“Sharply etched, emotionally precise.”–Screen Daily
Four-year-old Qiang is sent to live in a kindergarten boarding school. In order to get along, he tries to win the coveted red flowers dished out for good behavior. When that tactic fails, he turns instead to rebellion. With Qiang’s trials and tribulations serving as a microcosm of the confusion of post-revolution Chinese life, this heart-rending, beautiful film features a first-rate performance by its diminutive star, who achingly displays a loss of childhood innocence. 2006, 35mm, in Mandarin with English subtitles, 92 minutes.
Note to teachers: This film is recommended for students 9th grade and older. The film raises issues about conformity and personal freedoms in the context of modern Chinese history including depictions of cultural practices around toilet training of young children in a boarding school that involves some nudity. Teachers are encouraged to preview the film. Please call 612.375.7614 to arrange for a preview DVD or read more here.