Introduced by Jason McGrath, Associate Professor of Modern Chinese Literature and Film, Department of Asian Languages and Literatures, University of Minnesota.
“Ravishingly beautiful.” — Village Voice
Beginning in 1939, this poignant story focuses on impoverished farmers in the Shaanxi province. A communist soldier promotes the People’s Liberation Army to a rural girl on the brink of an arranged marriage, and characters burst into inspired song throughout. Chen’s first feature, which showcased the exquisite cinematography of a young Zhang Yimou, announced the arrival of China’s Fifth Generation filmmakers, who challenged the style and stories of Mao-era films. “Unquestionably a milestone in Chinese film history” (Film Society of Lincoln Center). 1984, 35mm, 89 minutes.
Print courtesy of the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
