Banned Fighter Finds Hope in Taiwan Restaurant

The film "China Sea" chronicles the journey of Osvald, a once-celebrated Lithuanian fighter banned from competition after a street fight incident. Stranded in his hometown, he finds refuge and a semblance of normalcy at a Taiwanese restaurant owned by his friend Ju-Long.

Inspired by a real Lithuanian fighter who was a superstar abroad but controversial at home, the director blended fact with fiction. The narrative explores Osvald's internal struggle with frustration, rage, and toxic masculinity, examining his isolation and the difficulty in expressing emotions, a common struggle for men raised with rigid ideals of strength.

"China Sea" also weaves in the story of the restaurant owners, representing an immigrant experience in Lithuania, and highlights the theme of isolation shared by both characters. The film visually merges real fight footage with staged scenes, creating a gritty portrayal of a man seeking transformation through therapy and by helping others.