Original subtitles

Son

Slow down, don’t choke.

Son, that’s enough.

You’ve eaten enough.

You’ll get stuffed eating like that.

Your stomach’s going to burst.

Young master, please slow down.

Don’t choke.

Here.

Are you full now?

Still hungry?

Look at you.

I’m telling you.

Say something.

Talk to your dad.

You’re driving me crazy.

Dad

I thought I’d never make it back.

I thought I’d never see you again.

Dad

I almost thought I wouldn’t make it home.

Wouldn’t see you again.

Son

He’s finally recovered.

Changshun

Go.

Ginseng chicken stew.

And big steamed buns.

Steamed buns, steamed buns.

Steamed buns.

Son

Dad

Young master

On patrol.

Let me see.

Young master

You like this too?

It’s dangerous.

I wouldn’t dare.

Go get busy.

Alright, young master.

Dad

First, offer incense to your mother.

Mom

Your unfilial son has come home.

May your spirit in heaven

rest assured.

Dad

Let’s go outside and talk.

Why go outside?

Let’s just talk here.

So your mom can hear too.

Hey Mom,

Xiaogui is here.

Listen up.

Xiaogui,

Where did you come back from?

I came back from outside.

Obviously.

Dad, you already know, why ask?

You came back,

but look at the state you’re in.

The unit was broken up.

So now,

no one takes care of food or shelter.

You started missing home.

Isn’t that right?

Dad, since you’re at home,

I had to come back sooner or later.

Alright.

At least you came back in one piece.

You’re still breathing, aren’t you?

Are you leaving again?

Let’s talk about it when the weather warms up.

You’re still thinking of leaving?

Can’t you give your dad a break?

Dad

You know I’m doing the right thing.

Did you hear that?

That’s just how you are.

We sent you to Harbin to study,

but you joined a bunch of passionate people.

You didn’t study,

and joined the Volunteer Army.

Then you became part of the Anti-Japanese Allied Forces.

You’ve been gone for years.

You know,

it’s a blessing you made it back alive.

That’s all thanks to

our ancestors’ protection.

But now,

we’re living under the Japanese

trying to survive right under their noses.

They haven’t dug up our ancestral graves.

That’s because they see our family

as big and influential.

Not like those Anti-Japanese fighters in the mountains.

We’re not on the same side.

You’ve been gone all these years,

do you know how your dad got through it?

I couldn’t sleep night after night.

Every night, I’d stare wide-eyed.

My chin rubbing against the blanket.

Making a scratching sound.

Finally, I’d make it to dawn.

Just as I started to doze off,

I’d jerk awake.

Sweat pouring down my forehead.

My heart pounding so hard,

it felt like

it would jump out of my throat.

I’d toss and turn in bed,

like a pancake flipping.

Son,

can you stay this time?

Can you let your dad

get a good night’s sleep?

Can you let your dad

live a little longer?

I can’t.

Today, in front of your mom,

you have to give me a straight answer.

I can.

Can what?

Let you sleep peacefully.

You—

You’re not leaving?

Say it out loud.

Say it so your mom can hear.

Go on.

I’ll listen to you, Dad.

Good.

Good.

Your mom heard it all.

Don’t lie to your mom.

Tieliang

Don’t slack off.

You need to practice more.

Once you’re skilled,

you can finally throw away the crutch.

Did you hear me?

Get up.

Get up and start practicing.

Slow down.

Come on, son.

You've been practicing for quite a while now.

Give it a try.

Put down the crutch.

Take a few steps.

Son.

Son.

When did it get worn down like this?

Why didn't you tell me earlier?

Don't blame your dad.

Your dad just wants what's best for you.

It's all the Japanese's fault.

If it weren't for them,

cutting off your leg

and feeding it to the dogs,

you wouldn't be like this.

Go.

Tie Liang's dad.

Tie Liang's dad.

Don't worry.

You haven't been home for years.

The two of us have been

doing just fine.

Tie Liang is sensible.

He cares about his mother.

His leg isn't much use,

but he's never gotten sick,

and we've never had any disasters.

When the Japanese came,

they saw it was just the two of us,

and there was nothing to take.

So they left us alone.

These two plots of land

are enough for the two of us

to eat and have clothes.

When the harvest is good,

we can even trade for some cloth

to make your son new clothes.

He really treasures them.

Tell me,

what kind of father

have I been, really?

Thank you, sister-in-law. Thank you.

It’ll keep you warm in winter.

Come on, everyone gets one.

Slow down.

Sister-in-law made these.

Wash your feet before you wear them.

Everyone gets one.

Wear these in winter to stay warm.

Sister-in-law made them.

Everyone washed their feet.

Then you can wear them.

Go home and wash your feet for me.

Don’t rush.

There’s enough for everyone.

Whose feet smell like pickled cabbage?

Come on, thank you, sister-in-law.

Thank you, sister-in-law.

Come here.

Thank you, sister-in-law.

Go home and wash your feet for me.

Hurry up.

Everyone gets one, thank you, sister-in-law.

Come here.

What are you laughing at?

I’m feeling really happy inside.

Don’t move.

Let me do it.

Hua’er.

Tell me, how did I get so lucky?

To have found such a good wife like you.

All these years,

Even my mother never made me

clothes this nice.

Do you like them?

I do.

But I like you even more.

Hua’er.

I’m truly blessed.

Are you hungry?

I’ll go to the kitchen.

I’ll make you something tasty.

You’re a grown man.

Why are you going to the kitchen?

What’s wrong with that?

What’s wrong with a man going into the kitchen?

It’s not embarrassing.

For you,

I’d go anywhere, not just the kitchen.

Wherever you want me to go,

I’m willing.

Wait here.

I’ll be right back.

There are so many of them.

They're having a meeting today.

I ran into them.

It felt really heavy.

Here.

Eat.

You have some too.

As soon as spring started,

you rushed

to plow the fields.

Now you’re leaving.

I never dared to ask you

all these years,

how many Japanese soldiers you’ve killed.

Quite a few.

So I thought your revenge

was almost complete.

Can’t you stay?

The enemy is still here.

So I can’t stop.

You used to keep telling me

about the country, the nation.

I never understood.

Is the country

really more important than our family?

Let me put it this way.

They

want to dig up

the ancestral graves of Chinese people.

They even want to

dig up our ancestors and scatter their ashes to the wind.

Isn’t that serious?

Move aside for a moment.

All of this

I prepared for you.

I know I can’t make you stay.

I was just talking nonsense earlier.

Look.

When did you get all this together?

So much.

Sister,

you’ve had a hard time with this family.

I’m really not much of a man.

Who says that?

The men in our family

always risk their lives for big things.

If you have to go,

then go quickly.

My son and I will wait for you at home.

Dad

Dad

Mom

Let me do it.

You sit down.

I’ve been used to this for a long time.

Son,

Take this with you.

The road is tough.

Travel well, even if home is poor.

The roads outside

are hard to walk.

Son,

As the old saying goes,

water flows downward,

but people should strive upward.

You need to find a steady job.

Following your brother Xiao

isn’t that good?

Mom,

This is too much money.

I can’t use it all.

Just take it.

It’s too much money.

Is anyone home?

Is anyone home?

What are you doing?

Just asking for some water.

Wait here.

Thank you.

Thank you, thank you.

Where are you from?

Three

150 kilometers away.

I walked all the way here.

I wish I could’ve taken a ride.

But around here

the Japanese have swept through

and left nothing behind.

Forget about seeing a cart,

I haven’t even heard a donkey on the road.

Here.

Is this Brother Old Tang’s place?

Is Deyuan home?

Who are you?

I’m your son’s comrade.

We’re tied together

like brothers in arms.

He’s never come back.

That rascal

got slapped by me twice that year.

His face dropped,

and he ran off just like that.

Haven’t seen him in years.

That brat.

If I catch him again,

I’ll break his legs.

Brother,

Let me be honest with you.

In the unit,

I’m his squad leader.

No, he’s not.

He’s not with the Anti-Japanese Allied Forces.

He’s doing business outside.

Doing business?

Back then,

Deyuan wanted to leave home to join the Anti-Japanese Allied Forces.

You wouldn’t let him.

You locked the door.

And nailed boards to the windows.

But he

broke the window and escaped.

He’s been gone for six years.

Right?

Your eyes...

Do you even need to ask?

Once that unfilial son left,

I haven’t seen him alive or dead.

In times like these,

how can anyone think positively?

Worried,

crying...

Drink up.

Don’t burn yourself.

You haven’t eaten in days.

Deyuan,

he’s a good man.

Brave and careful.

He’ll achieve great things one day.

Here, good.

Don’t burn yourself.

No, no, I’m good.

Smells so good.

I'll have another bowl.

No, no, no.

When you're hungry, your stomach shrinks.

It can't handle too much.

How many people are in your family?

Wife.

Son.

How could you leave your warm bed?

And come all the way out here?

Brother,

I have another family.

That family is huge.

Lots of people.

Men, women, young and old, all together.

From all over the country.

All kinds of accents.

It's lively when we're together.

There,

We're even closer than family.

We share good fortune.

And face hardship together.

If someone goes missing,

Everyone worries.

We think of them, miss them, and search for them.

Even if

we wear out our shoes

from walking so much,

and our hair turns gray searching the mountains,

no one gets left behind.

Everyone must be brought home.

Alright.

If we can't meet again,

I'll be on my way.

I won't trouble you anymore.

Wait a moment.

His mother,

bring the wild vegetable cakes.

Let him take them for the road.

So, what's your plan next?

What are you going to do?

I'll stop at Yuanbao Town to the east.

Rest for a bit.

Then look for the next family.

Take it slow on the road.

Brother Lao Tang,

if Deyuan comes back,

ask him to send us a message.

As long as we know

he's safe, that's enough.

But you,

with people scattered everywhere,

how can you send a message?

He knows how.

The knife isn't sharpened yet.

I'm talking to you.

I know.

You get restless staying here.

Feels boring.

What can we do?

The platoon leader told us to wait here.

Where else can we go?

Just worried about some people.

They say they want the platoon leader to come.

But in their hearts,

Who knows what they're thinking.

Think whatever you want.

No one cares.

Hold on.

Wait a second.

I need to discuss something with you.

I've been thinking these past couple days.

You said to wait for the platoon leader.

Maybe he'll come tomorrow.

Maybe in a year or so.

Maybe in three or five years.

We're both grown men.

We can't just stay holed up

in someone else's place forever.

Alright.

So I...

No need to say more.

I get what you mean.

I'll leave right now.

You stay.

No, Fuqing, wait—

When did I ever say that?

I meant the two of us

should find something to do.

Isn't that what you meant?

What do you mean?

I wouldn't have come.

You were lying comfortably in a woman's house.

Living easy.

Then I showed up,

dragged you out,

and keep bothering you every day.

We're not kids anymore.

No need to beat around the bush.

As for me,

I'll go my own way.

You enjoy your warm bed.

From now on, we'll mind our own business.

Never see each other again.

Wan Fuqing, you—

What's gotten into you? Come back!

What are you doing?

What are you up to?

Are you going to hit me?

Go ahead.

What the heck?

Gao Yunhu.

Let me ask you one thing.

Keep your voice down.

If the platoon leader comes,

will you leave or not?

See?

Talk about serious stuff and you clam up.

I'll go, I'll go. Who said I wouldn't?

As soon as the platoon leader arrives, I'll leave.

Why do you always make a fuss?

Always causing trouble.

What did you just say?

What business should we do together?

Are you a dog or something?

You change your attitude in a flash.

Baizhang, please.

Go ahead, go ahead.

Baizhang is here.

Xiaogui is back.

He finished his studies.

Baizhang, what's this about?

Go on with your work.

I just came to visit.

Please, come in.

Old Tiantou.

Please, come in.

Xiaogui is a good kid.

He's grown up now.

Didn't bring a wife back?

I don't have a wife.

You silly kid.

Just a poor student.

All alone out there.

And you expect him to find a wife?

Village Chief, Dad.

I’ll head back inside first.

Wait a moment.

The Village Chief came to see you.

Why are you leaving?

Stay a bit longer.

Sit down and talk.

The Village Chief thinks highly of you.

Come on.

This kid...

Old Tian.

Students these days are something else.

I heard in the city,

the ones leading protests and causing trouble

are all students.

Really?

That’s in the city.

Around here,

what student would dare rebel?

Besides,

my son Xiaogui

graduated years ago.

Graduated?

Where’s he working now?

A good job?

Not high, not low—just in between.

He got frustrated out there.

So he packed up

and came back.

Xiaogui,

I have to speak for your dad now.

Say a few words to you.

Listen up.

You’ve been to school,

you can read and write.

Right?

You left for years and never came home.

Not a single letter.

Not even a word sent back.

You made your dad worry so much.

He thinks of you every day and night.

He’s just afraid you joined the Communist Party.

Is he a Communist?

No, he wouldn’t dare.

He definitely wouldn’t.

Did you hear that?

Scolding means caring.

Your uncle cares about you.

You should thank your uncle.

The Village Chief is right.

Call him uncle.

This kid...

Well...

He’s still immature.

No, no, it’s fine, it’s fine.

If he doesn’t, that’s okay.

Don’t make it hard for him.

As long as he listens to me,

that’s enough.

I can.

Yes.

He just got back,

let him settle down first.

As for the past,

let’s not bring it up.

He’s our only child after all.

From now on,

inside and outside this house,

we all rely on him.

Parents always worry about their children.

I’m leaving.

Come.

Alright.

Come on, come on.

Xiaogui,

Find yourself a wife soon.

So your dad worries less.

That’s right.

I’m off.

Your son, I tell you,

he’s going to keep you busy in the future.

Now that he’s back this time,

don’t let him leave again.

Listen, Chief,

let me tell you something.

He’s actually a really honest kid.

Just keep an eye on him.

Don’t let him cause you any trouble.

Even if I had ten times the courage,

I still couldn’t do it.

With your watchtower standing tall,

and your men armed,

if you couldn’t handle it,

would I let you be the Chief?

You know what’s going on.

Tell me,

all these dozens of households are connected.

Even if we’re not related by blood,

we still have to stand together.

As long as you know what’s up.

Take care, take care.

Get lost.

Get up.

All of you, get lost.

Go away.

Can I sit here?

Don't sit here.

Go! Go away!

Get lost.

Get up.

Get out of here.

Filthy beggar.

Go! Get lost.

Go away.