A Fool
China
•
1h 36m
Directed by Jianbin Chen • Drama • With Jianbin Chen, Jiang Qinqin, Wang Xuebing, Jin Shijia • 2014 • 97 minutes
Based on Hu Xuewen's novella "Running Moonlight", a Chinese shepherd tries to enlist help in getting his son released from prison; when a wandering stranger enters his life, diverting his focus and creating chaos with his plans.
“A shepherd (Jianbin) whose son has been arrested turns to a local gangster (Wang Xuebing of Black Coal, Thin Ice) for help, though this effort is complicated by a simpleminded tramp to whom the protagonist showed a speck of kindness at the outset. At first the shepherd is annoyed by the tramp’s attachment to him and his Muslim wife, but eventually he realizes that the fool has more decency than most people he knows, including the public officials who don’t seem to care if the disadvantaged live or die.” —Leah Pickett, Chicago Reader
Up Next in China
-
Spring Tide
Directed by Lina Yang • Drama • With Hao Lei, Elaine Jin Yan-ling, Qu Junxi, Li Wenbo, Huang Shanghe
• 2019 • 124 minutesWhen a mother lives with her mother and her daughter, inevitable conflicts arise, including the revelation of a dark past. When these conflicts come to a boil during a famil...
-
All About My Sisters
Directed by WANG Qiong • Documentary • 2021 • 175 minutes
In her debut film, director Qiong Wang builds a riveting portrait of her family reckoning with the lasting impact of China's one-child policy.
After giving birth to two daughters, Qiong's parents were desperate for a boy. When they learn...
-
Angels Wear White
Directed by Vivian Qu • Drama • With Vicky Chen, Meijun Zhou, Le Geng • 2017 • 107 minutes
In a small seaside town, two schoolgirls are assaulted by a middle-aged man in a motel. Mia, a teenager who was working on reception that night, is the only witness. For fear of losing her job, she says no...
