(China Daily) Three years after Be Somebody, one of the highest-grossing films of 2021, director Liu Xunzimo has returned to delight fans with his latest release, To Gather Around.A satirical comedy that explores office dynamics, the film starring Deng Chao, Zheng Yunlong, and Yu Entai got its domestic release on November 15.
The twisting plot follows a seasoned, but somewhat timid programmer who goes to great lengths to protect his job when his company, an internet giant, initiates a large-scale downsizing.
Upon discovering that he is among those slated to go, he devises a plan to feign expertise in artificial intelligence in order to remain employed for an extra 100 days and secure company stock options valued at 8 million yuan ($1.1 million).
The supporting roles are illustrations of different forms of workplace discrimination, ranging from the unfair treatment of a pregnant PR staffer, to disregard for a genius programmer's creativity and the complexities of relationships within the workplace.
During the film's Beijing premiere, Liu, a 38-year-old Beijing native, revealed that he had done research at several internet companies, and added that he hoped the film's nuanced portrayal of workplace stress would resonate with a broad audience.
The movie stars Deng Chao as a seasoned, yet timid programmer who fights for his dream and friends. 
Source: By Xu Fan | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2024-11-15 14:46 