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Dying to Survive 2019

A leukemia patient, displaying remarkable courage and entrepreneurial spirit, takes it upon himself to smuggle unapproved medicines into China. His actions spark hope and demonstrate incredible resilience within a community facing difficult circumstances, while challenging the established system.

A leukemia patient, displaying remarkable courage and entrepreneurial spirit, takes it upon himself to smuggle unapproved medicines into China. His actions spark hope and demonstrate incredible resilience within a community facing difficult circumstances, while challenging the established system.

Does Dying to Survive have end credit scenes?

No!

Dying to Survive does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Dying to Survive

Explore the complete cast of Dying to Survive, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Dying to Survive

See how Dying to Survive is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Dying to Survive stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

85

Dying to Survive is characterized by strong emotional resonance and a compelling social message, though its pacing occasionally falters due to extended scenes. The film’s balanced blend of humor and pathos resonates through its narrative of moral dilemmas and social injustice. Critics applaud its sincerity and audience appeal, while noting some editing redundancies. Overall, it stands as an engaging drama offering both emotional impact and thoughtful provocation.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Dying to Survive

78
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of direction and cinematography, the film presents a grounded visual style that emphasizes natural light and authentic settings. Editing is generally fluid but occasionally extends scenes beyond their emotional payoff, resulting in minor pacing issues. Production design remains unobtrusive yet effective. Net impression: a visually coherent film with restrained artistry and occasional editorial lapses.

90
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character depth and emotional resonance, performances are uniformly engaging, with Xu Zheng conveying a clear transformation from self-interest to compassion. Chemistry among the leads fosters sincere bonds, and humor complements the dramatic arcs. While some find the emotional beats familiar, the net effect remains a heartfelt and credible portrayal of human resilience.

80
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of plot coherence and pacing, the narrative sustains audience engagement through its real-life premise and balanced tension. The development of moral dilemmas unfolds logically, though some sequences repeat thematic elements, slightly extending the runtime. Originality emerges in its social commentary, and overall the story offers a compelling progression with only modest structural redundancies.

82
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

When it comes to the score and visual style, the film employs a measured soundtrack that swells during key emotional moments and recedes during quieter scenes. Sound design remains clear and unobtrusive, supporting narrative focus. The understated color palette and cohesive visual choices create an immersive atmosphere, resulting in a consistent sensory experience.

85
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

In terms of rewatch value, the film’s blend of humor and social critique invites reflection on subsequent viewings. Emotional highs retain their impact, while insight into systemic issues reveals additional nuances. Although familiarity may reduce the element of surprise, the sustained thematic depth and character arcs provide lasting appeal and encourage return viewings.

Metacritic

63

Metascore

tbd

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

86%

TOMATOMETER

review

91%

User Score

TMDB

81

%

User Score

Letterboxd

3.7

From 21 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate Dying to Survive Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Dying to Survive with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Dying to Survive Quiz: Test your knowledge on the film 'Dying to Survive' and its themes of morality, desperation, and the high cost of medical treatment.

What is Cheng Yong's primary motivation in the film?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Dying to Survive

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Read the complete plot summary of Dying to Survive, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


In a desperate attempt to rescue his struggling business and secure necessary medical help for his father, Cheng Yong encounters a significant twist in his fortunes. Once a successful seller of aphrodisiacs, he comes face to face with a mysterious buyer shrouded in surgical masks who presents him with a lucrative proposition. This enigmatic individual urges Cheng to procure an inexpensive yet effective leukemia treatment from India, a drug that has become unattainable due to its staggering costs imposed by the Swiss pharmaceutical giant, imatinib.

As Cheng’s financial burdens begin to lighten with each successful smuggling transaction, he unwittingly becomes a pivotal figure in a burgeoning black market. His once modest store transforms into a vital resource for patients yearning for a sliver of hope in their relentless fight against chronic myelogenous leukemia. Yet, as his wealth increases and his business reputation solidifies, Cheng finds himself grappling with uncomfortable ethical dilemmas. The harrowing tales of families ravaged by the exorbitant prices of cancer treatments start to haunt his conscience, prompting him to reconsider the morality behind his newfound success.

At the same time, Chinese authorities relentlessly pursue the illicit trade of imatinib, determined to eradicate the unregulated distribution of generic drugs. As complications mount, Nova, the patent holder of the original medication, initiates legal proceedings against the Indian government for breaching their intellectual property rights. With the law closing in on him and the stakes raised higher than ever, Cheng Yong must confront the profound moral ramifications of his choices and the human impact of his financial gain. Ultimately, he stands at a crossroads, where the lines between right and wrong blur amidst a climate of desperation and uncertainty.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Cars Featured in Dying to Survive

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Explore all cars featured in Dying to Survive, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Auto

Union 1000 S

Bajaj

RE CNG

Bajaj

RE Compact

BJC

Cherokee

BMW

2010

523i F10

BMW

2016

Brilliance 3

Buick

2013

Encore

Buick

2014

GL8 II

Dongfeng

2007

Fengxing Lingzhi M3

Dongfeng-Nissan

2004

Bluebird

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