What Is Cities of Last Things About?
The premise of Cities of Last Things in 324 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a near‑future metropolis where the very fabric of reality seems to fray, the film follows a single day that unravels in reverse, pulling the viewer through three distinct eras of the same urban landscape. The city itself feels both hyper‑modern and oddly weary, its neon‑lit alleys and cramped interiors echoing the disintegration that the story suggests. This structural choice creates a constantly shifting perspective, inviting the audience to piece together a life that is simultaneously ordinary and extraordinary.
At the heart of the narrative is Zhang Dong Ling, an unremarkable man whose personal routine gradually dissolves into a series of unsettling encounters. As we move backward through his middle age, his youthful vigor as a police officer, and finally his reckless adolescence, each stage reveals a different facet of his character—his yearning for connection, his quiet desperation, and the lingering shadows of past choices. The film’s tone balances a muted, almost clinical realism with moments of dream‑like surreality, making the everyday feel a little too thin, a little too bright, as if the city is holding its breath.
The story introduces several key figures who orbit Zhang’s life without revealing their ultimate roles. A charismatic woman known as Ara appears, hinting at a complex bond that haunts him across time. A stern authority figure, Shi Zhi‑Wen, represents the institutional forces that both shape and challenge him, while the resilient Big Sister Wang offers a glimpse of solidarity amid chaos. Their interactions are framed more by emotional resonance than by explicit plot mechanics, suggesting connections that are as fragile as the world they inhabit.
Through its reverse chronology and atmospheric visual language, the film becomes a meditation on how memory, regret, and desire can reshape perception. The city’s pulse slows and quickens in tandem with Zhang’s inner turmoil, leaving the viewer with a lingering sense that the line between mundane routine and unraveling chaos is thinner than it appears—waiting, perhaps, to be crossed again.
What Happens in Cities of Last Things?
The complete story of Cities of Last Things, from the first scene to the last, in 586 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
The film commences in 2056 with a gripping sequence where an anonymous individual takes a leap from an apartment window, resulting in a tragic demise. The narrative unfolds in reverse chronological order, intricately exploring three key moments in the life of Zhang Dong Ling, leading up to this fateful act.
In the initial segment, we find a middle-aged Zhang, who is distressed after witnessing his wife engaging in suggestive dance moves with another man. In a fit of rage, he confronts the man and storms out of the dance hall. Seeking solace, he visits a prostitute and observes her using a “rejuvenation fluid” that enhances youthfulness. Driven by desperation, he acquires a gun from her and later meets another prostitute, Ara, who evokes memories of someone from his past. While attempting to scan Ara’s ID, he is met with an absence of information, which deepens his sense of loss. Their encounter escalates into a passionate affair, stirring haunting recollections for Zhang. Disguised as a doctor, he then infiltrates a heavily guarded hospital to confront the unconscious Minister of Health, Shi Zhi-Wen. After waking him, he chillingly reminds him of their past before taking his life. Zhang’s downward spiral continues as he visits his wife’s lover, who discloses that they are in love and suggests divorce, igniting a violent confrontation. In a final heated argument over the rejuvenation fluid, Zhang strangles his wife. Evidence from her memory ultimately leads the police to classify him as the murderer, prompting his desperate escape by shooting a drone sent for his capture and jumping out the window.
The second segment transports us to Zhang’s younger years when he serves as a police officer. He begins by arresting Ara for shoplifting, but fate intervenes when his partner grants him time off to surprise his wife with a cake. To his horror, he discovers Shi Zhi-Wen, his superior, tangled in a compromising situation with his wife. In a moment of rage, he threatens Zhi-Wen but is swiftly overpowered. Haunted by visions of betrayal, Zhang contemplates suicide but ultimately lacks the resolve. Acting out, he vandalizes Zhi-Wen’s locker, scattering dirty money in a fit of anger. His path crosses with Ara again, but this time he chooses compassion over duty, paying for her stolen items. However, their budding relationship leads to tragic consequences when Zhi-Wen retaliates, assaulting Zhang. After sharing a night with Ara, they dream of a life together, only for Zhang’s world to collapse as he is arrested on corruption charges, leading to a six-month prison sentence and the heartbreaking realization that he may never see Ara again. Zhi-Wen’s taunts linger, as he mockingly assures Zhang he will take care of his wife in his absence.
The final segment delves into Zhang’s youth, showcasing him with a stolen scooter while evading the police, how fate intertwines his life with Big Sister Wang, who is also fleeing from law enforcement. The police attempt to coerce Wang into becoming an informant, but her defiance shines through. As they are processed, a conversation unfolds between Zhang and Wang, revealing shared histories and familial connections. When Wang urges Zhang to forgive his estranged mother, he adamantly rejects the notion, grappling with a lifetime of pain. As the officers prepare to transport them, a tragic twist emerges as Wang is fatally shot while attempting to escape. In a haunting final scene, the film concludes with a poignant image of a woman and her child at a swing, symbolizing lost innocence and the inexorable cycle of life.
Cities of Last Things Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Anonymous Leap” to “Tragic Loss of Wang”. 15 events name a place, across 13 locations.
- 1
Anonymous Leap
The film opens in 2056 with a shocking event as an unnamed individual jumps from a high apartment window. This tragic act sets the tone for a narrative that will unravel through a series of pivotal moments that lead to this demise.
When:2056 Where:Apartment Building
- 2
Confrontation in the Dance Hall
Zhang Dong Ling, a middle-aged man, witnesses a compromising scene as his wife performs suggestive dance moves with another man. Fueled by rage and betrayal, he confronts the man before leaving the dance hall in turmoil.
Where:Dance Hall
- 3
Visit to the Prostitute
Seeking solace in his despair, Zhang visits a prostitute who introduces him to a mysterious 'rejuvenation fluid.' He watches her use the fluid, which boosts her youthfulness, igniting a desperate longing in him.
Where:Prostitute's Apartment
- 4
Encounter with Ara
Zhang meets Ara, another prostitute, who evokes memories of his past and deepens his sense of loss. Despite discovering a lack of information about her, their unexpected connection leads to a passionate affair, reminding him of lost opportunities.
Where:Ara's Residence
- 5
Infiltration of the Hospital
Disguised as a doctor, Zhang infiltrates a heavily guarded hospital to find the unconscious Minister of Health, Shi Zhi-Wen. After waking him up, Zhang chillingly confronts him about their shared past before taking his life.
Where:Hospital
- 6
Confrontation with Wife's Lover
Zhang's turmoil intensifies when he confronts his wife's lover, who reveals their love for each other and suggests divorce. This revelation leads to a violent confrontation fueled by Zhang's anguish and betrayal.
Where:Lover's Residence
- 7
Tragic Argument with Wife
In a heated argument over the rejuvenation fluid, Zhang's rage culminates in a tragic act of violence as he strangles his wife. The confrontation leaves him shattered, with evidence ultimately identifying him as the murderer.
Where:Home
- 8
Desperate Escape
After the revelation of his guilt, Zhang desperately escapes from the scene by shooting down a drone sent to capture him. In a moment of panicked desperation, he leaps out of the window, following the cold path of his earlier act.
Where:High-Rise Building
- 9
Zhang's Police Days
The timeline rewinds as we explore Zhang's younger days as a police officer. He awkwardly arrests Ara for shoplifting but soon finds himself distracted by personal turmoil as he prepares to surprise his wife.
Where:Police Station
- 10
Discovery of Betrayal
Zhang's time off takes a dark turn when he discovers his wife with Shi Zhi-Wen, his superior, in a compromising position. This betrayal drives Zhang into a spiral of rage and self-destructive thoughts.
Where:Home
Show the other 5 events of Cities of Last Things Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Descent into Anger
Unable to cope with the betrayal, Zhang vandalizes Shi Zhi-Wen's locker, releasing his pent-up anger. This impulsive act leads to further conflict, adding more layers to his destructive path.
Where:Police Station
- 12
Compassion towards Ara
In a surprising act of kindness, Zhang pays for Ara's stolen items, showcasing a glimmer of humanity amidst his turmoil. Their brief connection blossoms until Zhi-Wen retaliates, further complicating Zhang's world.
Where:Store
- 13
Arrest and Heartbreak
Zhang's life drastically changes when he is arrested on corruption charges. During his six-month prison sentence, he grapples with the heartbreak of being separated from Ara while Zhi-Wen taunts him about taking care of his wife.
Where:Prison
- 14
Young Zhang and Big Sister Wang
The timeline further rewinds to Zhang's youth, where he races on a stolen scooter, crossing paths with Big Sister Wang as they both escape from the police. Their unexpected friendship becomes a focal point in Zhang's life.
Where:City Street
- 15
Tragic Loss of Wang
In a heartbreaking confrontation with the police, Big Sister Wang is tragically shot while attempting to escape. This loss profoundly impacts Zhang, leaving a haunting mark on his already troubled existence.
Where:Alley
Who Are the Main Characters in Cities of Last Things?
4 characters, among them Zhang Dong Ling (Mature) - Jack Kao, Ara - Louise Grinberg and Shi Zhi-Wen - Chin-Hang Shih: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Zhang Dong Ling (Mature) - Jack Kao
Played by Jack Kao
Zhang Dong Ling is a complex character filled with layers of sorrow and rage. His journey through betrayal and loss leads him to make fateful decisions that pull him deeper into despair. The character embodies the tragic consequences of unresolved emotional conflicts and exploration of self when faced with profound desperation.
- 👨🦳 Mature
- 💢 Anger
- 🌌 Loss
-
Ara - Louise Grinberg
Played by Louise Grinberg
Ara is portrayed as both a symbol of temptation and a reflection of Zhang's lost love. Her character adds depth to the story, representing the complexities of human connections and the impact of choices made in dire circumstances. Through her, we see the duality of compassion and despair in the face of adversity.
- 👩❤️👨 Love
- 🧭 Fate
- 💔 Temptation
- SZ
Shi Zhi-Wen - Chin-Hang Shih
Played by Chin-Hang Shih
Shi Zhi-Wen serves as a powerful antagonist in Zhang's life. His actions are pivotal in driving Zhang into a path of destruction, marked by betrayal and manipulation. Zhi-Wen's character embodies the ruthlessness of ambition, showcasing how personal conflicts can spiral into tragic outcomes.
- 🕵️♂️ Authority
- 💼 Ambition
- ⚔️ Conflict
- BS
Big Sister Wang - Ning Ding
Played by Ning Ding
Big Sister Wang is a strong-willed character who represents defiance against authority and the pursuit of freedom. Her interactions with Zhang reveal shared traumas and familial connections, ultimately highlighting the struggles they both face within their respective worlds. Her tragic end accentuates the film's themes of loss and the longing for escape.
- 🚨 Defiance
- ✊ Strength
- 🔗 Bonds
Where and When Is Cities of Last Things Set?
Cities of Last Things is set in An apartment, Dance hall and Hospital (2056). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
2056
The story is set in a near-future world where societal issues, such as desperation for youth and the consequences of dishonorable actions, are prevalent. The timeline reveals the protagonist's journey through moments of love, betrayal, and loss, contrasting the stark realities of his future with the innocent hopes of his youth. This time period is marked by innovations like 'rejuvenation fluid,' which raises questions of morality and the human condition.
Where
An apartment, Dance hall, Hospital
The film unfolds in various urban locations, including an apartment where a tragic event occurs, and a dance hall that serves as a backdrop for themes of infidelity and despair. The hospital, heavily guarded yet pivotal, represents the intersection of past relationships and dark actions. Each place contributes to Zhang Dong Ling's emotional turmoil and the narrative's gripping tension.
- 🏙️ City
- 💃 Dance
- 🏥 Hospital
What Are the Themes of Cities of Last Things?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Betrayal, Despair and Cycles.
-
01
Betrayal
Betrayal is a central theme in 'Cities of Last Things' as Zhang grapples with infidelity in his marriage and the treachery of those he once trusted. His encounters with both women and men unveil a web of emotional pain, as personal relationships are torn apart by deceit. This theme highlights the character's downward spiral and relentless search for solace in a world filled with broken promises.
-
02
Despair
The film explores deep-rooted despair as Zhang faces the dire consequences of his actions and emotional turmoil resulting from his relationships. The unfolding narrative reveals a relentless cycle of violence and regret, capturing his struggle with identity and loss. This theme permeates through each timeline, illustrating how despair shapes his choices and ultimately defines his tragic fate.
-
03
Cycles
The theme of cycles is woven throughout as Zhang's past continually influences his present actions. The film depicts the repetitive nature of violence, loss, and emotional trauma, symbolized in the final scene of innocence lost. Each segment reveals how decisions resonate through time, demonstrating how unresolved issues can perpetuate a cycle of suffering.
What Kind of Film Is Cities of Last Things?
Dark in tone, with variable pacing and a complex story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Variable
- Story
- Complex
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bleak
A profoundly unsettling and melancholic journey through a fractured life, presented in reverse order, creating a sense of inevitable doom and heavy emotional despair.
- melancholic
- fatalistic
- oppressive
- anxious
- lonely
- desperate
- revenge
- betrayal
- crime and punishment
- memory and trauma
Content notes: suicide, murder, strangulation, gun violence, sexual content.
Quiz
How well do you remember Cities of Last Things? Test yourself on the story.
