Xiangnu Xiao Xiao

I have just seen one of the best Chinese films of all time (A Girl from Hunan) 1986. It is every bit as good as The Good Earth (but without the budget and professional actors). The cinematography is intoxicating, and the storyline is so authentic and honest, that it is hard to fathom how this film did not win Best Foreign film of the year (it is far better than the winner and all other nominees from that year) (1986). The acting by the child actor is outstanding, and the rest of the cast seems to be part of a home movie; that is how authentic the atmosphere of the film is. I have seen over 20000 films, and this film is easily in the top 1%. There is not one false note in the movie.

Fei Sieh does a remarkable job of direction; as every actor in the film carries out their roles to perfection. Zhang Xian writes an absolutely perfect screenplay from a story by Shen Cong-Wen. It is a story of ancient clan traditions mixed with Taoist superstitions and Confucianist social mores. A young girl of 16 is married off to a two-year old baby boy of a rich and powerful family. The story that unravels from there is so engaging, you don't want the film to end. This movie is a perfect first step for understanding Chinese life outside of the big cities and the day to day realities of the countryside population. It is easily one of the top ten Chinese films of all time. Don't miss it.

I ran across this movie late at night on the Independent Film Channel and was utterly under its sway within minutes. The story of the young girl/woman who spends her youth as a caretaker for her future husband is heartbreaking. The cyclical nature of cultural traditions is explored in a very straightforward manner, but the beautiful, static scenes puntuating the different acts of the movie are a wonderfully poetic touch.