BRIEF HISTORY OF A FAMILY: A Review
by Karen Pecota

Jianjie Lin | China | Denmark | 2024

The feature film debut from filmmaker Jianjie Lin in BRIEF HISTORY OF A FAMILY dives into dark truths and hidden yearnings of a middle-class family living in China’s post one-child policy.

Lin majored in biology as an undergraduate obtaining a bachelor’s degree in bioinformatics, this path presented a passion for deciphering human existence leading him to filmmaking. He notes, “I’ve always been fascinated by the idea that the micro world often holds a mirror to the macro world.” Adding, “In this film, I examine a family both as a living cell going through changes on multiple levels, and as a cell of our evolving society, which inevitably shapes the psyche and sentiments of its people.” Lin continues, “…to invite the audience to look beyond what they see, listen beyond what they hear.”

Lin presents in BRIEF HISTORY OF A FAMILY a remarkably creative way to give food for thought on how families try to adjust when their social norms are challenged, and relational boundaries are threatened.

Synopsis:

Wei (Lin Muran), is an outgoing high schooler, and son of a middle-class family living in China. Wei’s father (Zu Feng) is a cell biologist, and his mother (Guy Keyu) is a former flight attendant.

Wei befriends a rather quiet classmate, Shuo (Sun Xilun), after an incident occurrs at school that oddly connects the two. Shuo is not someone who Wei would have naturally reached out to, but due to the unusual circumstances, Shuo is happy to call Wei a friend.

Shuo eventually meets Wei’s parents who welcome him to come into their home at any time. After Wei’s parents are made aware of Shuo’s troubled background, they are open to offering him a safe environment when he needs it.

Over time Shuo weaves himself into Wei’s family life, often enjoying taking Wei’s place as a son. Relational challenges begin to surface within Wei’s once tight threesome family bond. Tragedy strikes unexpectedly between the two boys and Wei’s parents must decide what place their son holds within their family.