Never Say Die
A boxer and a journalist accidentally exchange bodies after they are struck by current, embarking a series of adventures.
The film earned $334.5M at the global box office.
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%)
Never Say Die (2017) reveals meticulously timed dramatic framework, characteristic of Zhang Chiyu's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 40 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.7, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Xia Luo is a loser attending his former crush's wedding, pretending to be successful while actually living a miserable life with his wife Ma Dongmei.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Xia Luo is humiliated at the wedding when his lies are exposed, causing a scene. He gets drunk and passes out in a bathroom, wishing he could relive his youth.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 25 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to Xia Luo actively decides to embrace this second chance, choosing to pursue Qiu Ya and change his destiny, rejecting Ma Dongmei who loves him in this timeline., moving from reaction to action.
At 50 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat Xia Luo reaches the peak of his success: he's married to Qiu Ya, is a wealthy celebrity, and has everything he thought he wanted. False victory - his dream has come true., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 75 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Xia Luo contracts AIDS after discovering Qiu Ya's infidelity. Facing death, he realizes he's destroyed his chance at real happiness and pushed away the one person who truly loved him - Ma Dongmei., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 81 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. Xia Luo wakes up in the present day, realizing the entire experience was a vivid dream. He now understands what truly matters in life., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Never Say Die's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Never Say Die against these established plot points, we can identify how Zhang Chiyu utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Never Say Die within the comedy genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Xia Luo is a loser attending his former crush's wedding, pretending to be successful while actually living a miserable life with his wife Ma Dongmei.
Theme
A guest at the wedding comments on the value of genuine relationships versus material success, foreshadowing the film's central question about what truly matters in life.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Xia Luo's pathetic present life: his unhappy marriage to Ma Dongmei, his jealousy of former classmates' success, and his desperate need to appear successful at his dream girl Qiu Ya's wedding.
Disruption
Xia Luo is humiliated at the wedding when his lies are exposed, causing a scene. He gets drunk and passes out in a bathroom, wishing he could relive his youth.
Resistance
Xia Luo wakes up thinking he's back in high school in 1997. He struggles to understand if it's real or a dream, testing the boundaries of this new reality while surrounded by his younger classmates and teachers.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Xia Luo actively decides to embrace this second chance, choosing to pursue Qiu Ya and change his destiny, rejecting Ma Dongmei who loves him in this timeline.
Mirror World
Yuan Hua, formerly the rich popular kid and Xia Luo's rival, becomes a surprising ally. Ma Dongmei continues to show genuine care for Xia Luo despite his rejection, representing authentic love versus superficial attraction.
Premise
Xia Luo exploits his knowledge of the future to become a famous rock star, winning Qiu Ya's affection and achieving the wealth and status he always dreamed of, living the glamorous life he always wanted.
Midpoint
Xia Luo reaches the peak of his success: he's married to Qiu Ya, is a wealthy celebrity, and has everything he thought he wanted. False victory - his dream has come true.
Opposition
Xia Luo discovers his new life is empty: Qiu Ya is unfaithful and materialistic, his fame is hollow, and he's lost the genuine connection he had with Ma Dongmei. His mother is still struggling, and he realizes his choices have consequences.
Collapse
Xia Luo contracts AIDS after discovering Qiu Ya's infidelity. Facing death, he realizes he's destroyed his chance at real happiness and pushed away the one person who truly loved him - Ma Dongmei.
Crisis
Alone and dying, Xia Luo reflects on his wasted second chance, understanding too late that authentic love and simple happiness were more valuable than fame and superficial success.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Xia Luo wakes up in the present day, realizing the entire experience was a vivid dream. He now understands what truly matters in life.
Synthesis
Xia Luo reconciles with Ma Dongmei, embracing his real life with gratitude and newfound appreciation. He apologizes for his behavior and commits to being a better husband, finding joy in their simple but genuine relationship.
Transformation
Xia Luo and Ma Dongmei are shown happy together in their modest life, with Xia Luo now valuing what he has. The final image mirrors the opening but shows his complete transformation in perspective.