Outside the Lines Series: Have a Nice Day

Liu Jian’s Have a Nice Day (2017) is a striking animated neo-noir set in a small, rain-soaked town in Southern China.

The film begins with Xiao Zhang, a lowly driver, taking a drastic step to solve a personal crisis. His fiancée’s plastic surgery has gone disastrously wrong, and in a desperate attempt to find the money to fix it, Xiao Zhang steals a bag containing 1 million yuan from his boss, a local gangster. What follows is a tense, darkly comedic tale of crime and chaos, as the stolen money becomes the catalyst for a series of entangled fates.

Liu Jian, known for his unique approach to animation, blends stark realism with a minimalist aesthetic in Have a Nice Day. Upon the film’s release, the film garnered significant attention and acclaim on the international stage, solidifying its place as a landmark in Chinese animation. It premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and was nominated for the prestigious Golden Bear, a rare achievement for an animated feature. Critics praised Liu Jian’s audacious storytelling and the film’s unflinching portrayal of contemporary Chinese society. Its dark humor, sharp dialogue, and distinctive visual style were celebrated for pushing the boundaries of what animation could achieve, both as an art form and as a medium for social commentary.

Despite its success abroad, the film faced challenges at home, including a temporary ban in China, which only added to its notoriety and mystique. This tension between international acclaim and domestic controversy underscores the film’s daring nature, making it a fitting inclusion in our “Outside the Lines” series, which highlights works that challenge the status quo and provoke thought through innovative storytelling.

Screening in Mandarin with English subtitles.

Liu Jian, China, 2017, 77 minutes, DCP

Festivals, Awards, & Nominations

Nominee – Best Film, Venice Film Festival 2017
Winner – Best Animated Feature, Fantasia Film Festival 2017
Winner – Special Jury Award, China Film Director’s Guild Award 2019

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Showtimes

Saturday, October 5 7:00pm

Ticketing

Single Ticket: $12 /General & $10/Members

Saturday Pass: $25 /General & $21 /Members

Series Pass: $40 /General & $34 /Members

*Saturday pass includes also admission to 5pm screening of Paprika and 9pm screening of Mad God

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FILM SERIES

Paprika screens as a part of our Outside the Lines film series celebrating 60 years of the Chicago International Film Festival. Learn more and view full series here.

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OUTSIDE THE LINES: CELEBRATING THE WORLD OF ANIMATION + THE 60TH ANNUAL CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Join us at FACETS October 5-6, 2024, for “Outside the Lines,” a specially curated film series celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Chicago International Film Festival. This collection of offbeat, animated films offers a unique experience for cinephiles, anime enthusiasts, and families alike. Spanning a range of styles and genres, these films push the boundaries of animation, blending innovative storytelling with visually stunning artistry.

“Outside the Lines” offers a unique opportunity to explore the vast and varied world of animation, from the whimsical to the profound. Whether you’re a long-time animation fan or just looking to experience something new, this series promises to leave a lasting impression. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the art of animation and the rich history of the Chicago International Film Festival with FACETS.

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