Shot in stylish black-and-white, this three-act fable, set in wartime Chongqing, focuses on the indifferent rich, the head clerk on a farm, and some young intruders. Based on a 1943 short story, the film was directed by noted screenwriter Mei Feng.
Cinematography
Black-and-white so lush you'll forget color exists.
Acting
Fan Wei's deadpan masterpiece of doing absolutely nothing.
Writing
1943 satire that stings harder in 2024.
Director
Mei Feng
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Mei Feng adapted Lao She's 1943 story to critique modern China's new wealthy class—proving satire ages like wine.
Fan Wei trained in comedy for decades; his restraint here is deliberate anti-casting genius.
CN
