YIMOU ZHANG

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBBBB

Original title:  Qiu Ju Da Guan Si

China/Hong Kong, 1992.  Sil-Metropole Organisation, Youth Film Studio of Beijing Film Academy.  Screenplay by Heng Liu, based on the novella The Wan Family’s Lawsuit by Yuan Bin Chen.  Cinematography by Xiaoning Chi, Hongyi Lu, Xiaoquin Yu.  Produced by Yiting Feng, Fung Kwok Ma.  Music by Jipign Zhao.  Production Design by Juiping Cao.  Costume Design by Huamiao Tong.  Film Editing by Yuan Du.  

Excellent, modern-day drama that is a turn of tide for director Zhang Yimou, who usually directs plush period pieces. Li Gong is brilliant as a young woman from the Chinese provinces travelling to the big city in order to seek justice for her husband, who was assaulted by their village’s mayor. Quiet and subtle, the film wraps you up in its story with the simplest means, and never lets you go until the end.

Venice Film Festival Awards:  Golden Lion; Best Actress (Gong Li)