In a tiny, six-square-meter room, a young Chinese man named Eryang envisions a republic of his own. A self-proclaimed communist whom others consider an idealist, Eryang is a preposterous dreamer, and he is happy as always. Under psychedelic lighting, his cluttered room bustles with youth from various places, while the camera, struggling to find a steady angle, is always tilted or shaky. Amid the thick cigarette smoke, these youths waste away their days, drinking alcohol, playing instruments, and listening to the Rolling Stones. Observing them gives us the sense of being in that world. Is it okay to live this way? A refuge for the young homeless, a hub of subculture, a revolutionary base for cosmic brotherhood, a pure paradise. Whatever they call it, this world is delicate. Republic keenly observes China’s new generation. It is a compelling documentary featuring characters and stories with a mix of complexity and charm. (KANG Sowon)