Keep Cool 1997
"Who will pay for the computer?"
Set against the neon-lit streets of 1990s Beijing, Zhang Yimou's darkly comic *Keep Cool (1997)* blends satire with chaotic energy. The story follows a jilted former lover desperate for revenge, seeking retribution against a wealthy stranger who publicly humiliated him.
Director: Zhang Yimou
Cast
Jiang Wen
Zhao Xiaoshuai
Li Baotian
Lao Zhang
Qu Ying
An Hong
Liu Xinyi
Liu Delong
Zhang Yimou
Junk Peddler
Zhao Benshan
Poet Reader
Du Xudong
Xiao Ge
Fang Qingzhuo
Big Sister
Liang Guanhua
Restaurant Manager
Li Qi
Fat Cook
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Keep Cool (1997)* about?
The film follows a heartbroken man seeking revenge on a wealthy stranger who publicly humiliated him. Amid the confrontation, a random bystander demands compensation for a broken computer, turning a personal vendetta into a farcical spectacle of clashing egos.
Who directed *Keep Cool*?
Zhang Yimou, the acclaimed Chinese filmmaker known for visually stunning dramas like *Hero* and *House of Flying Daggers*, helmed this 1997 dark comedy.
Who stars in *Keep Cool*?
The film features Jiang Wen as the vengeful lover, Zhao Benshan as the comic relief bystander, and Qu Ying in a key supporting role, with Li Baotian and Liu Xinyi rounding out the ensemble cast.
Is *Keep Cool (1997)* worth watching?
If you enjoy sharp social satire and chaotic comedies, *Keep Cool* delivers with its unique blend of humor and frustration. While not as widely known as Yimou's wuxia films, its quirky charm and biting commentary make it a hidden gem for fans of 1990s Chinese cinema.
How long is *Keep Cool*?
The film runs for 93 minutes, a tight runtime that keeps the absurdity and pacing brisk.
🎥 Trailer
About Keep Cool (1997) — A darkly comic clash of revenge and absurdity in 1990s Beijing
Set against the neon-lit streets of 1990s Beijing, Zhang Yimou's darkly comic *Keep Cool (1997)* blends satire with chaotic energy. The story follows a jilted former lover desperate for revenge, seeking retribution against a wealthy stranger who publicly humiliated him. Their confrontation spirals when a bystander—who saw the assault—demands compensation for a shattered computer, adding absurdity to the unfolding drama.
With sharp social commentary on class disparity and petty grievances, the film balances frenetic humor with an undercurrent of frustration. Jiang Wen's brooding performance anchors the chaos, while Zhao Benshan and Qu Ying bring unexpected warmth to the absurdity. Shot in Yimou's signature visual style, the movie captures the hustle of urban life, making every petty dispute feel both hilarious and strangely relatable.
