China, the early 1920s. Following the 4 May Movement in 1919, when students and radicals demontrated against foreign oppression, Yang Zhihua moves from Zhejiang province to Shanghai and ends up studying sociology at Shanghai University, where she becomes friends with Feng Xiaoxuan, a student of English who’s come to the big city to escape a marriage.
Cinematography
Dreamy 1920s Shanghai recreated with painterly, nostalgic glow.
Acting
Dong Jie's restrained performance carries devastating final act.
Costume
Period qipao and student garb that whisper social transformation.
Director
Huo Jianqi
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
CN
