Ruifang Zhang

春节大联欢

T Province in 1984 & 1985

Family

Based on the famous novel of the same name by well-known author Ba Jin, this movie traces the decline of a large, wealthy family in the early part of the twentieth century. The story focuses on three brothers and how they respond to the expectation that they will each marry women whom their grandfather has selected for them. The lure of family money on the one hand and modern individualism on the other plays out differently among the young men. Critics consider this movie an indictment against feudal ideas.

Along the Sungari River

Unfortunate events beset a poor Chinese girl as she escapes from invading Japanese forces, narrowly avoids being raped, and seeks solace in a neighboring village.

The Mother

Based on the novel "Mother" by Maxim Gorky, about the hardships of a peasant laborer.

Bubbling Spring

From Victory to Victory

In 1947, the Chinese Red Army sets a trap for the Nationalist forces in Jiangsu province.

Spring is Splendid Color

In the late 1950s, during China’s Great Leap Forward, Shanghai housewives participated, supported by Dai Mama from the neighbourhood committee. Liu Mama opposed her daughter-in-law Wang Caifeng’s involvement, wanting her to stay home, but her son Liu Genfa supported Caifeng. Zheng Baoqing also opposed his wife Cai Guizhen joining the production group, but Cai ignored him, organised her household, and led the sewing group. Dai Mama helped persuade Zheng Baoqing to change his mind. Lu Afeng joined the sewing group out of fear they would borrow her machine but felt ashamed when they made coats for the children’s welfare home.

Nie Er

Shot in gorgeous color, this fascinating communist flipside to fifties Hollywood music biopics chronicles the life and tragic early death of Nie Er, the composer of the PRC’s national anthem.

凤凰之歌