A new sci-fi film, "Evacuate from the 21st Century," directed by Li Yang, has recently impressed Chinese audiences during advance screenings, injecting new energy and wild imagination into Chinese sci-fi filmmaking.

Cast and crew pose for a photo at the premiere of "Evacuate from the 21st Century," July 29, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Enlight Media]

The film tells a hilarious story in which three teenagers on Planet K, a surreal version of Earth in a parallel universe, discover that they have the power to time travel back and forth between 1999 and 2019 with a sneeze. However, after time traveling, they realize that the future is not as good as they had hoped, finding themselves needing to take on the responsibility of saving the world. 

The brainchild of director Li Yang, "Evacuate from the 21st Century" combines exaggerated, comic-like 2D animation with stylish live-action scenes, creating a wild rollercoaster ride that is full of vibrant colors and action. 

Prior to this feature film, Li is known for creating two critically acclaimed animated shorts, "Lee's Adventure" (2009) and "Bad Future" (2013), which were widely applauded as China's top creative works by a broad range of internet users. In 2011, Li shared a directorial credit with Frant Gwo on a live-action adaptation of "Lee's Adventure."

Gwo, his collaborator and long-time friend, later became China's biggest star in the sci-fi genre after making a film series that would be hailed as box office juggernauts: "The Wandering Earth." Meanwhile, Li spent eight years and considerable energy on "Evacuate from the 21st Century," overcoming various difficulties and challenges along the way.

"He is still that Li Yang, he still hasn't grown up, and he has come back," Gwo declared at the premiere in Beijing on July 29, praising Li. Indie sci-fi director Kong Dashan, another collaborator of Gwo's and creator of the critically acclaimed sci-fi pseudo-documentary "Journey to the West" (2023), also declared himself a long time and dedicated fan of Li's work. "I don't know how many years I should have waited to see a film as awesome as this. I hope you are quick to make your next one!"

At the premiere for "Evacuate from the 21st Century," director Li shared his desire to convey through the lens that the courage and passion of adolescence has not vanished, hoping that everyone can awaken that younger version of themselves.

Filmmakers and friends, Frant Gwo, Li Yang and Kong Dashan, pose for a photo at the premiere of "Evacuate from the 21st Century," July 29, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Enlight Media]

Numerous critics, industry fellows and audience members shared positive feedback, calling this sci-fi flick "crazy" but "amazing," as well as "one of a kind" and "a rare thing that has not been seen much before."

"B for Busy" director Shao Yihui was in attendance and noted that "Evacuate from the 21st Century" made her feel the same type of thrill she felt when watching "Requiem for a Dream" (2000), "Shaun of the Dead" (2004) and "Hot Fuzz" (2007). "I used to wonder when Chinese directors would make films in this style. Actually, Li had already showcased his talent in his previous two short films, and this feature film did not disappoint. It is a film that lingers in our minds," she said.

"Evacuate from the 21st Century" will hit theaters in China nationwide on Aug. 2.

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