I recently watched Upstream, a Chinese film released in 2023. It was my first time watching a movie from China, and it was highly recommended by my husband, who had seen it before me. The title immediately intrigued me—I couldn’t help but wonder how it would connect to the story. Directed by Zheng Xu, who also played the title role of Gao Zhilei, the movie explores the life of a former white-collar worker who finds himself navigating the ups and downs of life as a delivery rider after losing his corporate job.

What stood out to me is how Upstream beautifully mirrors the struggles many of us face when life doesn’t go as planned. The film is packed with heartfelt lessons about resilience, hard work, and kindness. Let’s explore these lessons and see why Upstream is a must-watch.

1. Putting Family First

After losing his white-collar job, Zhilei faced a mountain of challenges—his father’s debilitating illness, his decision to ask his wife to quit her job, and their shared dream of giving their daughter a top-tier education by enrolling her in an international school. On top of these struggles, he was scammed by someone who promised him a job, leaving him with no options but to become a delivery rider.

What makes his journey even more admirable is that Zhilei himself suffers from diabetes, requiring regular insulin shots to manage his condition. Despite his own health issues, he put his family’s needs above all else. At an age where most companies turned him away, he swallowed his pride and worked tirelessly in a role that demanded both physical and emotional endurance. His unyielding determination serves as a heartfelt reminder of the lengths we go to when our loved ones depend on us.

2. Pride in Every Honest Day’s Work

The movie highlighted the tireless efforts of delivery riders—people whose work is often overlooked but undeniably essential. It’s heartbreaking how some individuals mistreat them over things beyond their control, like delays or incorrect orders. Zhilei’s unwavering dedication was admirable, but one scene left a deep impression on me: when he had to deliver food to his old office. The emotional weight of the moment was palpable, especially as he asked someone else to take the delivery for him.

It made me reflect on how, despite the many honest ways to earn a living, some people still choose the easy way of scamming or stealing. I remember being scammed last year, and I couldn’t help but think, how could anyone feed their family with money taken from others in such a deceitful way? Watching Zhilei’s story, where every penny he earned came from hard, honest work, made me appreciate the dignity in labor even more.

3. Kindness Is Not Overrated

Whether someone’s struggles are visible or hidden, a little compassion can make a big difference. Zhilei’s actions throughout the movie reflect this beautifully. After an accident, he went out of his way to help Stingy, another rider, even though Stingy had a reputation for being overly frugal.

It’s revealed that Stingy’s extreme thriftiness comes from a heartbreaking reason—he’s saving every penny for his daughter’s surgery. Despite his financial constraints, Stingy perseveres. His bike was falling apart, but instead of replacing it, he patched it up with plaster to keep working. Even more shocking, when he broke his leg, he didn’t seek proper medical care because he lacked insurance. Instead, he used plaster to stabilize his leg so he could keep earning a living.

Zhilei’s kindness didn’t stop there. He noticed Black was in pain and gave him stomach patches, even though Black never asked for help. Small gestures like these showed the depth of Zhilei’s character. But while he embodied kindness, he was often met with rudeness from customers. One customer canceled a flower order simply because Zhilei was slightly late—even though it was already paid for. Another, a student, failed to consider the delivery time, leaving Zhilei calling repeatedly and shouting outside a building because he couldn’t get in.

These moments were frustrating to watch and served as a stark reminder of how much people take others’ hard work for granted. Why are some so quick to assert superiority instead of showing a little empathy? The world could use more kindness—it costs nothing but means everything.

4. Generosity Today, Rewards Tomorrow

Upstream beautifully showcases the quiet power of giving without expecting anything in return. Zhilei’s story is a testament to this—whether it was helping fellow riders like Stingy and Black or showing kindness to customers, his generosity came from the heart, not from an obligation. Despite his struggles, Zhilei never hesitated to lend a hand, even when he had so little himself.

Final Thoughts

Upstream is a metaphor for resilience, determination, and the strength to rise above life’s currents. Gao Zhilei’s journey reminds us that life often flows against us, much like swimming upstream. But with persistence, hard work, and an unwavering belief in his dreams, he provided for his family and found a way to thrive.

In the end, Zhilei’s app, born from his struggles as a delivery rider, was recognized by his former company. It’s a powerful reminder that even the most challenging moments can lead to unexpected success if we keep pushing forward. His story teaches us that the hardships we face today can become the stepping stones for tomorrow’s triumphs.