What are you saying?! This is reactionary!
This is a matter of political standpoint.
Would I say it if I didn't care deeply for this country?
Shusheng, you'd better watch it. This is dangerous talk.
Tietou, what are you doing?
Tietou, Tietou, I'm here!
Tietou!
Say hello...that's a good boy.
Goddess of Mercy, infinite in your compassion...
...please protect Tietou in this moment of need.
- Granny! - Is he any better?
He's sleeping, why don't you get some rest?
He's perspiring. He caught a draught playing in the doorway.
Yes, that's all it is. No need to worry.
I'll go home. Give a call if you need me.
- Thanks. - Guodong, we've put you to a lot of trouble.
Not at all! It's nothing.
Take care, Granny.
Shujuan, you ought to eat something.
The food's cold. I'll heat it up for both of us.
How did Tietou find this? It was your wedding present to us.
Some things are so unpredictable.
Look at this. It's so strange.
Let me show you something.
Do you remember Wang Biying? She died two years ago giving birth.
Li Dongming died of dysentery laboring in the countryside.
No one's had any news of Liu Yunwei since he was sent away.
And Shaolong's been dead three years already.
Sometimes, when I look at this cloth, I fear my heart's going to burst.
Shujuan, I have to tell you something.
You may never forgive me. But I have to say it sooner or later.
I was directly responsible for what happened to Shaolong and Yunwei.
I wrote a report for the leaders.
Yunwei...
I was so muddle-headed at the time.
Only later, when Shaolong died, I did realize I was...
...a criminal.
- Mum! Mummy! - Coming.
I'm right here.
Shaolong told me about this at the time.
He mentioned it in letters as well.
He said not to blame you, that you had no choice.
Besides, Yunwei would have been a Rightist in any case.
And Shaolong would've been sent to the northeast all the same.
I don't doubt this.
Guodong, let's not bring it up again, all right?
Have another mouthful.
Take it easy. He is more than full.
All right. This is the last one.
Ma, please! He'll get indigestion.
All right, all right. No more. Go play now!
Go play with uncle.
You little devil! What are you doing?
You've got big eyes.
You mustn't remain in mourning the rest of your life.
I donĄ¯t know, since Shaolong's been gone. I've felt at a loss.
There you go again. You're still not over Shaolong.
But he's dead. You've got to come to terms with that.
You're young, you've got a child. Think of the future.
Sis, I know what you're saying.
But it's the way I am. What can I do?
He was so young. Now he's dead. I don't even know where he's buried.
If he were alive he'd be a Rightist. And now? What's the line on him?
This has to be cleared up one way or another.
When Tietou grows up he'll ask, where's my father?
How did he die?
What am I going to tell him?
You mustn't dwell on this. It's all in the past.
This wont solve anything.
What are you laughing at?
I cant help but thinking about it...
But the more I do, the less I understand.
Well then, think of something else.
- Bye Granny! - Mum, I'm going.
Do what your teacher says and come back straight after school.
Obey the rules!
- You're back. - Mum...
- What are we having for dinner? - Rice.
- Is Uncle Li coming for dinner? - How did you know?
If you've got three tins out, then one's for Uncle Li.
Go do your homework. And mind your own business.
- Mrs. Lan, will you come out? - Coming.
Everyone look here.
In these hard times, who can afford so many rolls?
The question is: where did ail this flour come from?
I've been saving it a bit at a time from my rations.
Everyone here knows...
- My son's coming today. - It doesnĄ¯t take much to work this out.
This much flour could only come from the black market.
Take it away!
But really, I did save it from my rations.
- I'll never do it again. - Take it away!
We confiscated them as a lesson to everyone.
Don't worry. No one will eat them. They'd spoil first.
Shujuan, the library came in first in the manual labor contest.
I was named a model worker.
Our school came in fifth.
We've too many female comrades to do well in that sort of thing.
This afternoon I handed in my application to join the Party.
A member of the committee came to see me.
Really?
The branch is considering the possibility that next spring...
"Silly boy on the doorstep there. He has no bride so he weeps with despair...
"But what's he want a bride for?
"When the light's on you talk, when it's off you're a pair.
"And in the morning she will comb my hair."
Uncle, pick me up.
- Come! - Don't force yourself on Uncle.
Come on, one, two, three, up you go.
You all right? What's wrong? What happened?
An old illness, nothing to worry about.
Why didn't you go to the doctor?
I've been so busy.
DonĄ¯t worry, it's nothing really.
Did you hurt yourself?
No, but you sure scared me when you fell!
Uncle is very clumsy.
- Does it still hurt? - No.
If it doesn't hurt, pick me up again!
Come on then.
Hold it! That's him...Over here.
- Did you call him names? - He called me names first.
What'd I say?
You, your father is a prisoner in a labor camp!
Too bad for you, he's not.
Do you have a father? Your father's dead.
Pick on him and I'll beat you up. You think you're tough!
You pack of little bastards, all ganging up on one kid like that.
Aren't you ashamed of yourselves? Scram!
Tietou, what are you doing?
Don't throw stones! You're such a worry.
- Uncle! - Tietou!
- Uncle, why aren't you wearing your uniform? - Uncle's not in the army anymore.
For me? Great!
Like it?
- Are you through with the paperwork? - Yes. These are some soybeans from Ma.
Shujuan, I'm going to visit Zhu Ying in a few days.
Shujuan passes on her best wishes. She says she misses you a lot.
I've transferred to the city construction bureau. Haven't started work yet, though.
I wanted to see you again while my eyes still functioned.
If I waited much longer, I could be blind.
Don't wait for me.
What does it matter if you can see me or not?
But please pass on my best to your mother and Shujuan.
If you wait, I'll be old and gray before I'm out of here.
- Who is it? - Me.
Come in.
Shujuan, could I have a glass of water?
You're ill again?
Why don't you have something to eat? You might feel better.
I had something at my workplace.
- Why didn't you come here for dinner? - It's no big deal.
My parents sent some smoked ham and home made sweets.
It's good stuff. I've brought it over for Tietou.
The library gave us more cloth rations, but I have enough clothing.
So I bought you some long underwear.
You really shouldn't have.
Are you feeling any better?
- Much. It's really nothing. - You're always saying it's nothing.
But you look terrible. You really have to look after yourself.
As long as you and Tietou are all right, I'm happy.
- Would you quit saying that? - I donĄ¯t say it that often.
But if it weren't for me, Shaolong would still be alive.
It's only for Shaolong's sake, I...
How many times have I told you?
What's past is past. No need to think about it anymore.
Impossible. I feel I owe you and Tietou so much.
What are you saying? Owe us so much?!
Guodong, you've got to go easier on yourself.
Whenever I see you two, I can't help thinking of Shaolong...
...and unless I do something for you my heart's not at ease.
Otherwise, I feel like I can't bear the guilt.
So! You've unburdened yourself. But how do you think I feel now!
Don't misunderstand. I mean, I've wronged you and Tietou.
Don't you see? What more can I hope for?
Wait. Are you saying...
...it's all a matter of responsibility and the repaying of debts?
Thanks a lot! But I have no desire to be anyone's charity case!
Charity? What do you think I am?
I act according to my own conscience. You insult me by saying that.
You're the only one with a conscience? Insulting you?!
O.K., Li Guodong. I thank you. Go and take that stuff with you.
Shujuan, you think I could walk out like that?
I've looked at this as my home. I don't know how to put it.
I'll go now. But don't be angry.
Go then. And don't ever come back!
Please don't be angry. You ought to know me by now.
Did you really think of this as your home?
Yes. I wish this were my home.
Don't come any closer.
Please leave. I'm so terribly confused.
Ready?
Attention everyone!
I'll say one, two, three, then everyone say cheese.
And we'll have a big smile on everyone's face.
Ready? One, two, three.
Cheese!
Don't move! One more!
And so Mum married Uncle Li.
Everyone in the courtyard was in the wedding photograph.
We got through the three bad years when there wasn't enough to eat.
When New Year's came, everyone had dumplings.
To this day there's no food I like better than dumplings.
- Best wishes for the New Year! - Happy New Year!
We're making dumplings as well.
- Try mine anyway. - And ours as well.
Thank you Granny!
Good boy!
Try these. Thanks!
Bingzhen's mother!
Happy New Year!
- I've brought some dumplings for you too. - Best wishes for the New Year.
We're making dumplings, too. What's in yours?
Lamb and cabbage.
Lamb's not cheap. I didn't dare buy too much.
Everyone come to my place later for drinks!
Tietou, come out and play! We're going to set off firecrackers.
Wait for me. I'll get my firecrackers too.
Happy New Year!
- Hurry, Tietou! - Coming!
- Do you have the incense? - Yes.
Come back soon for dumplings.
Mum, I want to light my lantern now.
Why don't you do that after dinner?
But everyone else has theirs.
I'll fix you up.
Whatever makes the kid happy.
- Are you in pain again? - I'm fine.
Here you go.
Let's play!
Let's play hide and seek.
Palms up, palms down.
Tietou, you're it! Close your eyes.
One, two...
...nine, ten!
Tietou!
Over here!
Weijun! Weijun!
What happened?
Tietou's come back.
Son, you didn't even have to be called home!
Did you set off firecrackers?
- What happened? - My lantern got burnt up.
Come over here.
Come on, it's OK, I'll buy you a new one.
- You can't buy one now. - I promise you I will.
- I want another big horse one. - All right.
Go wash your hands. We'll have some dumplings.
Uncle Li was very ill. I visited him at the hospital often.
About two months later, he died. The doctor said...
...it was his liver. They said he was overworked and malnourished.
Tietou! Tietou!
Come and play.
After Uncle Li died, Mum and I moved in with Grandma.
Mum said she couldn't bear to live in that courtyard house anymore.
STEPFATHER
Were you transferred to the county to teach?
No. I didn't want to go.
The school in the commune is a kind of flagship for the whole county.
We've put so much into it I couldn't bear to leave it.
Is she your girlfriend.
No, just a colleague.
We're just sort of interested.
Shuyan, first establish a career. Having a family comes second.
Yes, Yes, I know. Shusheng, how are your eyes?
- Still not very good. - Have you been to the doctor?
Yes. but it's no use. I'm taking...
Tietou's home!
He only just got home?
He's away from home all day.
He only comes back for meals.
Hey, kid!
Tietou, come here. Do you know who this is?
You've gotten so big? Do you still recognize me?
You're little Uncle!
Not bad, Tietou.
Hello, Auntie!
Little Uncle had come back to show us his girlfriend.
I thought she was okay.
But I didn't go for her red cheeks. Looked like a monkey's ass.
Li Jinghui can sing in the girl's chorus. He's got a damn good voice.
Li Mei went to the boys' toilet by mistake. She sure ran out of there fast!
Here comes the principal.
Shitty, why is your bride singing with other people?
You know, the one with the long nose and big ears...
...and teeny little eyes...
- ...who snorts as she walks. - Fuck you!
Fuck! Can't take a joke, Shitty?
Your mum's a pig.
Who are you talking about?
Stop it! Stop fighting! It was only a joke!
How'd I ever get a son like you? Are you proud of yourself?
Aren't you ashamed? You don't ever think of me, do you?
When can I ever stop worrying about you?
Your father died young. You're all I have and you're so infuriating!
Just have a fit one day and die.
I don't know how I've survived so far. I've had it!
Why can't you give me a bit of pleasure for once?
Are you listening?
You've really broken my heart.
Think about what you're doing. Otherwise, I won't have you for a son!
Ma, go back. We are not going that far away.
Tietou!
Do as your mother says. Don't let her worry, OK?
Mum got married again. He was an old comrade-in-arms of Auntie's.
Grandma and Uncle didn't approve.
Mum said she was doing it for me.
It was the first time I ever rode in a car.
Bye Uncle! Bye Grandma! Bye!
Goodbye little Tietou! Bye!
- Loa Wu, dinner's ready. - Coming.
- Tietou, time for dinner. - Coming.
Lao Wu, dinner!
The fragrance of the wine beguiles, the jade cup shines with an amber light.
The host makes his guests so drunk, they no longer know where they are.
You did well this time.
OK, wash up and get ready for bed.
No time to play. Go to sleep!
- Mum. - Yes?
Can I have some money?
What for? You do nothing but make planes all day.
- Mum. - What now?
- Don't forget to wake me tomorrow morning. - I know.
- Mum. - Now what? This kid!
Nothing.
Little troublemaker.
- Dinner's ready. - Coming.
The "maid" has called us to dinner.
- Who? - The maid.
What's with you, young man? You don't like me, do you?
Pick up that rice!
Put it back in the bowl!
Do it!
Tietou!
Lao Wu, what are you doing?
I'll eat it.
Tietou! Granny worries about you. She wants you to visit.
Is that... guy good to you?
Oh, yeah! His own kids are not in Beijing.
He takes me to the Zoo, and eat peppery lamb's stomach, too!
- Really? - Of course.
And in the evenings. he tells me tales from the war.
He killed seven or eight Japs.
Granny says to come over and play some time.
Lao Wu, turn on the light.
What's on your mind, son? Tell me.
I want to go back to Grandma's.
Sure. Don't be long.
I don't want to come back.
Why are you so miserable?
I know you're not happy. Go stay with Grandma for a few days.
You know, I'm not so happy myself.
You silly boy, you know you're everything to me.
Stay with me, please?
On Sunday we'll go visit Grandma together. How's that?
Xiao Er, come!
OK.
Hey, I want to play too.
Greater China brand! Incredible!
Let me see!
- Blue Peony brand! - Your dad must be a big official.
- What did you say? - Hey, don't go.
Let him go! Let's just get back to our game.
Little Uncle is home.
Tietou, come here! Quickly!
This is your stepbrother and his wife.
This is my son, Tietou.
Say hello.
Hello, Stepbrother, Sister-in-law.
You can go play now.
Niuniu, don't fight with your little Uncle.
Little Uncle, why did you get home so late?
I've been waiting all afternoon for you.
Is this a plane?
No. It's a model of a plane.
Little Uncle, can I play with it?
Leave it. I've got to do my homework.
Little Uncle, is that a kite?
Will you take me kite-flying?
Little Uncle, will you take me kite-flying?
All right.
Let it go.
I'll check on them.
Wenying, come have a look.
Kids!
Asleep, just like that.
Tietou, Tietou, wake up.
Little Uncle! Little Uncle!
What's up?
The kite's stuck up high in the tree.
The kite?
Daddy was flying it just now.
Daddy's dumb. He just started flying it when it got stuck.
It's still there.
Little Uncle, do you think we can get it down?
No, but I can make another for you.
Shitty, why aren't there any classes today?
Sure there aren't.
Even my parents didn't go to work. They stayed home.
No classes today!
What's going on over there?
Boycott classes! Boycott classes!
- Mum? - What?
- Where's Niuniu gone? - I sent her home.
What were you saying?
He was asking about Niuniu.
Down with Lu Wei!
Revolution is no crime. It's right to rebel!
Down with Lu Wei! Down with Lu Wei!
Cut her hair off!
Students! You can't do this!
I will submit to investigation. You can criticize me.
But please don't cut my hair. How will I face my children?
Students!
Mum!
You're back!
Mum!
You're back!
Mum. Today we struggled our principal!
And we wrote posters against her and cut her hair.
She's such a bad person. She scolds and punishes us.
So everyone spat at her.
I spat at her too!
Bastard!
- Shusheng, what day is it? - Friday.
The seventh. Ma, are you asking when Zhu Ying has to leave?
I know she has to visit her parents.
Have some more to eat, dear.
Tietou, you don't go to class anymore?
We've burnt all our texts! But I go to school every day.
It's a lot of fun.
Uh...I...
Any more dumplings? Let's make some more.
There are still lots left.
Tietou, what were you saying was so much fun?
Nothing.
Zhu Ying, have some more.
Like they say, "Dumplings to see you off".
You should eat something too. You've been so busy you haven't eaten either.
Take care!
Goodbye! Bye! Bye!
What happened to Auntie Zhu Ying was always a mystery to me.
I asked her why they put her in jail, then let her out.
She said she wasn't sure herself.
The Neighborhood Committee took over these rooms.
Turned It into a storeroom for confiscated property.
Mrs. Lan was sent back to her parents' home.
I hear her father was a big landlord.
Bingzhen's moved too? Where'd he go?
Dunno. It's been six months since I've seen any of them.
- Hello! - Hello!
They're new. They've been here half a year.
- Have one. - I don't know how to smoke.
Ma, let me. It's cold. You should rest.
Look, no one's here yet. They're all so busy.
Ma, I'll put the food on the table.
Relax, Guihua, it's all right.
Ma, let me do that.
This must be Tietou!
- Say hello to your new auntie. - Hello, Auntie.
Give me your jacket.
Uncle!
Tietou, have some candy. Here, take it!
How's your mother and stepfather?
Ma! Let me.
Ma, I'll do that.
Ma, let me do that for you.
Elder Brother is here!
I'll take that.
Here, have a seat.
How are things?
Let's eat. Don't wait for Shujuan. She'll be here shortly.
- Have you phoned Sis? - Yes. She can't make it.
Not even for a marriage celebration!
What sort of celebration can you put on these days anyway?
Come on, let's eat.
Tietou, eat.
Ma, let me do that.
Little Uncle, she's not the same girl as last time, right?
No, that one had bad class background.
- But this auntie is a bit... - Unattractive?
Your uncle's stupid. Nothing I do is quite right.
Don't take after me.
Mum, one of my classmates has the best Mao badge.
What are you burning? Can I help?
You're home late.
We were at Little Uncle's wedding.
So even in these times people are still getting married?
My new auntie is a poor peasant.
Sit down. I've something to discuss with you.
You too, Tietou. Stay and listen.
Sit down.
There's ash in your hair.
I ought to have spoken to you earlier.
I didn't think things would happen so quickly.
There are a lot of posters up already in my workplace criticizing me...
And there are more every day.
What can I do?
They'll soon come to the house.
And it'll mean trouble for both of you.
I've been thinking about it, and I've decided...
...that we should get divorced.
I don't want to get you into trouble.
Shall we agree? Better sooner than later.
Of course, it makes me sad to do this. You can believe that.
I really am fond of this kid.
Even if he has never liked me, It's all right.
He's a boy and boys are like that.
Let me think it over, all right?
Think of yourself and your child. Don't worry about me.
This money is for you and Tietou.
It's not much, but it should get you through any hard times.
This is for little Niuniu. Please keep it for her.
If you can, please help them out.
Take it.
Mum, let's pack.
Mum, what makes you happy?
Being with you.
I wonder how Sis is. It's been more than ten days.
I heard they put her through eight struggle sessions.
Even hung a signboard around her neck.
I'm so worried.
Don't get too upset. This is a political movement.
All the cadres are under attack.
It's a revolution without historical precedent.
They've been carrying out revolution most of their lives.
There'll be no end to it.
Ma, you mustn't talk like that outside the family.
You must have the right attitude.
I'm nearly in my grave. What have I got to fear?
I've been so distressed by what's happening.
Shuyan's so far away. We see him once every couple years.
And Shusheng, what with his eyes the way they are...
And you... you haven't had much chance to be happy.
I feel...I feel I've lived long enough.
Ma, don't even think that. Everyone's doing all right.
Do me a favor and keep this safe.
Come on! Get up! Come on! Still not up?
Get dressed, quick!
If he cant walk, get a stretcher. Hurry!
Young generals of the Red Guard! He's got heart trouble.
Cant you carry out your investigations here?
No. Let's go. Move it!
Look how ill he is! He can't take this sort of thing.
Besides, he's an old comrade.
Old comrade?! Try old counter-revolutionary!
Please let him go! You'll kill him!
Hey, she's Wu Leisheng's wife! Arrest her too!
Down with Wu Leisheng!
And you, you little son of a bitch!
Let me go! Let me go!
Tietou! Go home! Now!
Mum! Mum!
Let me go! Animals!
You're beasts! Bastards!
Little son of bitch. You dare bite me?
Little counter-revolutionary! Beat him to death.
Little counter-revolutionary! Get him!
On November 7, 1968, Stepfather died of a heart attack.
Mum was sent to labor reform as a counter-revolutionary.
The crow on the tree, the crow flying free.
The old crow flies no more, circling birds cry and caw.
Little birds look for food, first feed mum and then the breed.
I wait for mine patiently, for mum has always fed me.
Technical work: jafforidza