Per Aspera Ad Astra (2026)

The film is worth watching and rewatching

In this sci-fi blockbuster, Dylan Wang plays an astronaut named Xu Tianbiao. The plot revolves around a virtual dream system called "Sweet Dreams," which allows people to create their own worlds, but it's fraught with danger. Dylan takes on over 15 different roles in these dreams, from a warrior to a gangster. The film is captivating in its cinematic dynamism, and Dylan has an excellent sense of camerawork. In scenes where reality around him collapses or changes color (like a kaleidoscope), his movements make the action believable, even if it's purely visual. The contrast between "image" and pain is palpable, as you see an incredibly beautiful background, but Dylan's face reflects rage or despair. This dissonance compels you to keep watching, wanting to understand why the hero feels so miserable in such a beautiful world. When he fights in a space where there is no up or down, it looks like an expensive art object. The sheer scale of the film is a joy in itself. Dylan conveyed his character's loneliness through his facial expressions as digital reality crumbles around him. The scene where the character realizes he's just code in the system was the most emotional, revealing his soul, not just his face. With a cold, almost lifeless gaze, Dylan managed to convey his natural charisma and warmth, becoming a frighteningly beautiful instrument of the system. The actor demonstrated his ability to play abstract states.
The film is worth watching and rewatching for its fantastical narrative, beautiful visuals, music, acting, and thought-provoking content.

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Worth Another watch

Theme was unique on its own, though the 'transport and wake up' part is similar to an English movie, overall the story makes you want to see it more. Movie felt too short for me and could have been a few episodes longer, though I guess this - not enough is what's enough to want more but more would probably be cringe, who knows. The setup's in the dream were great and fun plus the effects which makes it fun instead of bloody. Dylan and Victoria, they're like a son and mother duo, a hyper kid and a serious mother, maybe caused by their position as well in the story. I liked Dylan's banter with the AI, they're like siblings, trying to irritate the other. I like how it started like it's going to be a fun show but got serious, then even serious as it goes.

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