It's 1984 in a small village nestled in China's wild and gorgeous Taihang Mountains. Recently settled there with his mute wife, Hong Xia, and two children, La Hong sets off into the mountains one day, has his foot blown off when he steps into a badger trap, and dies shortly thereafter. The village elders determine that the young man responsible for setting the trap, Han Chong, must take care of the widow Xia and her kids. Over time, they begin to fall in love, something that does not sit well with the other villagers once the news leaks...

Director Larry Yang and cinematographer Patrick Murguia capture the rugged landscapes of the region and the beautiful faces of the young couple with equal aplomb, and the resulting tale has the feel of timeless allegory.

"Yang's small-town melodrama offers a sweeping indictment of human vindictiveness... A love story of remarkable credibility and emotional depth, persuasively acted by Lang Yueting and Wang Ziyi... [this is] forceful, broadly accessible storytelling..." Justin Chang, Variety

Winner: Best Director, Best Screenplay, Shanghai 

Larry Yang – Director (January 12 & 14 only)