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

Co-presented by the Consortium for the Study of the Asias at the University of Minnesota

Special thanks to the Confucius Institute for their promotional support.

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

Co-presented by the Consortium for the Study of the Asias at the University of Minnesota

Special thanks to the Confucius Institute for their promotional support.