8. "Viva La Vida"

A poster for "Viva La Vida." [Image courtesy of Lian Ray Pictures]

The tearjerking romance film "Viva La Vida," directed by Han Yan, is the poignant final chapter of his loosely connected "Life" trilogy, following on from the popular "Go Away! Mr. Tumor" and "A Little Red Flower." Exploring themes of life, death and the enduring power of love, the film tells the heartbreaking yet hopeful story of two young lovers, played by Li Gengxi and Peng Yuchang, who are both battling terminal illnesses. As they form an unconventional bond, they pledge to support each other through their struggles. 

The film beautifully blends realism with romance, capturing the fragility of life while showing the resilience of the human spirit. Li Gengxi's portrayal earned her the youngest Best Actress title at the Golden Rooster Awards, while the chemistry between the leads adds emotional depth to the narrative. Through meticulous attention to detail and realistic depictions of the characters' daily lives, Han Yan creates an emotionally rich, uplifting experience, skillfully balancing sorrow with warmth. "Viva La Vida" transcends the movie, offering a deeply moving exploration of love, sacrifice and hope in the face of inevitable loss.