Mr. Six
A well-respected man residing in what's left of Old Beijing attempts to exonerate his son from his wrongdoings with his own methods and beliefs.
Despite its microbudget of $250K, Mr. Six became a massive hit, earning $139.2M worldwide—a remarkable 55577% return. The film's bold vision connected with viewers, illustrating how strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
26 wins & 44 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Mr. Six (2015) exemplifies precise narrative design, characteristic of Guan Hu's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 14 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.7, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Mr. Six (Zhang Xuejun) lives a simple life in old Beijing, maintaining his traditional values and respect among the old-guard hutong residents. He fixes bikes and embodies the fading "old Beijing" code of honor.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 17 minutes when Mr. Six learns that his rebellious son Xiaobo has been kidnapped by Kris, a wealthy young gang leader, after a conflict over a girl. The old man's world is invaded by the new generation's ruthless methods.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 34 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to Mr. Six decides to confront Kris and his gang directly, rallying his old friends to stand with him. He chooses to enter the world of the new generation on his own terms, invoking the old rules of respect and honor., moving from reaction to action.
At 67 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat A major confrontation fails. Mr. Six realizes his old reputation and connections mean nothing to this new generation. His authority is challenged, and Kris demonstrates that wealth and ruthlessness trump the old honor code., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 101 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Mr. Six suffers a severe heart episode during a confrontation. He collapses, appearing near death. His vulnerability is exposed, and the old guard seems defeated. The metaphorical death of old Beijing's honor code., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 107 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Mr. Six chooses to arrange one final confrontation—a duel on the frozen lake, invoking the old rules one last time. He accepts that he may die but refuses to surrender his dignity and code of honor., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Mr. Six's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping Mr. Six against these established plot points, we can identify how Guan Hu utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Mr. Six within the action genre.
Guan Hu's Structural Approach
Among the 3 Guan Hu films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.2, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Mr. Six takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Guan Hu filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Guan Hu analyses, see The Chef, The Actor, The Scoundrel, Black Dog.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Mr. Six (Zhang Xuejun) lives a simple life in old Beijing, maintaining his traditional values and respect among the old-guard hutong residents. He fixes bikes and embodies the fading "old Beijing" code of honor.
Theme
An old friend remarks on how Beijing has changed and the old rules don't matter anymore to the young generation. This establishes the generational conflict and clash between old honor codes and new wealth.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to Mr. Six's world: his estranged relationship with his son Xiaobo, his heart condition, his loyal old friends, and the contrast between traditional Beijing hutongs and the new wealthy elite represented by Kris and his gang.
Disruption
Mr. Six learns that his rebellious son Xiaobo has been kidnapped by Kris, a wealthy young gang leader, after a conflict over a girl. The old man's world is invaded by the new generation's ruthless methods.
Resistance
Mr. Six debates how to handle the situation. His friends advise caution due to his heart condition. He considers calling the police but decides against it, clinging to the old code of handling matters personally with honor.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Mr. Six decides to confront Kris and his gang directly, rallying his old friends to stand with him. He chooses to enter the world of the new generation on his own terms, invoking the old rules of respect and honor.
Mirror World
Mr. Six meets face-to-face with Kris. Despite the generational divide, there's a hint of mutual recognition. Kris represents what Mr. Six's code has become in the modern world—twisted by wealth and disconnection from tradition.
Premise
The cat-and-mouse game between old and new Beijing. Mr. Six tries to negotiate using old-world honor and intimidation, calling in favors from old connections. Kris and his gang mock these outdated methods, escalating tensions.
Midpoint
A major confrontation fails. Mr. Six realizes his old reputation and connections mean nothing to this new generation. His authority is challenged, and Kris demonstrates that wealth and ruthlessness trump the old honor code.
Opposition
The conflict intensifies. Mr. Six's health deteriorates under stress. His son remains captive. Old friends question whether the old ways can prevail. Kris becomes more aggressive, sensing Mr. Six's weakness.
Collapse
Mr. Six suffers a severe heart episode during a confrontation. He collapses, appearing near death. His vulnerability is exposed, and the old guard seems defeated. The metaphorical death of old Beijing's honor code.
Crisis
Mr. Six recovers in the hospital, facing mortality and the possibility that his way of life is truly finished. He must decide whether to let go or make one final stand for his principles, regardless of the cost.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Mr. Six chooses to arrange one final confrontation—a duel on the frozen lake, invoking the old rules one last time. He accepts that he may die but refuses to surrender his dignity and code of honor.
Synthesis
The climactic confrontation on the frozen lake. Mr. Six and his old friends face Kris and his gang. The ritual of honor is performed, bridging the generational gap momentarily. Resolution comes through mutual understanding rather than violence.
Transformation
Mr. Six stands alone on the ice as dawn breaks, having earned a measure of respect even from the young generation. Though his world is fading, he has proven that dignity and honor still matter. He walks away, changed but unbroken.