China’s Gig Economy Under the Spotlight in New Blockbuster Movie

A new movie has been making waves in China, tackling some of the country’s most pressing economic issues. ‘Upstream’ tells the story of a middle-aged programmer who loses his job and is forced to join the gig economy as a food delivery driver. The movie shines a light on the harsh realities of this line of work, where drivers are pushed to their limits and often struggle to make ends meet.

Chinese food delivery drivers face long hours and low pay

The movie, directed by and starring Xu Zheng, has been a surprise hit at the box office, with over 5 million viewers as of Tuesday. It’s a rare example of a Chinese blockbuster tackling real-world issues, rather than the usual fare of war films, historical dramas, or romances.

The movie’s focus on economic issues is particularly timely, given the current uncertainty in China’s deflationary economy. As one viewer noted on Douban, a Chinese online movie database, ‘It’s quite bold to tackle this subject.’

Chinese food delivery drivers face long hours and low pay

The movie depicts the intense competition between drivers and platforms, with drivers often taking dangerous shortcuts to meet demanding delivery times. This is a reality that many Chinese people can relate to, as the gig economy continues to grow and more people turn to these types of jobs to make ends meet.

As Ashley Dudarenok, founder of a Hong Kong-based marketing consultancy, noted, ‘It’s a rather realistic depiction of the psyche of many Chinese people today.’

Chinese food delivery drivers face long hours and low pay

The movie has sparked a lot of discussion online, with some viewers praising its realistic portrayal of the gig economy and others criticizing its happy ending. As one reviewer noted, ‘In order to make the movie more ’entertaining’ some authenticity has been sacrificed.’

Chinese food delivery drivers face long hours and low pay

Despite the controversy, ‘Upstream’ is an important movie that sheds light on a critical issue in China’s economy. As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of the gig economy, movies like this one can help spark important conversations and raise awareness about the need for change.