Cuicui is raised by her 70-year-old grandfather. 17 years ago, Her mother was pregnant before marriage and she committed suicide after giving birth to Cuicui by drinking cold water in the river. When Cuicui grows up, her grandfather begins to worry about her marriage, because he doesn’t want Cuicui to have the miserable life like her mother.
Cinematography
Mist-shrouded rivers that breathe like living grief.
Writing
Shen Congwen's prose translated to visual poetry.
Director
Ling Zifeng
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Shen Congwen's novel was banned during the Cultural Revolution for being 'too apolitical' — the film's 1984 release marked its quiet rehabilitation.
The 'cold water' suicide method reflects real West Hunan folklore where women used rivers to cleanse shame — the film never judges, only witnesses.
CN
