenes, and suicide.

 

Synopsis of Yolo

Le Ying (Jia Ling) spends most of her time at home doing very little after graduating from college, much to her family's frustration.

Her cousin, who works as a journalist, offers to help her find a job by having her appear on a television program she manages.

Le Ying does not want to participate in the show, which leads to an argument with her family. Things become even more difficult when she fights with her younger sister, who has returned to live with their mother after getting divorced.

They exchange hurtful words, and Le Ying eventually decides to leave home.

She begins living independently and finds work as a waitress at a restaurant. There, she becomes interested in a boxing coach at a gym nearby.

Their relationship gradually becomes closer, especially after Le Ying joins the gym and begins training.

However, she eventually discovers that her feelings are not being returned sincerely. The coach appears to be taking advantage of her, while several other unpleasant events also begin to pile up.

Eventually, Le Ying decides that she cannot continue living the way she has been.

She chooses to change her life.

Will Le Ying succeed in becoming a different version of herself?

 

Review of Yolo

Yolo is a Chinese adaptation of the Japanese film 100 Yen Love. Both films share a similar core story, but the main character in Yolo is given a more dramatic emotional journey through changes to her background and personality.

The premise itself is interesting, and the film presents it in an engaging way.

The story is structured systematically, and the backgrounds of the characters are established clearly. However, the expectations created by the trailer are not entirely fulfilled.

The first hour feels somewhat slow. Le Ying's character is intentionally passive and lacks enthusiasm for life. Even her voice is often barely audible, which fits the character but can make the early part of the film feel tedious.

The tension begins to build more strongly during the second half. This is where the energy shown in the trailer finally appears, and Le Ying's character development becomes more noticeable.

Unfortunately, the transformation is not explored in as much detail as it could have been. Even so, the change remains enough to capture the audience's attention.

Jia Ling's performance is one of the film's biggest strengths. She underwent a major physical transformation for the role, including losing 50 kilograms and training in boxing.

This was clearly not an easy process, and her commitment is visible in the way she portrays Le Ying's transformation. Her dedication also helps explain the recognition she received for the performance.

One scene does feel somewhat illogical. After talking with her former boxing coach, Le Ying suddenly begins shadowboxing. She even leaves behind the box of drinks she had brought from the restaurant.

The moment feels slightly random, as though it was inserted simply to show that something inside Le Ying had changed.

Despite that, the film remains enjoyable and carries a motivating message.

What makes the story meaningful is the idea that genuine change ultimately has to come from within. Other people can tell us to change, encourage us, or criticize us, but none of that matters if we do not want to change ourselves.

The film also benefits from showing the physical and emotional effort behind Le Ying's transformation. By the end, viewers can see more clearly what she has gone through to become the person she wants to be.

Overall, Yolo is an interesting and motivating film, especially for viewers who enjoy boxing stories and narratives about personal transformation.

 

Memorable Scene

After becoming disappointed in herself, Le Ying goes to the gym and tells the owner that she wants to fight in the boxing ring.

The coach initially laughs at her and considers the idea unrealistic. But Le Ying refuses to back down and demonstrates how serious she is about changing her life.

This scene highlights an important idea: change only becomes possible when the desire to change comes from within.

Other people can tell us to become different as many times as they want, but their words may have little effect if we are not ready.

Once we genuinely decide to change, even things that once seemed impossible can begin to feel achievable.

 

Memorable Dialogue

"She said she wanted to win once."

 

Ending

Happy Ending

 

Recommendation

Worth Watching

 

(Aluna Uwie)