I didn't expect much when I was dragged into Chinese movie Johnny Keep Walking!–and I certainly didn't expect a cathartic experience that made me reflect on the world of work, corporate culture, and nothing less than the meaning of modern life. The English title sounds like a whiskey advert—and most Chinese comedies I've watched in recent years involved either an element of time travel or a Shallow Hal-ish storyline. But this movie is number one at the Chinese box office, and one of my New Year's resolutions is to stop raining on everyone's parade.
It's no wonder Johnny has outpaced all the other new year releases in the Chinese mainland. Similar to what's happening in the U.S. and Europe, China's populace is concerned about its economic prospects, a shrinking workforce, and a disengaged youth. Gen Zers are rebelling against traditional Chinese work values–and their "lying flat" philosophy is threatening to upend the world's second-biggest economy in a deep and permanent way. Working in a glass tower and living in the big city may still be the dream for a bumpkin like Jianlin, but China's young urbans are starting to head in the opposite direction and seeking more comfortable lifestyles in the countryside. So what is it about Johnny that's resonating with this disaffected cohort? It's a lot more than an anti-corporate tirade (although it is a lot of that at times).
