A street kid called Little Swallow is rescued by a good man named Zhuzi. They together go on a journey to survive, but later Swallow finds out about his past that reveal a horrible truth.
Acting
Xiaohe Ruofan's haunting stillness says everything words can't.
Direction
Li Yi weaponizes kindness, making every gentle moment terrifying.
Director
Li Yi
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on real trafficking networks in rural China, where 'adoption' often masks exploitation. The film was nearly banned for exposing systemic failures.
The 87-minute runtime was mandated; Li Yi originally had 40 more minutes of Zhuzi's backstory that humanized him further — arguably more disturbing.