“Life Is But a Dream” – Searching for the Self at the Border Between Virtual and Reality

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“Life Is But a Dream” is a thought-provoking philosophical film that tells the story of Cheng Chen, a young man lost between the virtual world and the real world. The film delves into how humans search for self and meaning in the intertwined realities of the digital age, questioning the boundaries between virtual and real and reflecting on how we discern truth from illusion in a technology-dominated society.

Cheng Chen is an ordinary office worker living in a hyper-digitalized society. As virtual reality technology rapidly advances, it brings profound changes to human relationships, personal identity, and the meaning of life. Cheng Chen, though working hard to keep his life running smoothly, feels lost and uncertain about his future and his sense of self.

With the progress of virtual reality, Cheng Chen becomes more immersed in the digital world, where he can experience limitless possibilities and redefine his identity. In the virtual realm, he is free to become anyone he wishes, living a life of adventure and excitement. This newfound freedom and exhilaration in the virtual world gradually distract him from his responsibilities and relationships in the real world, and his identity begins to blur. The line between the two worlds becomes less and less distinct.

As the allure of the virtual world grows stronger, Cheng Chen begins to question everything around him. He struggles to distinguish between reality and virtuality, wondering if he is still living in the real world or has already become lost in the virtual realm. He wonders if the so-called “reality” he is experiencing is nothing more than an illusion. Along his journey, he meets others who are also struggling between the virtual and the real, and their stories resonate deeply with Cheng Chen, leading him to reflect more profoundly on his life, identity, and the concept of meaning.

This journey is not only about exploring the virtual world, but also about self-awareness and introspection. Through his interactions in the virtual world and his self-reflections, Cheng Chen comes to realize that while the virtual world offers freedom and diversity, it can also cause one to lose sight of their true self. Ultimately, Cheng Chen learns that reality does not have to be the only “truth,” and that the true “self” may not lie solely in the physical world, but rather in the awakening of one’s inner consciousness.

Through Cheng Chen’s growth and awakening, the film explores how modern individuals can find themselves in the digital age, understand the boundary between virtual and real, and reflect on the relationship between virtual spaces and the real world. It is not only a profound reflection on virtual reality but also a philosophical exploration of human inner worlds, identity, and the meaning of existence.