-Okay, goodbye. -Goodbye, teacher.
-Goodbye. -Goodbye.
-Take care. -Goodbye.
Miss An.
What? Is there something?
Yes, I have something to tell you.
Go on. What is it?
Let’s sit down and talk.
Sure.
Go on. What is it?
Have... you...
Have... you found out already?
What is it? What do you mean?
It’s about... Ding and me.
-That thing about us. -What about Ding and you?
What’s wrong with you?
What’s with the muttering and mumbling?
Are you going to say it or not?
I’m leaving if you have nothing to say. My kid is on a hunger strike at home.
Who’s on hunger strike?
It has nothing to do with you. Don’t ask.
Miss An, please don’t be like this.
Be like what?
I know you are against Ding and me.
Why would I be against you two?
I know nothing about either of you...
or what secret you’re keeping from me, so why would I be against you?
You don’t have to do this.
Besides, it’s your life. You make your own decision.
You don’t need the opinions of others, nor do you need to worry how people react.
Thank you, Miss An.
Why are you thanking me? I didn’t do anything for you.
I really have to go. Something’s up at home.
Weiguo.
I cooked some noodles and added two eggs for you.
Get up. Get up and eat.
Get up and eat. What if you die of hunger?
See? You bonked your head, huh? Does it hurt?
What is going on with you?
What’s this?
Get up... get up now.
What’s wrong with you?
Do you hear me?
Brat!
Are you playing dead with me?
Are you playing dead?
Forget it. It's your own fault if you starve to death.
Are you going for a meal?
Has he eaten anything?
That’s none of my business.
You parents aren’t doing anything, so why should I bother?
You guys eat.
What are these?
Don’t you have eyes? Can’t you see?
I have eyes and I can see,
but I don’t understand why this good food is here.
Weiguo refused to eat, so you guys get to eat it.
Hunger strikes are great.
I want to go on a hunger strike, too.
What’s great about a hunger strike?
-The others get to eat good food, not you. -All of you shut up and eat.
He’s still not eating?
Why don’t you...
keep some walnut cake or biscuits in the room.
He’ll eat when he’s hungry.
This is all your fault.
Damn.
-Go and take a look. -Did he eat?
Weidong has almost finished all of your walnut cake.
Eat slowly or you’ll choke.
I didn’t finish that. I saved half a pack for brother.
Do you still want to deny it after you’ve been caught?
I won’t deny that I didn't eat all of it.
Take good care of your brother. Call for me if there’s anything.
I’ll just obey your command.
Stop eating.
How’s Weiguo?
He’s asleep and hasn’t woken up yet.
Did he eat anything in the night?
I guess not.
You’ve ate all of it?
No, I didn’t.
Dad, you’re home.
Nonsense! You ate it.
What did he eat?
-Ask him. -You should ask him.
What is it?
Something isn’t right. Why is he still sleeping?
Go in and take a look.
Why can’t you do that?
I’ll play mean and you play nice. We need to advance and retreat to win.
Playing mean and nice? Is this a scene in the opera?
Oh gosh! Someone, help!
What’s wrong?
His vital signs are normal. There shouldn't be any problems. Don’t worry.
Okay.
Weiguo, you’re awake.
What are you saying? Of course, he’s awake, Weiguo.
Where am I?
You’re at the hospital.
You fainted because you were so hungry and we brought you to hospital.
I won't eat...
I definitely will not eat.
My goodness!
This little guy is so stubborn. I wonder who he takes after.
He takes after me, of course. Like father, like son.
That's not a good thing.
It’s not a bad thing, either.
Weiguo.
Dad, I want to join the army.
I want to serve at the Sino-Soviet border.
Okay, I promise you.
-For real? -Yes.
Thanks, Dad.
You are welcome, son.
Weiguo, we have completed the paperwork. You may leave any time you want.
For real? To the Sino-Soviet border?
Yes.
Is it far from Zhenbao Island?
Not at all, it’s quite close, actually. Only a few kilometers.
Here.
That’s great.
Weiguo.
Your troops are close to the border so frontier guarding is an important duty.
You must gather your thoughts...
and be prepared all the time.
All right... lay down and finish your porridge first.
Eliminate the fascists! Freedom belongs to the people!
Commander, you have a capable son from your distinguished family.
I’m not sure about a distinguished family, but he is indeed a capable son.
When will he be discharged?
He may leave any time.
Never mind, you may go. I’ll walk home with my wife.
Why do you make a fool of yourself?
How did I make a fool of myself?
That was how you were when you first came to this island.
You look beautiful even when you make a fool of yourself.
You are so mean.
My old lady, how long has it been since you last called me that?
What did you call me?
My old lady.
Who’s your old lady?
You, you are my old lady.
Am I that old?
Our son is joining the army. Doesn’t that make us old?
You were lying to him in the ward, weren't you?
The place where he’ll be going isn't that close to Zhenbao Island, right?
It’s very close, on the side of Zhenbao Island.
If someone fires a gun on Zhenbao Island, they might even hear it.
I thought you were lying to him.
Why would I lie to him?
Besides, you know him.
Do you think he can’t differentiate between a military and civilian map?
Is he that gullible?
So, am I that gullible?
Yes, you are.
I tricked you into coming here and you've stayed ever since.
Will it be dangerous?
What do you think?
I bet it is.
There will always be danger for soldiers. This is common sense.
You’ve been a military dependent for a long time. Don’t you know that?
But, he’s just a kid. He’s not even 16 years old yet.
He’s no longer a kid now that he has joined the army.
He’s going to be a real man.
Don’t you want him to grow up as a stand-up man?
Everything sounds easy coming from your mouth.
Come, enjoy the scenery with me.
I feel like holding your hand.
You can do that.
Actually, I still get nervous to do so.
An Jie, you don’t look old at all.
Am I not your old lady anymore?
You are still my old lady, but you don’t look old at all.
I’m flattered.
If I don’t look old, the credit must go to you.
And why is that?
Do you have to ask even though you know the answer?
How would I know the answer? I have no idea at all.
It’s because you let me live an abundant and happy life, okay?
-Are you really happy? -What do you think?
I don’t know. I’m asking you, so you should tell me and be honest.
You’ve been so good to me. I’d feel sorry for you if I wasn't happy.
Hold my arm.
I don’t know why,
but seeing how meek and submissive Ge Meixia looks
reminded me of the past.
When I was in front of Secretary Yang, I looked meek and submissive.
If he didn’t take pity on you, do you think you could've married me?
Would you be able to live a happy life like this?
Now you’re singing your own praises, huh?
Did I flatter you so much that you forgot your name, too?
My last name is Jiang...
Come, hold my arm.
Please?
This is much better.
-This is good. -Good in what way?
Taking a walk by the seaside
while my wife pesters me endlessly.
I mean, I am pestering you endlessly...
What are you sighing about? What was that for?
I’m worried about Dehwa. What do we do about her?
She finally met a suitable person but it didn’t work out.
Why do you think Ding is suitable?
Can’t you distinguish between good and bad?
Stop being so sensitive. I didn’t mean you.
Don’t worry. Dehwa will get her chance.
There will be another widower in the future.
-Jiang Defu. -I'm joking, I’m joking.
-You call that a joke? -Okay, okay, my mistake.
The joke went too far.
We’re home.
Weiguo, are you hungry?
-I’ll fry an egg for you. -Okay.
Jiang.
Wang.
Have you seen Deputy Chief Ding’s marriage report?
-I read it. -What do you think?
I have no comment.
He’s been a widower for many years. It’s time for him to remarry.
There’s no problem in wanting to remarry.
More important is who he wants to marry.
What do you mean? Come, sit down.
He can marry anyone except someone like this.
A fisherman's daughter who doesn’t care about other fishermen.
He's one of the leading officers
but can’t he have better class consciousness than a fisherman?
This is impossible.
The higher up will never allow it.
You need to do something about this. Tell him to forget about it.
Wang.
Let’s not get all riled up over nothing.
Besides, Miss Ge is teaching at the school now, isn’t she?
My wife said she’s a rather nice person who behaves well.
This doesn’t concern her personality.
Whether she’s good or not doesn’t matter.
This is about her family and her background.
Didn’t we agree to ignore class origin?
That is for the general situation.
If it’s about marriage, it will be a different affair.
Guoqing...
Where did he go?
Guoqing, wash your hands. It’s time to eat.
I’ll be right there...
Come out and eat... Why aren’t you here yet?
Weiguo, what are you doing? Put down the gun!
Your Dad is going to be so mad if he sees this, hurry...
-I know, just let me play for a while. -Play for a while?
-Why must you play with a gun? -What’s more fun than a gun?
-Put it down! Hurry... -Aunt...
-Put it down! Put down! -Don’t move, aunt! Don’t move, aunt!
Hello. Connect me to the combat duty room.
Weiguo.
Aunt...
What's wrong?
Aunt...
Are you dead? Someone help!
-About Ding, maybe you can-- -Sure, I’ll talk to him.
But don't get your hopes too high.
Hello.
What?
What did you say?
SONGSHAN ISLAND HOSPITAL NAVY GARRISON AREA
Does it hurt?
No.
All right, don’t move.
Look at you. Would you dare to serve the army at the Sino-Soviet border, now?
Yes, I would.
Why?
It doesn’t hurt at all. Why should I be afraid?
Very brave indeed.
Come, let me see.
-He’s good. -Thank you.
Let’s go.
-Thank you, madam. -Good.
Where... where are you going?
Siyang’s quilt is done. I’m sending it over to him.
Don’t go. Let Weidong do it.
Why?
Ding is getting married soon. Why do you still visit him all the time?
-What would others think of you? -They can think whatever they want.
What does it have to do with me?
I’m doing housework for Xiu’e and the children, not him.
Do you believe what just said?
I believe her. Of course, I believe her.
Don’t you believe her?
I believe her, but I also don’t believe her.
What was that for?
I can "humph" as I please. Why do you care?
-I couldn’t care less about you. -What are you talking about?
"Humph" to you and "humph" to your sister!
What? Can’t I do it too?
Sure. You can do whatever you want.
As long as you’re happy, go ahead.
Jiang Defu, stop right there!
I’m exhausted from training the troops these past few days.
Sister-in-law.
We told you hundreds of times to knock before you enter.
All right...
Sister-in-law, guess who I saw at Ding’s home, today.
Who? Miss Ge?
Yes, and you know what was she doing?
What was she doing?
How would I know what she was doing?
Take a guess.
Was she eating?
No.
Was she... cooking?
No, why do you think of food only? Can’t you think of other things?
Think of other things? What should I think about?
You guess.
You guess...
They were...
... behaving affectionately?
Who was behaving affectionately?
Ding and Miss Ge.
How do they behave affectionately?
Were... were they kissing?
-Stop it already! -How shameless!
Don’t keep us guessing. Tell us. What were they doing?
She was crying. She cried.
She was crying? Ding made her cry?
It wasn’t Ding. It was Ding’s leader.
I heard from Siyang
that Ding’s upper level didn't approve their marriage.
-Is that true, Defu? -How would I know? I don’t know.
Aren’t you Ding’s superior? How would you not know about it?
You... seem to know a lot.
You even know there’s a leader above him.
Are you done talking?
Get out if you’re done talking. We have things to attend to.
What?
Why do you care?
Hurry and get out. Get out.
Come, let’s continue...
Don’t measure other people's corn by your own bushel.
What, again?
-What do you want for breakfast? -Whatever...
You see that? Who’s the corn and who’s the bushel?
Come on, come on.
Are they really not allowed to get married?
It's not final, yet she’s crying already? My goodness!
What do they do?
What can they do? Fight for it.
We weren’t allowed to get married, but we made it work.
Where there's a will, there's a way.
If they are determined to do it, it's possible.
Then you should help them.
Prepare some nice dishes tonight. I’ll invite Ding over for a drink.
For what?
Don’t you know why?
Didn’t you see Ding’s anxious face?
Look who’s laughing and who’s in tears.
-Who’s laughing? Who’s in tears? -We’re laughing, Ding is in tears.
Our political party is greater than heaven and earth
Chairman Mao loves the people more than parents love their children
Nothing in the world...
Do you hear that? Now you know who’s laughing.
What does it have to do with her? What is she happy about?
If they split, she’ll get another chance.
She didn't have a chance even before they started seeing each other.
Get going, you traitor!
It’s good that you have a clear idea of what your hate and love.
What’s the occasion? What’s with these delicious dishes?
It’s not a special day today. I bet we have guests coming today.
Yeah, you’re such a fool!
I wonder who it could be to warrant such a fancy reception?
What are you doing? Where are your manners?
Go... Go away...
Go back to your room and do your homework.
-I only ate a mouthful. -Not even half!
Sis, who do you think is coming today?
I’m sure it’s Uncle Ding.
How do you know?
Didn’t you see how happy Aunt Dehwa looks?
-Why is she happy? -Because Uncle Ding is coming for dinner.
He’s just coming for dinner. What’s there to be happy about?
You won’t understand even if I tell you.
Sis, tell me about it. Sis!
-Yafei... -Sis!
Go and buy me a bottle of vinegar.
I have a lot of homework today. I can’t go.
Yaning, go.
Aunt Dehwa, I know now why you’re so happy today.
Why would I be happy?
Stop pretending. We all know about it.
What do you girls know?
Uncle Ding is coming for dinner and you’re happy about it.
-Am I right, Sis? -Yes, you’re right.
That’s not true.
Look how happy she is.
-Why are you so happy? -Do I look like I’m happy?
You smile is blooming like a flower.
Am I smiling? Did I smile?
What’s wrong with smiling? Don’t be embarrassed.
Do I look embarrassed? When did I look embarrassed?
-Why should I be embarrassed? -Okay...
Forget it. It was my mistake.
What are you holding?
Xifeng liquor.
This is a good wine, one of our country’s ten famous wines.
What’s great about that? Is it better than Moutai?
You mean we should serve him Moutai?
So what if it’s Moutai? Can’t Ding drink Moutai?
This is not a festival or--
Is there a rule that says Moutai is only for festivals?
Since when did you become this picky?
Okay...
I'll get it... Let’s just serve them Moutai.
What now?
This feels a little awkward.
That's ridiculous!
Come on.
Come.
Damn.
-What a sumptuous feast! -Yeah...
Wel... Welcome.
Welcome, Mr. Ding.
This seems a little over the top. We’re overwhelmed.
Let’s be overwhelmed, then.
Ding, please.
What’s this? This isn't too much?
It’s just a bottle of Moutai.
We won’t go broke because of it.
Who are you? Are you Norodom Sihanouk?
-Where are the kids? -They've eaten and we’ve sent them off.
There’ll be only the two of you today. You can drink as much as you want.
-Sure. -Okay.
Don’t be a stranger, let’s get drunk.
I’m not stupid. This is Moutai.
Come, pour up.
Lower the heat or the pot will burn.
Cheers.
Both of you go inside and relax. Ding and I need to talk.
Okay.
You need to talk? Why can’t we listen in?
Why do you want to listen to our man talk? Go...
Let’s go. Let’s go in.
What would they be talking about without us?
Maybe it’s about work and it has nothing to do with us.
No way! I’m sure it’s not that.
It must be about Ding and Miss Ge.
They can talk as they like. It’s not related to us anyway.
I want to hear what they are talking about.
You can go out and listen, then.
I can listen from here.
Can you hear them?
If I don’t do this, what else can I do?
What can you do? Fight for it.
How do I do that?
Do I have to teach you how to fight for it?
Have you forgotten how I fought for my happiness?
Brother, times have changed.
That was then and this is now.
Can you compare then to now?
Why not? It’s about getting married now too, no?
You told me then to choose between military status and a wife.
And the result?
You got yourself a wife and you didn’t lose your military status.
-You even became our commander. -That’s right.
You should try. How will you know if you don’t try?
What if I fail? Are you going to demobilize me?
I still need to look after my elderly parents
and raise four sons who are still young and growing up.
What if I’m dismissed?
What do I do if I’m dismissed?
Don’t drink alone. Let’s drink together. We haven’t drank like this in so long.
-Cheers. -Cheers.
What a jerk!
Who?
My brother. Your man is such a jerk.
Why is he a jerk?
He keeps telling Ding to give it a try,
that he won't know if he doesn’t try, because he might succeed.
Your brother is just saying it to being polite.
Is that how he advises someone? Telling people to jump into a fire pit?
Why are you sleeping in your uniform?
I’m a little... a little drunk.
I’m dizzy and I can’t even stand.
Why did you drink so much?
Ding wanted to drink, so I had to keep up.
I heard you told Ding to jump into the fire pit.
What’s the point of my advice?
If he refused to do it, do you think I could force him?
-Ding doesn’t want to do it? -That seems to be the case.
What is it with this old Ding?
How many men could give up their lives like me to marry you?
Did you give up your life?
Isn’t political life my life?
Does political life also count as life?
-It’s more important than life. -All right... I know...
You are awesome. You are better than Ding.
I’m a lot better.
You too. You're a lot better than Ding.
Didn’t you jump into the fire pit as well?
Didn’t you say you don’t believe me?
I believe you. Who said I didn’t believe you?
What’s with the sigh?
What should we do about Miss Ge?
Why don’t you talk to her?
What should I tell her? Besides, it has nothing to do with me.
Then what are you sighing about?
Just sighing for nothing and worrying for nothing.
I’m going to sleep. My head feels heavy.
-Dehwa, sit here. -I’m not going to sit here.
Everyone, please sit...
I’m going to take a picture...
Okay, look to the front.
Okay.
Come here.
SHOOTING LINE
Dad, is... is this for real?
Of course, it’s real. Have I ever lied to you?
-Reporting, sir. I’m all set. -Good.
Do you see these bullets here? You can shoot as much as you want today.
Give me the gun.
Okay.
Straighten your arm, look to the front.
Three points on a line. Ready... shoot!
Shoot.
-Understand? -Yes.
Hold the gun properly.
Ready.
Shoot.
Dad, I would have no regrets if I died right now.
You brat. Do a good job in the army.
Strive to win a merit and bring home a service medal.
I promise to complete the given task.
Come, a toast to comrade Jiang Weiguo.
-Cheers. -Cheers.
Aunt, everyone finished theirs but why aren’t you drinking?
Yeah.
Everyone’s happy except you.
What’s there to be happy about?
Your big brother is going to the frontline.
It’s an honor to go to the frontline. Why aren’t you happy?
-What’s there to be happy about? -You are a reactionary.
Brat!
-Eat more... -Eat up...
Brother, a toast to you.
I wish you a strong start,
a speedy success, and that you win a merit as soon as possible.
Good. I wish you academic success, too.
Good.
Brother, I’ll drink with you too.
What... what should I wish you?
Sit down and think about it.
I know, I... I wish... I...
-Forget it. -Sit down.
Brother, a toast to you.
You are great and I’m proud of you, cheers!
Jiang.
You have an amazing girl.
-This is not appropriate for a girl. -That’s good. I like that.
Brother, I’ll drink with you too.
What are you going to say?
Be careful when you’re on the frontline.
Okay.
Here, eat more.
Don’t seek personal privileges, but train well in the army.
Yes.
See... even parents are not as important as the dogs.
Why do you want to compete with dogs?
Goodbye, Mom and Dad!
Goodbye, aunt!
Goodbye, brothers and sisters!
Goodbye, uncles and aunts!
Goodbye classmates, comrades!
Don’t cry here and embarrass us.
Aunt!
Why didn’t you cry?
A son who puts dogs ahead of his parents...
-why should I cry for him? -Stop crying. Let’s go.
-Look at that brat. -Who?
That... Wang Haiyang. Look at him!
He’s all grown up but still fools around. What does he want to do?
Didn’t he fail to join the air service?
Does it have to be the air service?
Can’t he join the marines? Or the army?
Everyone has their own ambitions. Don’t be a busybody.
What ambition would he have? He’s just a daddy fellow.
What did you call him?
Daddy fellow. Why? Did I say it wrongly?
Of course not. You meant dandy fellow, didn’t you?
What's a daddy fellow?
I’m just going to call him daddy fellow. Can’t I do that?
Yes, of course you can.
Go ahead if you don’t mind bringing shame upon yourself.
Subtitle translation by Loretta Kok