This is a profound story, beautifully told, interweaving the plight of a family of famine refugees with a depiction of the Chinese leaders and the difficult decisions they were faced with as the Japanese army closed in on Henan province in 1942.
The plot develops in a most engaging manner, depicting the suffering of famine refugees as they trek across the barren, snowy countryside in an effort to reach Shaanxi. Interspersed, we see scenes depicting Chiang Kaishek and his ministers, coolly calculating the expedience of helping the refugees. The finely tailored costumes of Chiang and his secretary contrast with the rags of the refugees. We get the impression that the Chinese leaders are detached from the plight of the ordinary people.
The movie depicts the pitiful plight of the refugees without succumbing to sentimentality. The characters are stark and persuasive. Acting and direction are superb. If you are interested in this period of history this movie will not disappoint.
The plot develops in a most engaging manner, depicting the suffering of famine refugees as they trek across the barren, snowy countryside in an effort to reach Shaanxi. Interspersed, we see scenes depicting Chiang Kaishek and his ministers, coolly calculating the expedience of helping the refugees. The finely tailored costumes of Chiang and his secretary contrast with the rags of the refugees. We get the impression that the Chinese leaders are detached from the plight of the ordinary people.
The movie depicts the pitiful plight of the refugees without succumbing to sentimentality. The characters are stark and persuasive. Acting and direction are superb. If you are interested in this period of history this movie will not disappoint.