Director
LI Yang
CAST
ZHANG Ruoyun as WANG Zha / ZHONG Chuxi as LIU Lianzhi / SONG Yang as Chengyong / LI Chenhao as Pao Pao / WU Xiaoliang as HAN Guang / ZHU Yanmanzi as YANG Yi / WEN Zhengrong as Boss
Escape from the 21st Century
2024 | 98 min | Action, Sci-fi
About Escape from the 21st Century
Three 18-year-old boys, Wang Zha, Chengyong and Pao Pao, accidentally fall into a lake with flashy colors. When they get out, they realize they can travel back and forth 20 years into the future with a sneeze.
But the future is not what they expected. The boss of a crime organization plans to take over the world. As a reporter, Wang Zha unveils the crime and discovers that Chengyong is a part of it, while Chengyong finds out his girlfriend is now with Pao Pao.
In order to defeat the evil plans, the trio go back to the past and train themselves relentlessly for 20 years to develop athletic bodies. They manage to defeat the bad guys and save the world. To prevent their super power from causing damage, they erase their future selves and return 20 years to live better lives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Escape from the 21st Century
What is Escape from the 21st Century about?
Escape from the 21st Century is a 2024 action sci-fi film from China that follows three teenage boys—Wang Zha, Chengyong, and Pao Pao—who stumble upon a time-traveling phenomenon after falling into a lake with mysterious colors. With every sneeze, they leap 20 years into the future, only to discover a world under threat by a powerful crime syndicate. As secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, the trio must train for two decades to return stronger and save humanity.
Who directed the film?
The film was directed by LI Yang.
What genre is the movie?
The film blends action, science fiction, and coming-of-age elements with touches of comedy and drama.
What is the runtime?
The movie runs for 98 minutes.
What makes the time-travel aspect unique in this film?
Unlike traditional time-travel stories, the characters in Escape from the 21st Century jump 20 years into the future every time they sneeze. This quirky, involuntary mechanism adds humor and unpredictability to the plot, while also driving home deeper themes about growth, destiny, and sacrifice.
Who are the main characters?
The central characters are:
- Wang Zha – An aspiring journalist who uncovers the crime syndicate’s plans.
- Chengyong – Caught between loyalty and betrayal, with a complicated role in the future timeline.
- Pao Pao – The comedic yet loyal friend, who ends up dating Chengyong’s girlfriend in the future.
What themes does the movie explore?
The film explores themes of friendship, betrayal, self-growth, time, destiny, and redemption. It also touches on the weight of future consequences and the personal responsibility of using power wisely.
Is the film suitable for young audiences?
While the film features teen protagonists and has comedic moments, it also includes intense action scenes and mature themes involving crime, betrayal, and sacrifice. Viewer discretion is advised for younger children.
Who stars in the film?
The cast includes:
- ZHANG Ruoyun as Wang Zha
- SONG Yang as Chengyong
- LI Chenhao as Pao Pao
- ZHONG Chuxi as Liu Lianzhi
- WU Xiaoliang as Han Guang
- ZHU Yanmanzi as Yang Yi
- WEN Zhengrong as The Boss
- WANG Hongwei in a supporting role
Where is the film set?
The story unfolds between present-day China and its imagined future 20 years ahead, blending contemporary settings with stylized futuristic environments.
Does the movie have a deeper message?
Yes. At its core, the movie suggests that true strength doesn’t come from shortcuts or supernatural powers—it comes from dedication, sacrifice, and choosing to do the right thing. By erasing their future selves and returning to the past, the trio makes a selfless decision to live more meaningful lives.
Anything else I should know?
Escape from the 21st Century is a high-energy, visually dynamic film that combines humor, emotion, and sci-fi thrills. It’s a unique take on the time-travel genre and a must-watch for fans of international action adventures with heart.
LATEST NEWS
Chinese sci-fi adventure Escape from the 21st Century is heading to Cineverse later this year, including the streaming service Fandor.
