ERA International (HK) Ltd. Presents
In Association with Shanghai Film Studios
Producer Chiu Fu-sheng
Executive Producers Kow Fuhong, Christopher Tseng
Associate Producers Hu Xiaofeng, Zhang Zhenyan
Adaptation from Yu Hua's novel To Live (Originally in Harvest, Issue 6, 1992)
TO LIVE
Screenwriters Yu Hua, Lu Wei
Screenplay Lu Wei
Director of Photography Lü Yue
Art Director Cao Jiuping
Sound Designer Tao Jing
Composer Zhao Jiping
Editor Du Yuan
Starring Ge You, Gong Li
Directed by Zhang Yimou
THE 1940s
Young Master Fugui, you've lost again.
Not one lucky toss all night.
Credit it to my account.
How much?
Chunsheng.
I've run up a pile of debts lately.
But my calligraphy's improving.
Long'er, you neglect your troupe,
but not my money. Mules sing better than they do.
They're too tired. Been at it all night.
Why don't you have a go? Show them what it takes.
Business is good, Mr. Xie.
Come often. You're always welcome.
I hope the Heaven
Give us an extra hour
For me and my man
To have more time
To frolic on our ivory bed
Long'er, you're nearly there.
If Young Master Fugui loses one more night
you'll have him right where you want him.
Sure there's no mistake?
Look at the records.
Young Master Fugui is going home. You take him.
Take care.
Take care, Young Master.
Welcome home, sir.
Dad!
You animal! Another night gambling!
A dog's gotta eat shit! Little bastard!
If you keep going...
we'll lose the little we have.
Are you capable of anything else?
Other than gambling, what else do you know?
Of all you could have learned, bastard!
Little bastards grow from big bastards.
I learned all I know from you.
Why do you think we used to have three rooms and now are left with one?
In those days, the one they called big bastard Xu was you, not me!
What are you wiping?
- What did he just say about me? - Nothing. Eat.
Mother, when you finish, send him to his room.
Dad, Grandpa's scolding you again.
That's just your grandpa singing.
You're up.
What's wrong?
Don't cry.
It's not good for the baby.
You said you wouldn't gamble if I got pregnant.
Who was gambling? I went to watch.
What are you crying for?
If not for yourself, can't you think of the baby?
Let me wipe your tears.
I'm not your father. I can't be fooled.
All right, do it yourself. But please don't cry.
Fugui...
I've said all there is to say.
Can't you listen just this once? Quit gambling.
It's like kicking an opium habit, you know.
Too fast, you snap! It could kill you.
You can't rush these things.
Take it slow then?
Fengxia's growing up, another's on the way.
Please.
I'm not asking much.
Only to live a quiet life together.
Fugui, you choose. Gambling or family?
Tell me.
Your win, Master Fugui.
My luck's changed.
Write that down. Another round.
Master Fugui, your wife's here.
What are you doing here?
What happened?
Mr. Long'er says if you're busy he'll take a rain check.
No, have him wait. I'll be right there.
This is the last time, okay? I promise.
You go home first, go.
It's settled.
Mr. Xie...
please get a rickshaw to take my wife home. I'm...
- Of course. - Thanks.
Master Fugui, you lost.
Again!
Master Fugui.
Come, give Mrs. Xu a seat.
Fugui, listen to me just once.
Come home with me.
Why don't you go home? There'll be other times.
Your wife is right here.
What's with you? Can't take "no" for an answer?
You want to make me lose face?
Don't trouble me!
Get out!
I've just...
Let's play!
Don't worry about her.
Out you go.
Out of my sight.
Out!
Again!
Well?
Master Fugui, you've used up your credits.
You can't play anymore. You've lost everything.
Everything? What do you mean?
You bet your property. It's equal to what you owe Long'er.
You don't have a roof tile to your name.
What is it?
Master Fugui must settle his account.
If it's all in order, I'll be going.
Master Fugui, don't think badly of me
for leaving you homeless.
But I sure like that mansion of yours.
See you there in a few days.
You can't just win and walk away.
The game's not over yet!
Master Fugui, I'm sorry
but you've nothing left. What would you wager?
If there's anything else, talk to Mr. Xie. Excuse me.
This can't be happening!
What are you doing, Master Fugui?
It's not over yet!
Sit. Sit down first.
- Sit down! - You planned all this, didn't you?
- Sit. - Just one more round!
I am very sorry,
Master Fugui, but you've got nothing left.
What could you stake the bet on? We don't accept empty bets.
I'll stake my life.
Forget it.
To put it bluntly, you have nothing left. Your life's worthless now.
Not that we'd accept it as ante.
We'll formalize the transfer in two days...
at your home.
And explain everything to your old man.
We'll settle everything then.
Okay?
Your wife's been waiting for ages.
Fugui...
I just wanted to tell you...
I've realized...
you'll never change. I can't live like this.
I'm taking Fengxia with me.
If the baby is a boy...
I won't let him be like you.
Master Fugui, I'll take you.
- What are you doing? - Master Fugui.
I have nothing left.
Sixty-three, seventy-three, eighty-three...
Mr. Xu, any mistakes?
No, Fugui's signature is on each one.
Long'er, is our Xu family home
- enough to settle Fugui's debt? - Yes
Good.
A gambling debt's a debt, and debts must be paid.
Everyone's here today.
So let's do what must be done.
The Xu family home...
goes to Long'er.
And the debt is hereby settled.
Both sides must sign.
I thought I'd live my final days here.
Fugui.
Little bastard! I'll kill him!
I'll cut him into pieces! I'll clobber him!
I'll never forgive you!
I want him dead!
Sir! Sir!
It's valuable. Don't scratch it. Take it slowly.
Careful, slowly. Don't move too fast!
Don't break anything!
Your mother's not well. Go now, for her sake.
How about I look after her for a few days,
until you're set up elsewhere?
Should I get someone to help?
Needles and threads for sale!
Granny!
Jiazhen's come home.
Jiazhen.
Come look at your son.
Does he look like you?
No, like Jiazhen.
What's his name?
"Don't Gamble".
He'll never gamble.
Who chose that name?
Me.
Very good, very good.
I don't gamble now. Not even in my next life.
I know. Or I wouldn't have come back.
Jiazhen, is his name really "Don't Gamble"?
I was just teasing Fugui. It's Youqing.
Youqing, excellent.
Jiazhen, the family is complete now you're back.
I'd heard you'd had a boy, and were living at home the past year or so.
But I was too ashamed to see you.
Let's put the past behind us...
and live peacefully.
I've paid the rent with mother's jewelry.
It's crowded with all of us here.
I'll tidy up tomorrow. We'll be fine.
Mother's feeling better.
Normally she doesn't even get out of bed.
My dad and I had a falling out. I didn't bring much money back.
She needs a doctor, as for the future...
We'll work something out.
I'll borrow money to set up a shop.
Life with me won't be easy.
Don't say that.
All I ask is a quiet life together.
A rare visitor indeed, Master Fugui!
It's been a year at least.
Don't call me Master, just Fugui.
This old home of yours is great.
Warm in winter, cool in summer.
Great at any price.
I've given up the puppet troupe.
Have a seat.
I don't gamble anymore. Don't want to end up like you.
Let's not. "Don't Gamble" is my son's name.
Are you mocking me?
No, his real name's Youqing.
Jiazhen came back with him.
We almost called him "Don't Gamble", but called him Youqing in the end.
I'd like to borrow money to set up a shop.
I'm not one to lend money.
I'll lend you something else. More practical.
I never had to beg when I ran the puppet troupe.
Earn your money yourself.
Put together a troupe.
They are fabulous.
My heart is full of sorrow
It's that hateful bandit, Jiang Feixiong
I'm lucky to be alive
Give me and my man an extra hour
To frolic on our ivory bed
Get out!
Come on! Move!
1949: Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalist Army is losing the civil war.
The Communists under Mao Zedong are poised to take over China.
So we're fighting the Communists.
We might never go home again.
What are you looking at?
Looking to escape?
If you get caught, you'll be executed.
Even if you succeed...
there are troops everywhere within hundreds of miles.
You'll be conscripted.
But who will look after my wife, my kids, my old mother?
Forget it. Try to save your own skin.
As for me...
if I weren't looking for my brother,
I wouldn't be wearing this uniform.
Chunsheng, you really are obsessed with vehicles.
I'd die happy if I could drive.
As for me,
I want to live. There's nothing like family.
One, two, three. One, two, three.
This case is in the way!
Whose is it? Get rid of it!
Sir, it's mine. I've got my things in it. Let me keep it.
Get it out of my sight then.
It's just a bunch of puppets. Get rid of them! This is war!
They're not mine. It's how I make my living.
What a bloodbath.
What's that sound?
The wounded.
They're freezing.
No one's looking after them?
No one's left.
Tens of thousands of us are trapped here.
Well done, Chunsheng!
Take this.
- Where did you get them? - Off the corpses.
Which corpses?
Many of the wounded there have frozen to death.
Put it on. We must survive.
Lao Quan, have a drink.
It really is booze!
Was it from some dead officer?
Lao Quan...
Chunsheng and I are lucky to meet someone as nice as you.
You've looked after us.
Don't we all need help away from home?
Besides, we're from the same town.
Lao Quan, the place is deserted.
I'm still dizzy from drinking!
What happened? No one's left?
They've all run off.
How could that be?
The Reds must be on the attack.
What?
- Shouldn't we run too? - Where to?
Home!
Home?
If you wish to go home, wait right here.
Run now...
and you'll be shot.
We'd better wait to be captured by the Communists.
They send prisoners home and pay for their travels.
So no running?
That's right.
If you want to go home, don't run.
Won't they shoot us?
Not as long as you've got your hands up.
How?
Like this.
This will do the trick?
Don't reach for your waist!
Do that and you're dead.
The Communists treat captives well.
They feed you and they pay you. I've been one before.
Right. Just put those hands up.
The attack hasn't started. Let's put them down.
Chunsheng!
They die like this. Their families won't even know.
Fugui...
we've got to make it back alive.
And live a good life.
Lao Quan! They're shooting!
Where did you find this coat?
- On one of the wounded. - Many of them died there.
The number of my brother's unit is on it!
- What are you doing, Lao Quan? - They're shooting!
Lao Quan, what does your brother look like?
Just like me.
Lao Quan!
Guang Chengzi...
Guang Chengzi makes the world-shattering seal
The precious seal starts to wound people
I replace the guardians in a hurry
And quickly escape to Huanghua Mountain
Fengxia!
It's your daddy.
What are you doing?
Where's mommy?
Jiazhen!
I'm home.
Home.
Mother died without knowing where I was.
Counting back...
Chunsheng and I sang for the Liberation Army that day.
I suppose I was singing for her, too.
She never shut her eyes even till death...
kept them fixed on the door, so sure you'd be back.
You should have written.
Written?
Seeing so many dead, I never thought I'd make it back alive.
While away I kept thinking.
With kids and an elder...
how did you manage on your own?
Thanks to the government, who paid for mother's burial...
and gave me this job, delivering water.
I have to wake up early every day.
Many want water in the morning.
The more I deliver, the more I earn.
It's been hard on Fengxia and Youqing.
They never get...
a good night's sleep.
How come Fengxia can't talk?
She was fine when I left.
She can't even say "Daddy".
In fact, she was lucky.
For a week, she ran a high fever.
No one thought she'd pull through.
When the fever came down...
she'd lost her voice.
Jiazhen!
Jiazhen, you're here.
Fugui's back.
- This is our town leader, Mr. Niu. - Mr Niu.
So you're our leading cadre.
- I heard you got back this morning. - I'm back.
I have come to see if you need anything.
Look at this.
- You served in the Liberation Army? - Yes.
You participated in the revolution.
I just dragged a cannon and sang opera.
That's taking part.
Let me ask you.
You were with Chunsheng. Why isn't he back?
He joined the army as a driver. He went south with them.
Then we won't see him for a while.
Fugui, you're back just in time.
The Government is having a public trial against Long'er.
Come along and get an education.
What did Long'er do?
Because of your family home, he's been classified as a landlord.
But it's not just that.
The government wanted part of the house.
He refused, and beat up a cadre.
Then he set a fire and burned the place down.
Classic counter-revolutionary sabotage.
He burnt it?
It burnt for days.
Your timber was first class!
That wasn't ours. It was counter-revolutionary timber.
Yes, counter-revolutionary timber.
Of course. You're you, he's him.
Execute the revolutionary despot, Long'er!
Verify his identity. Send to the execution ground. Proceed now!
We will crush the counter-revolution!
Crush the counter-revolution!
Defend the victory outcome!
Down with the reactionaries!
Down with the counter-revolutionaries!
- Long live the Communist Party! - Long live the Communist Party!
- Long live Chairman Mao! - Long live Chairman Mao!
Down with the counter-revolutionaries!
Build a new China!
What's wrong?
Why are your pants wet?
Five bullets. Five.
They shot Long'er.
They shot Long'er?
He's dead. They pumped five bullets into him.
If I hadn't lost my home to him...
that would have been me.
What class do we belong to?
Landlords?
Surely not. We lost that status to Long'er. So what are we?
Not landlords.
Ordinary townspeople.
That sounds right. Didn't Mr. Niu say I took part in the revolution?
- What are you looking for? - That certificate.
- In the wash? - No, here it is.
Better dry it out fast.
We have to keep it safe.
Are you sure we're just townsfolk?
Yes, townspeople.
We're poor townspeople.
It's good to be poor. Nothing is better.
I'll get a frame for it tomorrow
and hang it on the wall.
Good idea!
THE 1950s
1958: Mao Zedong launches the "Great Leap Forward".
Steel production is now targeted at 10.7 million tonnes per year.
Every household donates its iron utensils.
Fengxia.
Take a break.
Are you tired?
Fugui!
Fugui, it's your family's turn to donate iron.
- We've been waiting. - Mr. Niu.
Is it all ready?
Keep these.
To deliver water to the steelworks.
People will be thirsty in the heat.
We'll take these.
Mr. Niu, if you take all our pots away, how will we cook?
We're racing towards Communism, and you worry about food?
We've set up communal kitchens.
When you're hungry...
just have a walk, come to the canteen.
There'll be meat and fish you can't finish.
Fugui, anymore iron in the house?
No.
Yes, there is!
But that's wood.
There's metal on it.
And here are pins.
It can't be worth much.
We are less politically aware than your son. How is this not metal?
It's enough for two bullets.
We may be just two bullets short of liberating Taiwan.
Disassemble the box and take the metal.
The workers deserve entertaining, don't they?
Yes, I sang for the Liberation Army...
and after that...
they captured two mountains in a day and four mountains in two.
I see your point.
All I've seen at the worksites are student marching bands.
We'll spur them on with puppet shows.
You can leave those.
We won't touch them.
Let's go to the next house.
Are we not going to liberate Taiwan?
Sure we are. We'll definitely liberate Taiwan.
I'll teach you!
- Enough? - No!
Still not enough? Okay, I'll fill it right up.
Big ambition for a little kid. Even Zhu Bajie can't compete with you.
But the communal kitchen has plenty of noodles.
So gobble up. Help yourself to sauces.
Youqing, I'll help you stir that up.
What a big appetite!
And so much chili sauce!
That's a big bowl, Youqing.
Give it to dad if you can't finish.
Youqing! What are you doing?
How could you?
Fugui and Jiazhen! Can you control your child?
What did you think you were doing?
What is this?
Look at all the chili sauce. Let me see your eyes.
This is too much.
- Trying to kill him, or what? - They're just kids.
Kids? Where did he learn that from?
The fight between kids isn't one between adults.
Jiazhen and I don't know what's going on.
Who knows?
It's sabotage. Sabotage to the communal kitchen.
And sabotage of the Great Leap Forward!
That kid could not have made this happen.
Youqing! Look what you've done!
Apologize. Say you were wrong.
Go!
I'm talking to you.
- Are you going? - No.
- Are you going or not? - No!
- Let me ask you once more, are you going? - No!
You won't go?
Let me hit him!
Don't stop me! I'll kill him!
Enough!
How could you?
Others said he was a saboteur. Can I not?
That guy's word is law? Is he the government?
I tried to stop you.
Why wouldn't he just apologize?
I hit him for not obeying.
That's no excuse.
You spoil him.
How so?
Can't you see I'm doing this for our family?
Don't you understand?
If you indulge him, we'll all go to ruin.
I'll hit him again if I have to.
Hit him then. Right in front of me!
Isn't Youqing your own flesh and blood?
Now you're looking after us. After all these years!
When did Youqing cause trouble?
That kid had been bullying Fengxia. He was defending her.
I'll ruin the family?
For so many years...
I've stuck with you through ups and downs.
Have I ever complained?
Poor Fengxia, she can't even tell when she's bullied.
Youqing adores her, and you'd hit him.
Daddy will make it better.
All right.
Youqing, after dinner...
Dad's going to sing for you.
Youqing, no.
What stupid show.
Chi Jingzi summons the Yin Yang mirror
And blinds all who look within
Do not neglect the warning
Fleeing Jiayin Pass with his life
Jiazhen, where's Youqing?
I asked. He wouldn't come.
Ask him again.
Say I want him to.
Youqing, daddy wants you to see the show.
Want to go?
No!
- Don't you like hearing daddy sing? - No.
Mommy doesn't either. He's so smug.
- Shall we make him unable to? - Sure.
Take him a cup of tea...
with vinegar in it.
- That would teach him. Wouldn't it? - Yes.
Enough?
Okay, we'll really get him.
Should we add chili?
Good, it'll be hot and sour soup.
Your boy's on his way with a bowl of tea.
Youqing, is that tea for me?
Good boy, bring it over here.
Daddy.
How do you like my singing?
You little bastard! I'll break your legs!
He's put chili in vinegar!
We've smelted our steel
and reached our production "satellite" target.
We're off to report the good news.
Everyone's earned merit.
Fugui, Jiazhen, your singing and water delivery made a real contribution.
There'll be dumplings at the canteen tonight to celebrate.
Every dumpling will be stuffed with a pig!
Eat your fill, and then we'll continue.
In fifteen years, we'll catch up with the UK and surpass America.
We've made enough steel for three cannon balls.
They'll all go to Taiwan!
One to land on Chiang Kai-shek's bed,
another on his dinner table
and the last in the toilet!
He won't be able to sleep or eat or even take a dump.
And we'll liberate Taiwan!
Fengxia, Youqing, have some dumplings.
Let them sleep. They'll eat later.
Xu Youqing!
Who's asking for Xu Youqing?
What's up?
The teacher wants us at school smelting steel.
The District Head's making an inspection today.
All right. You go first.
Pack a lunchbox. I'll wake him.
He's not going anywhere. He hasn't slept in days.
Let him sleep.
- The District Chief is coming. - So?
A kid still has to sleep.
Smelting steel is a universal duty. We can't fall behind.
Mr. Niu praised us in front of everyone.
Youqing has to go.
Wake up. Don't sleep anymore.
The teacher is asking you to go smelt steel.
Come on, get up.
Your classmates are already on their way.
We can't fall behind. You can sleep later. Do you hear me?
Youqing, are 15 dumplings enough?
Have 20. You should eat more.
Youqing, wake up. We're nearly there.
When you get there...
put your dumplings in hot water.
Make sure you make them hot enough.
Cold dumplings are bad for the tummy.
- Do you like dumplings? - Yes.
- Do you like meat? - Yes.
That's good.
If Youqing does as daddy says...
our lives will get better and better.
You see...
our family is now a little chick.
When it grows up, it becomes a goose.
And that'll turn into a sheep.
The sheep will turn into an ox.
And after the ox?
After the ox is Communism.
And there'll be dumplings and meat every day.
It's Fugui's son?
District Chief arrived after dark.
He backed up, and his jeep knocked the wall down.
No one knew that Xu Youqing was sleeping behind it.
Half the bricks from the wall fell on him.
He didn't have a chance.
The District Chief was also injured and is now in the hospital.
He was too tired. He hadn't slept for four or five days.
Fugui, listen to me.
We have to try and bear it, even in the worst of times.
Youqing!
What's happened?
Answer me!
Daddy's here! Say something! Youqing!
Youqing!
Stop her! Take the body away!
We mustn't let his mother see.
Take him away.
Mommy's here! Youqing!
Youqing! What's going on?
Let me see him! I want to see him.
Mommy's here! Youqing!
Youqing...
you never had the chance to eat the dumplings I packed for you.
Mommy's made you more...
twenty this time.
That should be enough.
Once you've eaten...
you can sleep...
a nice, deep sleep.
In life, you never had a good night's sleep.
So sleep well now.
Mommy will come see you every day.
Youqing, can you ever forgive me?
I shouldn't have let you go to school.
I should've kept your dad...
from making you go.
I should've kept your dad
from making you go.
It's all my fault.
If only I'd stopped him.
I shouldn't have let you go, Youqing!
Youqing...
The District Chief has come.
The one who ran over my son?
What's he doing here?
Tell him to leave. I don't want his flowers. He killed my son.
- He's already here. - Tell him to go.
Fugui, Jiazhen.
It's me, Chunsheng.
I'm just posted here.
I meant to visit after I settled in.
Fugui...
how could it be your son?
You're the District Chief?
It was you who killed my son?
I had only one son, Chunsheng!
I had only one son!
Fugui.
You know I had only one son and you killed him!
You, behind the goddamn wheel!
- You, behind the goddamn wheel! - Fugui, don't.
Don't be like that.
The District Chief is upset too.
Fugui, how can I ever make it up?
Take this for now.
It's money.
Tell me what else I can do for Youqing.
No one wants your money.
I want my son. Give me back my son.
You killed him! Give him back to me!
Jiazhen.
Go away!
Remember, you owe us a life.
You killed him. Remember that.
You killed him.
Go away! Now!
District Chief, let's go.
I think you should go, Chief.
Jiazhen.
Go away!
Let's go.
All right.
Fugui.
Jiazhen.
I'm going.
I owe you a life.
I will remember.
What are you doing, young lady? I'll teach you a lesson!
Fengxia!
What are you doing? You, girl, how dare you!
I'll take care of you!
What's going on?
She smashed the windows of the jeep with a rock.
Who the heck is she?
Let her go! Let her go!
If you let her go, she'll do it again!
Let her!
The window is broken. Do you want your jeep?
No!
THE 1960s
June 1966: Start of the "Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution".
It lasted 10 years...
and left no family unaffected.
- You're eating? - Come on in, Mr. Niu.
- Don't let me interrupt. - We're finished. Take a seat.
Sit here.
Fugui.
You have to get rid of those puppets.
Everyone knows about them. You can't keep them.
I was telling Jiazhen
that we could start a Maoist
puppet propaganda team.
Put these old things to new use.
Don't you see what they are?
Emperors, scholars and beauties.
These are classic Four Olds.
Latest editorial:
"The older, the more reactionary."
Take a look.
Burn them.
Do as Chairman Mao says.
They always remind Jiazhen of Youqing.
Let's not bring up the past.
Burn them, okay? I've got other people to see.
Fengxia. Fengxia.
Fetch a brazier.
Burn them!
You can't keep them. Burn them!
Fugui...
Chunsheng has asked me many times...
to get you a better job. What do you think?
Delivering water is fine.
Jiazhen's health is poor. If we're together, I can look after her.
We'll discuss it later.
Jiazhen.
I may have found a prospect for Fengxia.
I'll tell you about him.
Let's not let her in on it for now.
I've found just the man for her.
His name is Wan Erxi.
He works in a factory in the county seat.
He is a leader of the factory's party organisation.
He'd like to meet her.
He sounds too good. Will he go for Fengxia?
He's also got a handicap...
a lame leg.
How lame? Can he walk?
Yes, and run if he has to.
He can run?
Was he born a cripple?
No, it was an accident at work.
He gets compensation.
Shall we invite him over? Fengxia can check him out.
Does she mind us playing matchmaker?
We mentioned it. She's not against it.
She just didn't want to leave us.
Fugui! Fugui!
Comrade Wan Erxi's here.
You're here.
Comrade Wan Erxi.
Fengxia's mom and dad.
Come inside.
Have some water.
QUOTATIONS FROM CHAIRMAN MAO
Comrade Wan works at the East Wind Factory.
His father and grandfather were workers, too.
Solid working class stock.
Fengxia's father took part in the revolution.
Our class is fine.
The Liberation Army gave us that certificate.
Good.
Very well.
Where's Fengxia?
Fengxia, Fengxia.
Comrade Wan Erxi.
Comrade Fengxia.
I'll be going.
Have something to eat first. Lunch is ready.
No, thanks.
You won't stay?
Have some lunch first.
No, really.
We should go.
What do you think?
His leg's not so bad, and he seems honest.
I approve.
Who's to say he'll like our Fengxia?
He only glanced at her, and wouldn't stay.
If it doesn't work out, we'll keep looking.
Anyway, it's up to Fengxia.
I think she likes him.
It's different from before. Look.
Go ask Mr. Niu...
what the boy thinks.
How's this for Fengxia?
Comrade, could I look at that one?
Fugui! Fugui.
There's trouble at your home.
Red Guards are swarming over the place.
I just caught them on a ladder, pulling off roof tiles.
From where?
No idea! The leader is a cripple.
You'd better hurry back.
A cripple?
It must be Wan Erxi.
Even if he doesn't like Fengxia, no need to tear the place down.
Anything is possible.
Mr. Niu said he was a leader.
We'd better hurry. Fengxia is still at home.
Don't forget your package!
Aren't you busy!
I brought some comrades.
We're fixing the place up.
We replaced the roof tiles
so it wouldn't leak anymore.
And we've painted Chairman Mao's portrait.
Fengxia helped us.
You're just in time. We've just finished.
- Don't rush off! - I'll make you something to eat.
We must be going.
- Do stay! Come on inside. - No, thank you.
Erxi painted this.
"The working class leads us all."
Erxi is good with his hands.
He painted all the Chairman Maos in our factory!
I'll get some water so you can wash up.
Thanks, we'll go to the factory bathhouse.
Let's go.
You've gone to so much trouble.
Please come again.
What do you think about Fengxia and me?
We're happy if you are.
We approve.
Shall we set a date?
Anytime. You decide.
Erxi, Fengxia's had a hard life.
If you don't mind,
bring more people to celebrate your wedding,
to make her happy.
Sure.
Today, comrades Wan Erxi and Xu Fengxia
begin their wedded life.
In good times, we think of the Communist Party and Chairman Mao.
Let's sing a song!
Heaven and Earth cannot compare to the Party's benevolence
Chairman Mao is dearer than father and mother
There's nothing as good as socialism
No river or ocean as deep as the friendship of class
Maoist Thought is revolution's treasure trove
Whoever opposes it, we take as our enemy
Heaven and Earth cannot compare to the Party's benevolence
Chairman Mao is dearer than father and mother
There's nothing as good as socialism...
Come on, you can't cry today.
They're all singing for Fengxia...
and she can't even join in!
At least it's loud enough for her to hear.
- Time for a photo! - Take a photo!
Move aside!
Stand still!
Hold your little Red Books.
Clear a path! Ship sailing through!
Let's get the whole family.
The ship of revolution! Advance through the storm with Chairman Mao!
Time to wrap up.
First, pay respects to Chairman Mao.
Chairman Mao...
Comrade Fengxia's mine now.
Come over here.
Now, bow!
Dad, Mom,
I'm taking Fengxia.
I'll look after her.
Go on, don't be sad.
You'll be back!
Chunsheng.
Fugui. Jiazhen.
Congratulations on Fengxia's wedding.
- When did you get here? - A while ago.
But there were so many people, so I didn't come in.
Come on inside.
Jiazhen, make some tea.
Isn't the tea ready yet, Jiazhen?
Chunsheng's been here for ages.
Aren't I boiling water now?
Sit with us for a bit.
Don't be like that.
Come as soon as the water's ready.
But here's boiled water.
Chunsheng came to wish Fengxia well.
You can't go on avoiding him.
Jiazhen...
can't we put this behind us?
If only Youqing had been here today.
Fugui, Jiazhen, I'll be going.
Don't go. The tea's ready.
Never mind.
Jiazhen...
I know you still don't want to see me.
I'll leave my gift here and be gone.
- Tea's ready, have some. - It's fine.
Give it back to him.
I don't want his gifts.
But it's Chairman Mao.
Dad! Mom!
Come on in!
Fengxia, you're back!
Are you cold?
I'm fine, really.
How are you feeling, Mom?
On the mend.
Better when you come over.
Have you eaten?
I'll make something.
Mom, no. You can all sit back.
Dad, help me with the table.
What occasion is it today, you bought wine?
Dad.
Mom.
Dad, Mom, we're having a baby.
No wonder there's wine!
- Really? - Yes.
I just came from the hospital. The doctor says it's due in autumn.
Fengxia's going to be a mother.
Fengxia, you're going to be a mother.
Dad. Mom.
Let's drink. Cheers!
Erxi, when you went to the hospital today
what did they say about Fengxia's health?
They say she's in terrific shape.
Still, you can't be too careful.
Your folks aren't around.
After the birth, you'll stay with us for a while.
- Spend as much time as you can with her. - Sure.
When I was pregnant with Fengxia
her dad was never around.
He was very busy?
Very!
Don't bring up the past.
I was a real no-hoper.
You're living in a good time.
It will be even better for your child.
Erxi, let's drink.
Eat more.
Ah, yes.
I had the photo framed.
This looks great. We haven't taken a photo in years.
This is great.
Fengxia.
Erxi, after the child is born,
have a photo taken every year.
We've no photos of Fengxia as a child.
Okay.
Fengxia, after the child is born,
have a photo taken every year.
Dad, I saw Chunsheng yesterday.
You saw Chunsheng?
He's been arrested as a capitalist.
They held a public trial against him yesterday.
Dad, we have to draw a line between us and him.
Of course.
There's always been a line.
We haven't had much to do with him for years.
Fugui.
Fugui!
Who's there?
Chunsheng.
Who?
Chunsheng.
What is it?
Come out for a second.
Just say what it is.
It'll just take a minute.
What is it?
Fugui...
I've always felt terrible about Youqing.
I've often tried to give you money. You never accepted it.
Today, you have to accept this account no matter what.
You came just for this?
That's what I'm here for.
I'll be at ease when this is done.
All my debts will have been paid.
What do you mean?
Yesterday, my wife killed herself.
Killed herself?
Why?
I don't know.
Have you seen her body?
No.
I just got an official notice.
You mustn't lose hope, Chunsheng.
Don't get any stupid ideas.
You must bear it, no matter what!
You can't take that path yourself.
Fugui...
I don't want to live anymore!
You just have to!
We've been through the valley of death.
Coming out alive wasn't easy.
Can't you see?
Let's say we accept this money.
Keep it for us. There's plenty of time.
I know how difficult it must be...
but you've got to pull through.
You've got to bear it!
I'm afraid I can't.
Chunsheng, it's cold outside.
Come inside.
Yes, come in.
No, thank you, I've got to go.
I snuck out just now
and better get back.
Chunsheng, remember,
you still owe us a life!
You've got to value yours!
Mr. Niu, is your wife at home?
Yes.
What are these eggs for?
Fengxia's about to have a baby. It's to thank the matchmaker!
Fengxia's about to give birth?
Time does fly!
Erxi sent word from the hospital.
She's in labor. We're on our way there.
Another working class member on the way!
So we've got to get going.
We'll bring the baby to see you.
- But you won't stay? - No, thanks.
What's wrong?
Never mind. Let's go. Don't worry.
Why's she crying, Mr. Niu?
What's happened?
I'm no longer head of the township.
They say I'm the capitalist authority in the town.
I have to confess my crimes tomorrow.
You! Crimes?
How did you become a capitalist?
Everyone knows you all these years.
I have faith in the people and the Party.
I've always followed Chairman Mao's path.
If you go, will they let you return?
Let's not talk about it.
You go to Fengxia.
Go now, I'll be okay.
Mr. Niu, don't let it get to you. Take care!
We'll visit you after she's out of the hospital.
Good.
Send her my very best. She's producing a little revolutionary successor.
She just got a check-up. Everything is normal.
They say Fengxia's in great health. No problems.
When did the doctor say she can give birth?
The hospital said her contractions are normal. Still a few hours to go.
Fengxia, don't be nervous.
Won't hurt a bit.
Remember to breathe and push.
When you push, bite on a towel.
Where's the towel?
Here, bite on this. It'll save your teeth.
Do whatever the doctor tells you.
It'll be quick if you push.
Do as Mommy says and push.
Everything will be fine.
What's this about pushing? Too early for pushing!
And what's this shouting? All family members, out!
Go and wait in the corridor.
Okay, we're going.
- Sorry for the trouble. - It's our job.
Sit down.
They're all so young.
Are they nurses?
Who examined Fengxia?
They did.
You haven't seen any doctors?
No.
- Go and ask where the doctors are. - Sure.
- We must find a good doctor for Fengxia. - Yes.
There's no doctors. They've been locked away.
The Red Guards from the nursing school are in control!
No doctors?
Comrade, are there any doctors?
Yes, us!
I mean, older ones.
They're all reactionary academic authorities. We've overthrown them.
Relax. Your lover's fine. We can handle this.
Erxi, I'm worried.
Fengxia's a mute. She's different.
Can these young people cope?
We need an experienced doctor.
Even if he only stands by, we would relax.
We'll need to get one out from the cowshed.
Let me think.
REACTIONARY ACADEMIC AUTHORITY
What is he doing here? No reactionary academic authorities allowed!
Wang Bin! Stand still!
At this very hospital, Wang Bin
insulted a working class wife, saying she wasn't fit to reproduce.
How vile can you get?
We dragged him here today...
to educate him, to criticize him, with facts...
and to let him witness a working class birth.
To show him the heirs of this new, Red world.
The working class is really something!
Wang Bin, don't make any trouble.
Don't move.
No. I wouldn't dare.
That's professor Wang,
head of obstetrics.
Dr. Wang, don't be afraid.
I was putting on a show.
We're not accusing you.
My wife's having a baby.
I wanted you here for her sake.
No, it's better if I wear it.
Let me wear it!
Go and ask.
I'm just going to see him.
He's all right.
Just hungry.
He hasn't been fed for three days.
I'll go buy some buns.
Where's Erxi and the rest?
They've gone to eat.
How's Fengxia?
Doctor says she's fine.
Want one?
I'm not hungry. Give them to Dr. Wang first.
Dr. Wang, have some buns.
Take your time. There's plenty.
Fengxia's child won't be mute, will he?
Of course not. She wasn't born that way.
Will the baby be crippled?
Erxi's was a work injury. It's not hereditary.
Anyway, it's bad luck to talk like that.
Why not use this time...
to think of a name for the kid?
What name do you like?
"Don't Gamble".
- Don't be stupid. - It was a joke.
What name do you like?
"Little Bun".
You say anything you see!
That's not a name!
But it's a tradition.
Cat, Dog or Little Bun...
are not recorded in the Register of Names.
When the King of Hell looks for targets he doesn't know those kids exist...
so they don't die.
That's what the old folks say.
Okay, then Little Bun it is.
Just a nickname for now.
When the kid goes to school, his dad can give him a proper name.
Where's the family of Xu Fengxia?
It's a boy, 7.9 pounds.
- Already? - We didn't hear a sound.
We said it would be fine!
Comrade, how's my daughter?
Fine. Mother and son are fine.
Is he normal?
Absolutely.
Can we see them?
No, there's danger of infection.
Let us have a quick peek, please?
Please, comrade, just one peek?
Sure.
Dad! Mom!
Dad! Mom! Has she given birth?
Yes.
It's a boy. They are fine. He's 7.9 pounds.
Do you hear him?
- Are they in there? - Have a look.
- You can't go in! - Doctor, please let me in, I'm the father!
It doesn't matter. There will be no end.
Wait here. When we're finished, she will be discharged.
You can see her as much as you want then.
We'll see them soon.
Erxi, is it a boy?
Yes, 7.9 pounds!
- How is he? - They're both fine!
Erxi, you're a lucky man!
My son was only 5.5 pounds at birth.
Yours is 7.9 pounds, excellent!
If you get a car from the factory
we can drive Fengxia home.
Good idea.
Then I'll head out.
Erxi, seeing as they are both fine,
why don't you see Dr. Wang back.
What's with him?
Hey, come and see what's wrong!
He ate too quickly.
Did he eat all seven buns?
Yes, just gobbled them up.
He's choking.
Quick, get some water.
You two get the car, we'll be fine.
- Water's here. - Have some.
Careful, it's hot.
- Some water should help. - It's all right.
Why'd he do that?
He's been locked up without food. He scoffed those buns.
Drink it slowly.
Help!
Come! She's bleeding! We can't stop it!
Quick!
We can't stop it. Come, quick!
What should we do?
Hurry up!
What should we do now?
Don't panic. Think of something.
We're just students. We haven't dealt with this before.
We don't know what to do.
Wouldn't Dr. Wang know?
Yes, he's a professor.
He'll know.
He'd know for sure.
Get Dr. Wang over here.
Dr. Wang! Dr. Wang!
What's wrong with him? What happened?
He's eaten too much.
Why would you let him?
Not sure, he just ate seven buns.
He hasn't eaten for three days.
But he was okay after the water.
After eating too much, he shouldn't drink water!
Never mind. Drag him over!
She's bleeding! Quick!
Fengxia!
Please, Doctor, please!
Fengxia, you'll be all right in awhile.
It's all right, Fengxia.
Mommy's here. Don't be afraid.
Dr. Wang! Dr. Wang!
- How's Dr. Wang? - Not okay.
Oxygen.
Fengxia! It's okay. Mommy's here. Don't be afraid.
Please, Doctor, she's my only daughter.
The only child I have left.
Fengxia!
Fengxia! Mommy's here. Don't be afraid.
Some years later...
Grandpa! It's crooked again.
Is it?
I'll fix it.
Take the medicine to Granny first.
Granny, your medicine.
- Back already? - Yes.
- Has Little Bun been a good boy? - Yes!
I delivered ten thermoses of water today.
Little Bun is becoming more capable.
Ten whole thermoses.
- Have you had your medicine? - Yes.
I'll make lunch.
Little Bun...
give me a hand.
I light the fire?
Yes.
Little Bun will light the fire and I'll make some noodles.
Fugui, I want to visit Fengxia's grave again...
and take Little Bun's new photos...
to show her.
Little Bun's another year older.
Fine, I'll let Erxi know.
Little Bun! Hold onto those chicks.
We should've bought them on the way home.
Now we've got to carry them!
Careful. Don't drop them.
Are you happy, Little Bun?
Grandpa, where will the chicks live?
Where will they live?
I'll find a home for them when we get back.
Youqing eats dumplings.
Fengxia looks at photos.
Little Bun, do you know who Youqing is?
Uncle.
- And Fengxia? - Mommy.
Little Bun remembers.
Granny, why all the photos for Fengxia?
Before you were born...
Granny said to mommy that...
she should take a photo of you every year.
If I hadn't given Dr. Wang so many buns
everything would've been fine.
Dr. Wang could have saved our Fengxia.
He's a professor, after all.
He always carries on like this when he's here.
Let him go on.
We shouldn't have given him water.
People say, once you drink water...
one bun in the stomach turns to seven.
Dr. Wang ate seven buns.
Seven times seven is 49.
It's much too much.
Erxi, is it true that Dr. Wang
won't eat buns, only rice now?
Not just buns,
but also noodles.
Rice costs more than noodles.
What a food bill he must have.
Dad, Mom, I'll make dinner.
Let's do it together.
No, you're tired.
You two have a rest. I'll be quick.
Little Bun, behave yourself.
Grandpa, where'll we put the chicks?
Where'll we put them?
Let's see.
How about in here?
This box is bigger, isn't it?
They'll have more room to run around.
Then they'll eat more.
And soon they'll grow up.
When will they grow up?
Very soon.
And then?
And then...
The chickens will turn into geese...
and the geese will turn into sheep...
and the sheep will turn into oxen.
And after the oxen?
After oxen...
After oxen, Little Bun would've grown up.
I want to ride on an ox's back!
Yes, Little Bun will ride on an ox's back.
Little Bun won't ride on an ox...
he'll ride trains and planes
and life will get better and better.