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Devil and Angel (2015) Plot Summary & Timeline

Devil and Angel (2015) movie poster

Devil and Angel is a 2015 comedy film directed by Yu Baimei, running 2 hours 4 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 239 words (about 1 minute to read) and covers 14 key events in order, 2 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Devil and Angel.

to read the plot summary
1 min
key events in the timeline
14
characters profiled
2
themes explained
3
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Devil and Angel (2015) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 4m
Director
Yu Baimei
Genre
Comedy
Original language
Chinese
No spoilers

What Is Devil and Angel About?

The premise of Devil and Angel in 331 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In a bustling modern world where the pressures of success collide with the quiet desperation of sleepless nights, two unlikely travelers find their paths inexplicably intertwined. The story follows Zha, a brilliant student whose intellect shines brighter than the expectations placed upon her, and Mo, a restless figure whose reputation belies a deeper, unspoken fragility. Their journey begins not with a grand quest, but with a simple, human desire to confront inner demons and discover an unexpected form of solace.

Zha carries the weight of perfection like a polished armor, yet beneath the surface lies a tremor of anxiety that threatens to unsettle every achievement. Her world is meticulously arranged—grades, schedules, the unspoken promise of a flawless future—until the strain becomes too palpable to ignore. The film paints her inner landscape with a delicate blend of sharp wit and tender melancholy, inviting the audience to feel the quiet intensity of a mind that constantly evaluates, questions, and fears its own limits.

Mo moves through the same city with a swagger that masks sleeplessness and a restless energy that keeps him one step ahead of his own exhaustion. Though he appears reckless and occasionally abrasive, his insomnia is a silent adversary that colors every interaction. The tone surrounding him oscillates between darkly comic bravado and moments of raw vulnerability, hinting at a depth that contrasts starkly with his outward demeanor.

When these two disparate personalities agree to travel together, the film adopts a bittersweet rhythm that balances humor with heartfelt introspection. Their partnership becomes a canvas for exploring how contrasting temperaments might either clash or complement one another in the pursuit of inner peace. The atmosphere is infused with a gentle absurdity, allowing laughter to coexist with the poignant realization that healing often arrives in the most unlikely of company. This delicate dance of anxiety and insomnia sets the stage for a story that is as much about the quiet spaces between words as it is about the characters who inhabit them.

Full plot

What Happens in Devil and Angel?

The complete story of Devil and Angel, from the first scene to the last, in 239 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout.

Spoilers ahead

Due to a car accident, the brilliant yet emotionally challenged girl, Cha Xiaodao, unexpectedly crossed paths with the notorious villain, Mo Feili, a full-time debt collector. After being blackmailed by Mo Feili, Cha Xiaodao sank into a state of despair, reflecting on her strained relationship with her mother and the loss of her job. Just when her situation seemed most dire, she stumbled upon an advertisement for a doctor specializing in treating complex psychological conditions. Feeling hopeless, she mustered the courage to seek help from this physician.

As fate would have it, she encountered Mo Feili yet again at the clinic, which sent her into a panic. However, the eager doctor attempted to shift the focus away from the villain and introduced Cha Xiaodao to him as a potential “medicine” for her struggles. To her surprise, the doctor suggested that Mo Feili, who also battled severe insomnia, could assist her in overcoming her psychological challenges. With uncertainty giving way to willingness, Cha Xiaodao decided to give this unusual partnership a chance.

Thus began the unlikely alliance between the bold and domineering Mo Feili and the timid and hesitant Cha Xiaodao. Together, they navigated a series of comedic and poignant adventures throughout the process of debt collection, filled with moments that would leave audiences both laughing and crying. This unexpected journey brought forth laughter and heartbreak, showcasing how two vastly different personalities could come together in the face of adversity.

Timeline

Devil and Angel Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

14 key events in the order they happen, from “Cha Xiaodao's Car Accident” to “New Beginnings”.

  1. 1

    Cha Xiaodao's Car Accident

    The story begins with a tragic car accident involving Cha Xiaodao, a brilliant but emotionally struggling girl. This incident marks a turning point in her life, leading her to cross paths with Mo Feili, a notorious debt collector.

  2. 2

    Encounter with Mo Feili

    Following the accident, Cha Xiaodao finds herself blackmailed by Mo Feili, who uses the situation to his advantage. This encounter deepens her despair as she reflects on her troubled relationship with her mother and the recent loss of her job.

  3. 3

    Cha Xiaodao's Despair

    In a moment of hopelessness, Cha Xiaodao begins to reevaluate her life, feeling overwhelmed by her emotional challenges. It is during this low point that she discovers an advertisement for a doctor specializing in psychological treatments.

  4. 4

    Seeking Help from a Physician

    Despite her fears and reservations, Cha Xiaodao gathers her courage to seek help from the psychologist. This decision marks a significant step in her journey towards healing and self-discovery.

  5. 5

    Reunion at the Clinic

    At the psychologist's office, Cha Xiaodao is taken aback when she encounters Mo Feili again. This unexpected reunion triggers panic as she grapples with her complicated feelings towards him.

    Where:Clinic

  6. 6

    Doctor's Proposal

    The eager psychologist attempts to shift the focus of the meeting and nonchalantly introduces Mo Feili as a 'medicine' for Cha Xiaodao's troubles. This peculiar suggestion raises eyebrows and ignites uncertainty in Cha Xiaodao’s mind.

    Where:Clinic

  7. 7

    Unlikely Partnership Forms

    Despite her apprehensions, Cha Xiaodao reluctantly agrees to collaborate with Mo Feili. This decision sets the stage for an unconventional partnership aimed at overcoming her psychological challenges.

  8. 8

    Adventures in Debt Collection

    The pairing of Cha Xiaodao and Mo Feili leads them into a series of comedic and occasionally poignant adventures as they navigate the world of debt collection. Together, they confront obstacles that reveal their character depths and vulnerabilities.

  9. 9

    Cha Xiaodao's Growth

    As the partnership continues, Cha Xiaodao experiences significant personal growth, learning to be bolder and more assertive. The shared adventures with Mo Feili challenge her limits and inspire her to confront her past.

  10. 10

    Mo Feili's Struggles

    Mo Feili, despite his strong demeanor as a debt collector, grapples with severe insomnia and personal demons. His interactions with Cha Xiaodao allow viewers to see a more vulnerable side that contrasts his tough persona.

Show the other 4 events of Devil and Angel
  1. 11

    Finding Humor in Darkness

    Throughout their journey, Cha Xiaodao and Mo Feili encounter a mix of heartfelt and humorous moments. These instances highlight the unique bond they form and the healing power of laughter in trying times.

  2. 12

    Dramatic Climax

    As they tackle various challenges together, their partnership reaches a dramatic climax when they confront a major threat or obstacle. This pivotal moment tests their resolve and the progress they have made.

  3. 13

    Resolution and Reflection

    In the end, both characters reflect on their growth and the transformative power of their alliance. Cha Xiaodao gains confidence while Mo Feili learns to face his own issues, symbolizing a shared journey of healing.

  4. 14

    New Beginnings

    The film concludes with Cha Xiaodao embarking on a new chapter of her life with a renewed sense of purpose and courage. Similarly, Mo Feili also begins to shift his focus towards personal recovery and relationship rebuilding.

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Devil and Angel?

2 characters, among them Cha Xiaodao and Mo Feili: who each one is and the part they play in the story.

  • CX

    Cha Xiaodao

    Cha Xiaodao is portrayed as a brilliant yet emotionally challenged young woman grappling with personal hardships following a car accident. Her journey reflects her courage as she confronts her past and seeks treatment for her psychological struggles. Cha often swings between timidness and boldness, especially as her dynamic with Mo Feili evolves.

    • 👩‍⚕️ Protagonist
    • 💔 Struggler
    • 🌱 Growth
  • MF

    Mo Feili

    Mo Feili is characterized as a notorious villain and debt collector, yet he also battles his own issues like insomnia. Through his unexpected partnership with Cha Xiaodao, viewers see a layered character who embodies both menace and vulnerability. His bold demeanor contrasts with Cha's hesitance, providing a rich dynamic as they navigate challenges together.

    • 😈 Antagonist
    • 🥱 Insomniac
    • 🤔 Complex
Setting

Where and When Is Devil and Angel Set?

Devil and Angel is set in City and Clinic. Here is why the place matters to the story.

When

The movie feels contemporary, reflecting modern societal issues such as psychological health and the impact of relationships on personal well-being. Characters navigate challenges that resonate with today's audiences, such as financial pressures and emotional struggles stemming from familial relationships.

Where

City, Clinic

The movie primarily takes place in an urban city where the hustle and bustle of daily life contrasts sharply with the personal struggles of the characters. The clinic serves as a pivotal location where Cha Xiaodao seeks help for her psychological issues and inadvertently reconnects with Mo Feili, leading to their unexpected partnership. This city environment is known for its vibrant life, yet it also accentuates the characters' emotional turmoil.

  • 🏙️ Urban
  • 🏥 Clinic
Themes

What Are the Themes of Devil and Angel?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Unlikely Allies, Emotional Struggles and Comedy and Heartbreak.

  1. 01

    Unlikely Allies

    The film explores the theme of unlikely alliances as Cha Xiaodao and Mo Feili come together despite their contrasting personalities. Their partnership develops from a place of mutual need, highlighting how individuals can learn and grow from each other in unexpected circumstances. This theme resonates strongly throughout their comedic and poignant adventures.

  2. 02

    Emotional Struggles

    The movie delves into emotional struggles, particularly focusing on Cha Xiaodao's mental health and her tumultuous relationship with her mother. This theme addresses real issues such as despair, hope, and the journey towards healing, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and forming connections during difficult times.

  3. 03

    Comedy and Heartbreak

    Blending comedy with moments of heartbreak, the film captures the duality of life, showing how humor can coexist with pain. The characters' misadventures reveal both the absurdity and the gravity of their situations, making the audience laugh while also connecting with deeper emotional themes.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Devil and Angel?

Whimsical in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Whimsical
Pacing
Steady
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Happy

A whimsical and heartwarming comedy-drama that follows the unlikely alliance between a timid accountant and a brash debt collector as their journey becomes a source of both laughter and poignant personal healing.

  • comedic
  • poignant
  • heartwarming
  • unlikely friendship
  • uplifting
  • quirky
  • opposites attract
  • psychological healing
  • debt collection
  • personal growth

Quiz

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4 films close to Devil and Angel in story and themes that have a full plot summary here: Angel on My Shoulder (1946) and Bedazzled (2000) lead.

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FAQ

Devil and Angel Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Devil and Angel, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Devil and Angel about?

In a bustling modern world where the pressures of success collide with the quiet desperation of sleepless nights, two unlikely travelers find their paths inexplicably intertwined.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Devil and Angel take place?

Devil and Angel is set in City and Clinic. The movie feels contemporary, reflecting modern societal issues such as psychological health and the impact of relationships on personal well-being.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Devil and Angel?

The story follows Cha Xiaodao and Mo Feili.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Devil and Angel?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Unlikely Allies, Emotional Struggles and Comedy and Heartbreak.

The themes explained

Who directed Devil and Angel?

Devil and Angel (2015) was directed by Yu Baimei and runs 2 hours 4 minutes.

Yu Baimei’s films

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