Original subtitles

I grew up in the village my maternal grandpa is from.

Although the whole family loves me very much,

I'm still not sure if this is my hometown or not

as we don't share the same family name.

Now it's the spring of 1991.

My grand aunt-- well, the wife of my grandpa's older brother,

has passed away.

So my uncle Bao and my grandpa

want to move back my grand uncle Li Ta's grave

to bury the couple together.

They head out to the grave in the middle of the night.

I want to go too, and grandpa eventually relents, carrying me on his back.

I fall asleep on the way.

I have a long, long dream,

in which I heard them telling the story of my grand uncle, Li Ta.

To be honest, Li Ta had his ways.

As soon as he arrived anywhere new,

he would send men begging around

to spot the richest family.

If his men got any food, even a bowl of water,

then he wouldn't rob them.

But if the family set their dogs on his men,

well, he'd definitely rob them at night.

Chuang, you can't sleep on the coffin.

- Uncle. - I told you to stay home.

Dad, take Chuang over there.

This used to be Li Ta's territory.

He's very familiar with this place.

Stop gabbing! Don't let the sun shine on the bones.

Spread the mat. Up here.

Up here.

A bit more. To the end.

You know, he secretly fought against the Japanese invaders.

No one with enough to eat would chose such a violent life.

- The Party is good. - Right.

Be careful. There's a bone.

Gongchang, be careful with Li Ta's bones.

Take it easy.

I'm not going to break his bones.

Chuang.

- Laidan. - I got some kernels for you.

Slow down.

Okay. We've got the whole skeleton.

Li Bao. Pray to your father. Kneel down.

We'll lift the coffin.

Dad, Mom left us a few days ago.

I've come to take you home to be buried with Mom.

Let's go home, Dad.

Li Ta, let's go home.

Look, this wheat is growing better than ours

thanks to last winter's snow.

It's a gift from heaven.

Jihua! Jihua! Put on your mourning hat.

Grandma loved you so much. Wear it for her.

Don't force him.

No, he has to. His grandma always doted on him.

He must put it on.

He's just an idiot. Leave him.

They've all come to help us.

Don't make a scene.

Can't you be normal?

Stop hitting him, stop!

He's just an idiot.

Attention all villagers! Attention all villagers!

We have an announcement

from the family planning team:

The day after tomorrow in the morning,

the team will administer pregnancy exams.

All women of childbearing age

must come to the village office for the exam.

No absences!

- Slow down. - Okay, uncle.

- Go home. - Okay.

Hi, Li Bao.

- Thanks for your help. - No problem.

After all, he's a fool. Don't force him.

It's all your fault.

He's my great-grandson. Of course I spoil him.

Great-granny.

- Are you cold? - No.

Chuang, get your cousin to wear a hat.

Jihua, relax.

Only Chuang can handle you.

Laidan, let's take him outside to play.

Okay. Let's go.

Take care of him.

Laidan, don't take the gourd away.

Sorry, Auntie.

- Don't let people bully him. - I know, great-grandma.

- You're back. - Hi, godmother.

- All done? - Yes.

Why make such a fuss?

No, godmother, a family should be buried together.

Bullshit! I want a nice afterlife.

The Li's are so annoying.

I've been serving them all my life.

Fuck them! That's enough.

- Are any of the Li's good? - No. Only you, Gongchang.

But I have nothing, godmother.

That's why I want you to get married and have a child.

Who would marry an old bachelor like me?

- Stay for dinner! - We've cooked for you.

- Stay for dinner! - The food is ready.

Mind your step. Thanks for all your help.

Go!

Uncle Tuanjie, where are we going?

- To pick up your parents. - Oh.

How long has it been since you've seen them?

A while.

- Do you miss them? - Yes.

Xiuli!

No need to pick us up, Tuanjie.

The families are waiting.

- Where is Chuang? - Asleep on the cart.

Chuang!

Chuang!

One yuan.

You sleepy boy.

Chuang, say hi to your mom.

This is your mom!

You miss them every day, call them in your dreams.

Don't you recognize me?

Have you lost weight?

Where are Chuang's siblings?

It would've cost more to bring them too.

Come on, money's not everything.

I'll go first.

Sit tight. Let's go.

- How are Mom and Dad? - They're fine.

- When will Yun have her baby? - After the wheat harvest.

Xinmin, put the bike on the cart. You can sit there.

It's fine. I'll push it.

Tuanjie!

Auntie was fine last New Years. How come she's gone so soon?

She was having stomach pains.

Li Bao took her to a hospital in the city.

They said it was her bowels

and scheduled a surgery for March 26th.

But Li Bao thought it was March 26th on the lunar calendar.

So he took her too late.

There was nothing they could do for her.

She was almost dead when she got home.

How come he couldn't get the date right?

You know... Nobody in the countryside follows the solar calendar.

True.

Chuang! How is it at your granny's?

- Not bad. - Have you stopped wetting the bed?

- No. - Still? Why don't you drink less water?

I do. I eat dry buns every day.

I don't even have soup.

Then be careful when you go to bed. If you need to pee, get up.

I do get up.

Then how are you still wetting the bed?

When I get up, I look everywhere for a toilet.

I feel so happy when I find one.

I think, "This time I won't wet my bed."

It's good if you feel like this.

Right... But when I pee,

I feel my crotch getting warm.

Then I wake up and find the bed wet again.

That worries me.

Don't worry. He'll grow out of it.

- Xiuli is back! - How are you?

Fine. Welcome home.

Is that Xiuying?

- Chuang! What are you doing? - Auntie!

- Chuang, be careful! - Be careful.

- Slow down. - Look at him.

Auntie! Auntie!

Chuang! Don't run! Be careful!

Put on this mourning hat. So sweaty.

- Xiuli. - Xiuying. Why are you here?

Mom wants you to put them on before entering the village.

Otherwise, people will talk.

- Hello, Xinmin. - Hi, Xiuying.

Xiuying, it's about time you get married.

There's no rush.

You're not young anymore. You should get married.

Okay, okay.

Oh! My poor aunt!

How could you leave us so soon?

You didn't wear the clothes I made for you!

You left us so soon.

- Hi, Xiuli! - Hi, Auntie, what's up?

- I'm going down to the field. - See you.

Oh! My poor aunt!

You've left us!

How can Li Bao and my nephews live without you?

- Grandma, what are you doing? - I'm watching Jihua.

You go ahead.

Oh, God, I'd die to make you better.

Come over here. It's hot there, my son.

- Xiuli, this way. - Aunt.

My poor aunt!

How could you leave us so soon?!

Chuang! Go find your dad.

Everything's ready. Prepare to offer sacrifices.

Put it straight. In the middle.

Next, the guests from the county will enter .

Xu Xinmin offers sacrifices. Please.

Chuang! Chuang! Come on.

- My poor aunt! - My poor grandma!

My poor grandma!

Please get up.

My poor aunt!

Chuang is good. He bows in the proper way

His grandpa and uncle taught him.

Loving sons, offer thanks.

You guys come up here. Don't let it fall!

Don't walk on my wheat.

Don't walk on my wheat.

Be careful.

Hold it underneath.

Face up.

Lower the front.

Somebody, get in. Go straight.

To your right.

Take this.

A bit to the left.

Give me the cloth.

Bow and arrow.

Gongchang, pull me up.

What for? I'll bury you with them.

You bastard. Stop it!

Everyone in line. Get over here.

Kneel down.

First bow.

Second bow.

Third bow.

Please rise.

Guests, you may leave.

- Seal it up. - My poor mother!

My poor mother! My poor father!

Great-grandpa and great-grandma, here is the spirit money.

My dad and mom have come to be reunited with you.

I'll come burn money for you often.

Grandma is well, don't worry.

We are all well.

It's done, let's go.

- Dad, let's go. - After we burn these.

Take the money. Spend it freely.

- Let's go, Chuang. - Okay.

- Grandpa, let's go home. - Okay, okay.

You go on ahead, Chuang.

I'll give Li Ta more shovels of soil.

- Gongchang. - Yes?

Give me the shovel.

Go ahead with your uncle. Go.

We're all done here.

Yes. I'm next.

What are you saying?

What's wrong? I'll be buried next to my brother.

Li Bao...

will be buried here.

Tuanjie...

will be next to me.

Jihua and Laidan...

- will come after Li Bao. - What about me, grandpa?

Your last name is not Li. This is not your place.

Then where will I go?

Good morning. Today is Monday, May 27th, 1991,

the 14th day of the fourth lunar month.

You are listening to "Weekly Highlights."

On May 20th, The UN Security Council adopted a resolution

requiring Iraq to compensate Kuwait...

Filial son, bow, offering thanks.

Get up. Get up.

On May 23rd,

the world's first test-tube sheep from a frozen embryo

was successfully born

in the laboratory animal research center of Inner Mongolia University.

This sheep was male, delivered at term, weighing 3.2 kg.

This is the first successful case in the world.

On May 21st, Ethiopian president Mengistu, resigned and fled--

Take it easy, Yun. Lie down in my bed.

- It's worse if I lie down. - Sit up a bit.

Here. Gently.

Xiuying, should I go instead? You look too young.

It should be fine. It's my picture on her ID.

- It's always been me. - Yes. It was always Xiuying.

How do they check you?

They just ask some questions and touch your belly.

Tuanjie's back.

Tuanjie, do you have our family planning card?

Right here.

I'm going.

It's really hot. I can finally get out of these clothes.

- Xiuying, be careful. - Okay.

Will our Party Secretary help?

Sure, we are from the same clan. He's fine.

- You've finished offering thanks? - Yes, Xinmin.

- Have something to eat. - Let me wash my face.

Have a steamed bun.

Is the examination in the county really strict?

Is it really strict? Of course it is.

They do examinations all the time.

Dad. I brought you new clothes.

Save money for yourself.

- Try it on. - I have enough clothes.

Mom, I brought you one too.

Why spend money when you have even less?

- It's too fancy to wear outside. - It fits you!

It's only for official occasions.

Give this to Xiuying. I bought her a kerchief.

Just what she wanted.

Xiuli, you can't always hide Chuang here.

What can we do, Mom?

Xinmin can't be promoted as department head

because we can't afford to pay the One Child Policy fine.

If they knew Chuang was our third child,

he would be fired by the government.

- Tuanjie! - Yes?

I've got some clothes in my bag.

Pick something out for Xiangyun and your daughters.

Okay. I will.

Dad, stop smoking.

You're coughing like that and you still smoke?

No one can control him. Who will he listen to?

He can drive you crazy.

It's okay if he smokes less.

- Don't smoke. - Okay, okay.

Dad, an old classmate is opening a factory in Shenzhen.

He's invited me to go a few times.

I'm thinking of taking an unpaid leave

and going into business with him.

Consider it carefully.

Your civil service job is secure for life.

Don't give it up easily.

Who knows what the policy will be later on?

Civil service jobs are not easy.

- Are Tuanjie's daughters awake? - Yes.

Mom's watching them.

- Granny. - Chuang's awake.

Chuang. Chuang.

We were up talking very late last night.

Get up. Eat something. It's time for school.

You slept in too late.

- You wet your bed again! - He wet the bed again!

Oh my. He'll grow out of it.

Sit. Granny will get you some clothes.

Dry it off.

I'll take it outside to dry.

Hurry up.

- Morning. - Morning.

- Hi there. - Xiuying.

Don't let them hear my name.

Hey, kids! Where are your parents?

Get down! You can't afford to pay if you break it.

Get down! You can't afford it!

- Laidan! - Auntie.

Stop fooling around.

- Okay... - Brats!

Don't let me see you again!

They are just kids. Let it go.

Don't worry about it. It's okay. Let's go.

Your truck is fine?

I'm not sure. I'll check it later.

Next!

Buy a new one. Yongchang's family is rich.

Yeah, sure. You don't like to ride in my truck?

- I can't complain. - Right.

Next.

Guo Xiangyun.

Uncle, is she married to someone here?

Yes.

- Why did the boy call her auntie? - They are close.

- Really? - Yes, yes.

- You've had two children? - Yes.

That's weird.

Next!

- Check her thoroughly. - Okay.

Go inside, lie on the bed. I'll examine you.

Don't you usually just press my belly?

I'm sure I'm not pregnant.

Who's in charge here, me or you?

Hurry up. Go over here. Lie down and I'll examine you.

Lie down over there. You're a married woman.

You've had children. What are you ashamed of?

Hurry up. What's the matter?

Is there a problem with your Family Planning Card?

No, no problem.

Lie down. Stop dawdling.

Lots of people are waiting outside.

Hurry up!

Lie down. Pull down your pants.

Pull them down.

Spread your legs. Spread your legs!

- Dad, where is the sesame oil? - Here.

And chili. Get the pickles.

Don't cry, mom.

- Eat something, baby. - Eat something.

Guilan, where is the cucumber?

- Isn't it under the door? - Xiuying, just rest.

Chuang, don't get burnt.

Okay. I know.

Auntie, auntie. Drink some sweet water.

I don't want to.

Just a bit. I made it for you.

Auntie, auntie.

Get up and drink some.

- Is it sweet? - Yes.

- Drink it. - No, I made it for you.

You drink it. I had enough.

Drink slowly.

- Chuang? - Yes?

- We're leaving. Come here. - Oh!

Go on.

Okay. Enough.

We grew it, so you don't have to buy it.

- Tuanjie will push. - Let me.

- Chuang, did Xiuying drink some water? - Yes.

- Grandma. - You're leaving?

Yes. Here are some cigarettes.

- Okay. Be careful on your way. - Take care.

Grandma. We're leaving.

- Bye, my girl. Take care. - Okay.

- You're leaving now? - Yes, yes.

- Xinmin. - You don't have to see us off.

Take care.

I didn't use this meat for the funeral.

- Cook it for the kids. - Thanks, Cuifang.

Chuang. Listen to granny and grandpa.

Yes.

- Drink less water before bed. - Okay.

Study well, all right?

Yes, I will.

- Listen to your auntie. - Yes.

Dad, Mom, we won't be back for the harvest.

We are going to Shenzhen.

That's fine. We'll ask Li Bao to help.

- We'll do it together. - Okay.

Don't worry.

You don't have to go.

- Chuang, listen to your granny. - He will. He's a good boy.

Be good, son.

- We're off, Cuifang. - Go home.

Li Bao. Let me take it.

- Slowly. - Okay.

Give it to me. I'll ride ahead.

- Sit tight. - Okay.

Sit tight.

- Tuanjie, go home. - Okay, slowly.

Inside there is a painter.

Inside there is a painter.

He paints for the official.

He paints for the official.

Good. Look it over at home.

June 5th to 20th is the harvest break.

But... the school has a rule.

You must bring 5 kg of wheat for tuition.

Do your best.

Okay. Go home.

Xu Chuang. Come here.

Take these two books.

- Take them home. - Okay.

- Chuang! - Coming!

- Let's go. - Sure.

Let's go.

Grandma.

Only know your grandma.

Say great-grandma!

Ice cream! Popsicles!

Mom, I want a popsicle.

Mom, I want a popsicle!

With what money? Don't be a pest.

Mom! I want a popsicle!

Get out of here! Get out of here!

Why are you pushing him? Chuang!

Go play with Laidan at great-granny's.

Slogging all day and I don't even get a popsicle.

Popsicle, popsicle. You only think about food.

- Be careful, Yun. - No worries, go ahead.

Dad! Mom! Time to eat!

Cuifang! Bao! Time to eat!

- Auntie, you're back! - Come, eat your lunch.

- Laidan, let's have lunch. - No.

- Why? - I don't want to.

Grandma, don't let him.

What's the matter, Laidan?

He wants a popsicle, but his mom won't buy it.

Auntie, I tell you.

We are the poorest village in the whole world.

And our family is the poorest in the village.

I'll buy you a popsicle when I grow up, okay?

Momo, let's go.

Hey there, how much is the popsicle?

Ten cents for five.

- Ten cents for five? - Yes.

Here's 20. Throw in two more.

Okay, fine. Don't touch! Back off!

Take these.

- Three... - Here.

Okay.

- Six. Here you go. - You hold these, Momo.

- One more. - Thanks. Okay.

Too cold? I can hold them.

You're not buying. Go away.

Wait. We'll eat all together.

- Here! - Look! Here's the popsicle!

Let's eat the popsicle.

Eat some popsicle first. Don't be upset.

- One for you. - He's happy now.

One for Grandpa.

Grandpa. Here.

Grandma, have one.

- It's too cold. - Just try it.

It's not too cold.

He has never eaten it before. He really likes it.

Feed him slowly. He's got some straw in his mouth.

Hold it in your mouth.

Let me hold you.

I like Momo.

- Is it sweet? - Yes. Sweet and cold.

Cold and sweet.

Give him some. See how he's running his mouth.

Not so much. It's cold. He never had it before.

He can't eat that much.

He's got some, grandma.

What did he do?

He picked it up off the ground. It has straw on it.

Give him a bun.

- No, don't. - Leave some for grandma.

She will give it to Jihua anyway.

Watch yourself.

Yun, let's go back. Mom, keep an eye on Jihua.

Sure. Don't worry, go to work. I'm keeping an eye on him.

You don't even know how to call your family.

You're such an idiot.

- Grandma. - Great-grandma.

Great-grand-ma.

Listen.

That's your grandma and grandpa.

That's your great-grandpa.

Over there is your great-great-grandpa and his father.

Get it?

One. Two. Three. Four. Understand?

Grandma. Grandma.

No wonder your mom and dad are sad.

You are already twentysomething.

Why don't you understand?

Grandma. Grandma.

Grandma.

Only grandma! Say great-grandma!

Grandma. Grandma.

- Jianhua. - Yes.

How's your wheat yield this year?

250 to 300 kg.

- Not bad. - It's okay.

What about you?

For the two fields together, probably the same as you.

Much better than with the production team.

People were lazy then.

You didn't lock the door?

I did!

How did he open it?

Jihua, stop, stop.

Get out, get out.

It's raining! Hurry! Get up! Get up!

Get up, Tuanjie! Chuang! Get up now!

Pull the blanket inside.

Tuanjie, get the broom.

Be careful. Don't trip.

Pull this corner. Now!

- Be careful, Laidan. - Okay.

Slow down, be careful.

I'll go cover it.

Here's a plastic sheet.

- Are you okay, mom? - It doesn't hurt.

I'm fine.

Pull it that way.

This one is done.

I'll go check them.

Okay, spread it.

Oh my.

The sheet is really shitty.

I asked you to buy a new one. Why didn't you listen?

Where do I get the money?

What if they sprout?

This year's harvest is important.

Our whole family is counting on it. We are counting on it.

Stop complaining.

Cuifang.

Don't argue with him.

Get on with it! Stop arguing!

Stop fighting, Li Bao, stop.

He's always like this. He drives me crazy.

Stay away, come play later.

Hold the bag.

Li Bao. Li Bao.

- What's wrong, Mr. Secretary? - Pay your grain tax quickly.

I'm arranging it now. I'll deliver it today.

The others have already paid. It can be in grain or money.

I won't be the last in our village. I'll pay in grain.

You know our situation.

We can't go to Liu Village all the time.

Okay. Then do it quickly. I'll go tell the others.

- Let me walk you out. - No need.

Let's hurry.

- Mom. I don't want to eat this. - Put it in the kitchen.

Aunt, Uncle.

Hey. Chuang is here.

Mom, where's my wheat? I have to take it to school.

Here. It's ready.

Chuang and Laidan, behave yourselves.

Get away.

So annoying.

Jiang Xiaopeng, 5 kg.

Liu Bo, 5 kg.

Don't push.

Come up one by one.

Chuang. Give me your wheat.

Here. This is Xu Chuang's and my wheat, sir.

Xu Chuang, 5 kg.

- Laidan, is this your wheat? - Yes. Why?

Your wheat has sprouted. It is unacceptable.

It won't pass any inspection.

Stop laughing!

Do you want to be expelled? Take it back.

Your wheat is no good.

Take mine!

One at a time, don't push! Don't be like him.

His wheat is so bad.

Don't be upset. It's okay.

Don't be upset.

It's okay. Don't be upset.

What's the problem this time?

- Why didn't you give me good wheat? - What happened?

Everyone at school is laughing at me.

The principal wouldn't accept the wheat.

So what? What can he do?

He won't let him take the final exam.

Then don't take it. You're not going to pass anyway.

- There's no chance. - Don't be upset.

Laidan. Laidan!

- Leave him alone. - Chuang, come here.

Hi, Auntie.

What did the principal say to you?

He said either bring good wheat or pay three yuan.

Here's three yuan. Pay the school for Laidan.

Okay.

Why do you have so much money?

Don't ask so many questions. Just go.

Laidan, look. Don't be upset.

- The beans are too close. - Yes.

We'll have to take out some.

- How is the cotton? - It's fine.

I'll take care of it in a few days and it'll be good.

Chuang, I packed your bag for you.

Remember to return the books for me.

- Okay. - Get up, quickly.

Get up.

- What's wrong? - Nothing.

Here.

- You're back. - Is breakfast ready?

Yes.

- Hello, Mr. Secretary. - Hello, Yongchang. Have a cigarette.

No, thanks.

- How are you? - Fine.

- You had breakfast? - Yes, I did.

- Let's talk inside. - Okay.

Hey, kids! Don't play on the truck.

Don't worry. They can't break it.

Fuhe! The Wangs are here.

- Hello, Mr. Secretary. - Hello, Mrs. Wang.

- You don't need to bring all this. - It's nothing.

Come inside.

Have a seat.

Yongchang. They are Xiuying's parents.

Uncle, Aunt.

- Those are her brother and cousin. - Hello.

- Have a cigarette. - No, thanks.

Have a seat, Yongchang.

- Guilan. - Yes?

- Where is Xiuying? - She's in her room.

Well then. Let them talk a bit.

- Sure. - Go on. Go on.

I have mine, thanks.

Xiuying, Yongchang is here to see you.

- Go in and have a seat. - Okay.

Hey! We met a few days ago.

I knew then you weren't married.

Granny. I'm home!

Don't you remember me? You forgot me.

I'm the one with the truck.

Chuang! Come show me your report card.

- Don't go. - No, auntie is calling me.

Go play outside.

- Chuang, come here! - She's calling me.

Look at you.

- What was your grade this time? - My average was 98 out of 100.

Why is your Chinese score so low?

There was a composition. You can't get 100 on it.

If the score is low, you can't go to college.

- You need to study harder, okay? - Okay...

Take it.

Your mom sent these from the county.

- I don't want them. - Why not?

They're my brother's old shoes.

I cleaned them for you.

Okay, then.

- Auntie, who is he? - Don't ask.

Fuck off!

Kiss it, kiss it!

We'll find Jihua a sheep for a wife.

They'll have your nephew!

Fuck you!

What did you say?

Let go!

Run!

Chickenshit! Why did you push him around?

Whoever touches Chuang, Jihua'll kill them.

I'm okay, Jihua.

I'm okay.

Let's go home.

Laidan. Go home!

Hey, Dongmei.

I heard Xiuying's match didn't work out.

She is really picky.

Yongchang's family is so rich and he's well connected.

Yajie from Liu Village is even richer.

But his trade is shut down.

- How can we earn money then? - We can go to the hospital.

- Do they pay? - The hospital has its own policy.

Well, I don't know.

Look at Jihua! He's such a fool!

What do you want, Jihua?

- Leave him alone. - He's scaring my sheep.

It's your wife, look after her.

Cuifang! Cuifang!

- Cuifang! - What happened?

Your son pulled my out cotton all over the place.

Look at this.

- It's that idiot again. - Yes, Jihua!

Don't be angry. Have a seat.

- I won't! - Okay.

- I'll plant some in for you. - Won't be as good as my old one.

What can I do? He's an idiot.

- You tell me! - I told you.

I'll replant them for you.

But they still won't be as good!

- Then tell me what I should do. - You tell me!

- You tell me! - You tell me!

- You tell me! - That's enough!

Get out!

Every day a new hassle.

Get up!

- He'll drive you crazy. - Stop, stop.

How can you be such an idiot?

- Look what you did. - Don't hit him!

My poor son.

Laidan! Go get Jihua!

Chuang!

Don't be angry, Uncle.

Go, now! Go! Chuang!

Get them out of here. Every day, a new hassle.

Just look at you.

I just came to tell you.

You shouldn't beat him so hard.

Don't beat him like that again.

- Okay. I'm leaving. - I've had enough.

Wait, aunt, the food is ready. Please eat here.

I don't want to eat. I'm leaving.

- Let me plant the cotton back. - Leave it.

Fuck them!

All of these Li bastards! Not one of them is decent.

They're only brave at home.

Why not go out to show that you're a real man?

How can you beat your kid like this?

Why not go fight the others?

He's an idiot but he's still your son.

You don't love him, but I do.

I'll swear at him.

I'll beat that bastard with my cane.

Don't cry, my boy.

Good boy. Such a good boy.

Baby, mom holds you. Baby, mom holds you.

Baby, great-grandma holds you.

Until you grow up...

Little willow, chopping knife.

I'll pick one from your side.

Who do you pick?

Laidan!

Little willow, chopping knife.

I'll pick one from your side.

Come and eat!

Zikun.

Go home.

Food is ready.

- Is Tuanjie home? - Guilan.

- Hello, Mr. Secretary. - Hello, Dongmei.

- I'm here for the baby. - There's no need to bring anything.

It's just for the baby. Where's he?

Inside.

Yun. Dongmei is here to see the baby.

- How much does he weigh? - 3.3 kilograms.

So lucky.

See how chubby he is.

- He looks like Tuanjie. - Yes.

I couldn't even imagine.

Two girls and a boy, good!

- You're eating well? - Yes.

Tell them to make good food for you.

I have such good in-laws.

- Tuanjie, come here. - What is it?

- What is it? - Why did you take Yun to the hospital?

Li Guang's wife had problems giving birth,

so I didn't want to do it at home.

- Now the family planning team knows. - What now?

With three kids, you can't avoid sterilization and a fine.

We have to solve it directly with the government.

- We don't know anyone from the government. - Ask Yongchang.

But we failed to match him with Xiuying. How can I ask him?

Have Xiuying ask him. This is the only way.

- I don't know if she'd do that. - Persuade her.

There's no other way.

Okay.

- I'll talk to Xiuying. - Good.

The power's out.

Chuang? Are you afraid to walk alone at night?

I'm not. Why?

Nothing. Eat your watermelon.

Teacher Guo.

Teacher Guo.

- Who is it? - It's me.

Xu Chuang, what are you doing here?

My auntie sent you a letter.

What did she write you?

Nothing. How's she?

She was crying.

Teacher Guo, they say you're going south.

What's so great about the south?

My father and mother went to Shenzhen too.

My auntie also wants to go.

It's difficult to explain.

Read more books, so you'll understand more things.

I'll take you home.

You don't have to. I have a flashlight.

- You're not afraid? - No.

This is my village. I know the way.

Okay. Then off you go.

Okay.

Teacher Guo, you forgot to take your book!

Keep it. Go home now.

I'm so concerned about the kids.

So much to do in the fields. Life is so hard, grandma.

Who are you to say it's hard?

I was given away at six as a child bride.

I had my first, Li Ta, when I was 16.

In my thirties, I lost my husband.

After he died, Li Ta ran off to be a bandit.

Everyone bullied me, including government officials.

You can't imagine.

I had to take care of the whole family by myself.

You all listen to me!

All the land was my family's.

When my grandpa was alive, the whole village was ours.

He's so drunk.

You're drunk again. Be careful, son.

- Everyone has to listen to me! - Right. Right.

I only listen to my godmother.

Godmother.

Li Bao!

- Tuanjie! Tuanjie! - What?

Come here! Your uncle is drunk!

Godmother, you're so good to me.

I am. Drink less, okay?

Whatever you say.

Let's go home. Look at you.

Let's go.

You've got to listen to me.

Goddamn it.

Grandma, you've had it worse than me.

Of course! A lot worse! Just bear with it.

Granny, can this kiln still fire bricks?

Yes. Your grandpa is repairing it.

Once it's done, we can use it.

Many houses in the village used bricks that were fired in this kiln.

During the War of Liberation, Li Ta returned.

When he saw the village in ruins,

he talked with Master Kaixun and built a kiln for the village.

Who is Master Kaixun?

Master Kaixun is Gongchang's grandpa.

You should call him great-great-grandpa.

He was such a good fellow. It was a pity he died.

- How did he die? - Well, his family was very rich.

He even passed the imperial exams.

He was ambitious.

They fought with him,

so brutally that he didn't want to live.

He locked himself in the firewood shed

and got burned alive.

He wasn't aware the wind was so strong that night.

The fire destroyed all his houses.

Oh! All his family died?

All except for Gongchang. Stand over there.

He was playing at our home then. His life was spared.

He was three or four years old.

Your great-granny felt sorry for him,

so she raised him.

It's all ancient history. Leave it be.

- No more bricks? - No.

Slow down. Be careful or the floor will get slippery.

Take a break.

Get some water before you eat it on the road.

Okay. I will.

Dad.

If I have a say, you shouldn't fire bricks.

No one buys them anymore. How much can you really make?

If we don't work harder, how can we pay your brother's fine?

- Auntie. - Hello.

Chuang is here.

Granny, why are you making fried noodles?

Grandpa is going to haul coal. He'll eat on the road.

I've made you fried noodles.

- Don't make them too thick. - Don't I know how to cook?

Xiuying, get me some sugar.

If you burn yourself, you'll get a big blister.

Go do your homework.

- Listen to your auntie. - I will.

- Chuang, be careful. It's hot. - Sure.

Eat it outside. Don't burn yourself.

Go slow.

Let me carry it.

What if you burn yourself? Leave it there.

Let your auntie take it. Don't burn yourself.

Go outside. Find some shade.

Try some.

- Is it good? - Yes.

Have some more.

There's another one, up there.

Oh! I found them.

- There are more over there. - Here are three more.

Wait. Pull me up.

Pull me up, Laidan.

Great-granny, what are we doing with these stones?

If it's heavy, it's worth more.

Isn't that cheating?

They cheat us, we cheat them.

They'll fiddle with the weight.

- Right? - Okay.

1.5 kg.

- But on our scale is 1.4. - Yours is wrong.

It can't be that far off.

- Are you selling or not? - Okay. Okay.

You look so young, but so jaded.

Push it in as hard as you can.

Don't come over here. Stay there and rest.

Didn't I tell you not to haul too much? I always tell you.

You never listen to me!

But I always did it by myself before.

You think you're still young?

But I didn't do it on purpose.

If you died, how could we survive?

Why do so many bad things happen to us?

It's okay.

Guilan!

You don't need to come.

We came the minute Li Bao got home.

- How did Fuhe end up like this? - I'm fine.

Oh, my God! Xiuying, give me the cart.

Be careful.

Dad, we had an agreement.

I'd carry it with an ox when I recover from surgery.

- Why didn't you wait for me? - I can still work.

The factories can't even sell their bricks,

- let alone yours. - What else can I do?

Godmother, Xiuying is getting married. Are you happy?

It's good and bad, happy and unhappy.

She'll be no longer with me. I'm really sad.

- But it's time. - Granny!

- Where did you get these books? - Someone gave them to me.

Let me carry them.

- I'll read it to you. - Okay.

"Great virtue and high prestige. Mr. Wang, esteemed sir,

I am honored to receive your request,

and I comply without delay.

Under the guidance of the matchmaker,

our two families, Li and Wang

wish to enter into marriage alliance.

We sincerely so pledge and so inscribe on this document.

We eagerly record this alliance

on this marriage document for posterity.

My youngest daughter, Li Xiuying, born at 1:45am

on the 26th day of the 5th month in the year 1970 AD.

Witnessed by Li Fuhe, who bows in respect,

on this 6th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, 1991 AD."

- Is this acceptable? - Yes.

- All set. - Very good.

You've invited the best calligrapher!

The guests are here.

Is your arm better?

Chuang!

Go and call your auntie.

Auntie! Auntie!

- Chuang! - What?

Come! Let's catch some fish!

No. I'm looking for auntie.

- Auntie. - Yes?

- Granny wants you to go home. - Fine.

You go ahead. I'll be home soon.

You go first. Go.

Oh, no! I cut my foot!

- Laidan. - Yes?

- Take him to the clinic. - Yes, of course.

You're okay?

How did you do it?

- How's your arm? - A lot better.

- Did you plow your fields? - Not yet.

How much was that tractor?

Over 3,000 yuan.

3,000?! Not bad!

Much faster than oxen.

A few oxen can't plow all these fields.

I'm telling you, Uncle,

in America, people use big machines.

One can plow more than 1,000 acres a day.

Really?

One American machine could do the work of our whole village.

More than one village!

Then what's left for the American farmers to do?

Wander around having fun?!

You'll understand when you start to use it.

No matter what, farmers still have to work the land.

Dad, you don't understand. I can't explain it to you.

Let's sing the first chapter

Endurance is good

There's an "end" in it

You must persevere and learn to wait

Lord Jiang persevered to catch the fish

He got to be 80 and kept his seat

Su Qin pricked himself with an awl every day

He got to be the highest minister of the six kingdoms...

The power is back!

Chuang, here, I saved you a seat.

Everyone must change their mindset and cooperate actively.

Specific reform measures will be introduced soon.

Team for funeral custom reform of Taikang County.

- It's starting. - It's on!

THE WOMEN MIGRANT WORKERS

I don't want you to know

I'm kind

I don't want you to know

I'm pure

But I can't deny

the feeling in my heart...

"We rent a room in the city.

Cooking saves us a lot of money.

Everything is expensive.

Flour costs 80 cents a pound.

Vegetables also cost a lot.

My old schoolmate and I met to discuss business.

Dinner cost him more than 200 yuan."

Two hundred yuan, Tuanjie, 200!

"But I wasn't full.

I asked Xiuli to cook some noodles at home.

Dad, you're not well. Don't smoke too much.

Mom, don't work so much.

Xiuli and I always feel sorry.

We left Chuang with you since birth.

He's a big burden on you.

After Aunt's funeral,

the last time we saw you,

Xiuli cried all the way back.

But we had no choice.

That's why we decided to come to Shenzhen.

I hope you understand.

The weather here is very warm.

We don't need to wear padded coats.

Xiuli and I are grown-ups.

We can take care of ourselves. Don't worry.

That's all for now.

I wish you two and grandma good health.

Best wishes to Xiuying for her wedding.

Your son-in-law, Xinmin. December 1, 1991."

Xiuli won't be back?

Let's send them two sacks of our flour with whoever goes there.

Do you know how far it is, grandma?

- How far? - Thousands of miles.

Oh! That's not easy.

Why it's so far away?

They're not even coming for the wedding?

No.

Look how white it is.

It's soft.

We didn't have such cotton before.

Nowadays, girls really dress well for their wedding.

In my days, I only had a bike.

You did better than me. I didn't even have a bike!

I moved from the west room to the east room,

from a small bed to a big bed. That was my wedding.

You saved the Li family a lot of money.

Times have changed.

Stop jumping on it! You'll soil it.

Xiuying, Yongchang must have paid a high bride token.

Let's not talk about it.

Xiuying, leave Chuang's hair alone.

Hongmei has been waiting to do your hair.

- It's fine. - Wait a minute.

From now on, you must wash it yourself.

Okay.

Come inside and have some tea.

Don't be sad.

Xiuying has to get married anyway.

- Take the quilts first. - Okay, quilts first.

Look how beautiful she is.

Look at my sister-in-law.

So beautiful! The flower is good.

Bride, it's time to go.

Let's go.

Give it a push, you in front.

- Come on, guys. - Don't fool around.

- Slowly. - Push hard.

Lower, lower. Don't fool around.

Hurry up, hurry up!

Chuang. Come here.

I sit in front.

Such a big van! All thanks to Xiuying.

Chuang, you have to block the door.

We are stopping her from going?

Pretend that's what you are doing. Don't forget.

Why are you here?

Stop, Cuifang.

Such an idiot.

Xiuying.

Be a good wife.

Go home, aunt.

Your daughter has to get married. Don't feel bad.

Sooner or later, you must let her go.

Left. Ten centimeters more.

Okay, next.

Write it down.

Chief Yang! Please move your truck,

- let the wedding procession go by. - Sure.

This way, this way.

- Hello, Director Xia. - Hi.

- What are they doing? - Looking for oil.

- It's good! - Yes!

- Have some smokes. - Thanks!

- What are they doing? - Looking for oil.

- Be careful with my wheat. - They'll pay for what they crush.

No way! It wasn't easy to grow it.

Chuang, hold the door.

Chuang.

Get off!

At your age, you're still messing around!

Stop it! Stop!

All right, stop it.

Pay respects to heaven and earth.

First bow.

Second bow.

Last bow.

Ceremony completed.

Folks, back up. We'll blow it up.

Move back, move back.

Run the wire over here.

What's the use? Can we eat or drink oil?

They've crushed all our wheat.

Get back here! We're ready!

If they find oil, we'll become factory workers.

We'll make money.

What can you do? Drink oil?

The third one didn't go off.

Is something wrong with the wire?

It's the trigger. Squeeze it. Squeeze it.

Okay.

Attention!

No one would have expected it.

But since it's happened, we have to figure out how to solve it.

How? You tell me.

I told you many times. We can take him to the hospital.

Only after the hospital gives us a certificate

can we report it to our superiors.

Uncle Tuanjie, how is Jihua?

I don't care if you report it. You can't take my boy away.

- It's an accident. - We don't believe you!

But it's the truth, sir.

- Gongchang, where is Jihua? - None of us could stop him.

He followed the sheep. We can't stop him.

We looked for the doctor right away.

We did our best.

Let me see you one last time!

My son is gone!

Jihua. Jihua!

Grandpa! Jihua moved!

Granny!

Stop fighting, I saw him move!

Granny, go save him!

Please calm down.

There's no use doing this. We must wait for our superiors.

Jihua! Jihua!

Don't scare me.

Jihua!

Jihua!

Jihua!

Granny!

Grandpa!

Uncle!

Auntie!

Laidan!

Granny!

Grandpa!

Laidan!

Uncle!

Auntie!

Laidan!

Granny!

Grandpa!

Granny!

Grandpa!

- Granny. - Fuhe! Fuhe!

- Fuhe! Fuhe! - Coming!

- What's wrong? - Open the door.

What is it?

The leader of the oil team is waiting at the Village Chief Office.

He's come to give us an answer.

- How is Jihua? - He's dead.

The county doctor has checked many times.

Then we'll bury him at the kiln. He can't stay outside at night.

- Okay. - Let's go, Fuhe, let's go.

Li Tianyi, it's your turn.

Li Tianyi.

How old are you?

I was born in the year of the horse.

How old are you then? 73?

Yes, yes, 73.

- How's your health? - Health?

I can eat two buns at every meal.

You can only say "Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor."

That I don't know.

Write "Fair."

Okay, okay, "Fair" is okay. "Fair" is okay.

- Li Fuhe, is your mom here? - Yes.

- Let's get her registered first. - Thank you.

Go slowly.

Li Fuhe.

Be careful, mom.

Have a seat, Auntie.

Sit here. On the stool.

- Who is she? - This is my mom.

- She's not on the household book. - They forgot to register her last time.

- What's her name? - Woman Wang married Li.

- I need your full name. - I don't have one.

Before I got married, they called me Third Girl.

- That won't work. - Name her Mrs. Li-wang.

- We already have two Mrs. Li-wang. - Mrs. Li-wang number three, then.

- How old is she? - She's 91.

- How's her health? - She can take care of herself.

Sometimes she can help around the house.

Give her a "Fair," then.

Okay, you can rest over there.

Slow down.

Li Futang, it's your turn.

Li Futang.

How old are you?

I was born in the year of the sheep, 84.

- How's your health? - Fine.

I can eat.

- Mom, I put the jar here. - Sure.

The stove is still warm, go to bed.

I've got Chuang to warm up the bed.

Chuang, there's candy in that jar. Help yourself.

Mom, don't give him candy. His teeth will rot.

He's just a kid, leave him alone.

Okay, okay.

- Turn off the light. - Sure.

- Be careful when you go to bed. - Okay.

- I'm going. - Sure.

- Cover up. - Okay.

Great-granny, are you scared of being cremated?

Of course! Everyone is.

Don't be afraid.

The books say that our body doesn't know anything.

It's just a bunch of cells. They're replaced every year.

And then where do they go?

Some in the ground.

Some in the river.

Some in the wind.

- Everywhere. - That's good.

I've never been anywhere in my life.

Just as far as the Iron Bottom Lake.

And that's it.

It's good that you can read.

- Let's sleep. - Okay.

- Cover up, my boy. - Okay.

Chuang, you bring me happiness.

If it were not for you, my feet would be cold all night.

You are such a good boy.

Gongchang is here.

Steaming buns?

Chuang, hold your little uncle. Gongchang is here.

- Is he? - Yes, with the baby.

Oh, Chuang is holding him.

Let me do it. Let me hold you.

- Maybe he peed? - Let me see.

- Hello. - Hello, Gongchang.

- Gongchang is here? - Yes.

- Where's the baby? - Yun is holding him.

I'm here to wash godmother's feet.

Look at you, always busy. I didn't raise you for nothing.

It was worth it.

You're the only one who loves me.

How old were you then? I looked after you for ages.

- I didn't remember anything. - No.

- Gongchang, sit down. - Sure.

I haven't even slapped you all these years.

My poor boy.

Gongchang, take good care of that orphan.

Give him some sheep milk.

I put it in a thermos for him.

Feed him on time.

If sheep milk is not enough, have Yun breastfeed him.

- She's doing it well. - Yun is taking care of him.

I imagine that he will call you dad someday.

He will be your real family.

Grandpa, Grandma, please take the spirit money.

Come home for Chinese New Year with us.

Everything's ready.

It's the new year, come home.

Grandpa, please take the spirit money.

Come home for Chinese New Year. We are here to take you home.

Take the money and come home.

Let's reunite.

Dad, Mom, reunite with the whole family.

Come home, reunite with us.

Let's reunite at home.

Jihua, let's go home. Come home for New Years.

Look at you! Laidan!

- What? - Whatever!

- What's the matter? - Stop messing around.

- Everything's ready. - Yes, finished.

- Mom! - Xiuli!

Xiuying, you're here already.

- Cuifang! - Mom!

- Chuang! - Dad!

You look great.

This is Yongchang. This is Xu Xinmin.

- We haven't met before. - Happy New Year.

Have a seat. I'm making lunch.

Have a seat.

Lunch is ready.

We are good. We are close.

We are good and close.

We'll start when we say "two."

Two. Okay.

Four. Eight.

I lost.

Two. Okay.

Eight, seven.

Three, seven.

Drink up.

One more round, Uncle.

Don't drink too much. You're driving.

Come on, it's New Years. I do as I please.

Don't worry, I won't let him get drunk.

Ignore her, go on. One more round, Uncle!

Two. Eight, seven. Three, seven.

- Tuanjie, tell him to drink less. - I know.

Let's eat outside. Leave him alone.

Do you have a stool?

- Auntie was mistreated. - What?

Auntie was bullied just now.

Auntie, someone bullied you?

Who said that?

Xiuying. Did you two have a fight?

- Yes. - Why?

I didn't bleed the first time.

He thought I had relations with someone else.

Really? You and Teacher Guo?

We didn't even hold hands!

Okay, I'll talk to him after lunch.

It won't help.

It's New Years. Be happy.

The men are drinking. Let's drink too.

- Sure! - Us too?

Yes, let's be happy!

Cuifang, are you ready?

Xiuli, I want a divorce.

Don't even think of it.

Just persevere.

Come on, let's eat.

- Get Cuifang here. - Cuifang!

It's New Years. Don't think about unhappy things.

She misses the boy.

It's just the smoke.

It's New Years, we must be happy.

Right, be happy. We are all with you.

- Cuifang, sit down. - I'm fine, Guilan.

Xiuli, here's your wine.

You have to drink this.

I know you are a good drinker.

Don't you go out in Shenzhen often?

We don't have the time. We're too busy.

We start very early at the factory,

then work overtime until 10:00 p.m.

Xinmin?

It's so tiring in Shenzhen.

Don't go back.

The policy is still unstable.

Not really, Dad.

Foreign companies are all going there now.

If this keeps up, the future will be great.

Don't worry.

Xinmin. Can I go there too?

How much can I earn?

If you work hard, you can get 200 to 300 yuan a month.

- Two to three hundred? - Right.

- That's a lot. - Yes.

Let's drink together.

Bottoms up!

Great-granny. Great-granny.

Great-granny.

Here, my mom brought some candy.

You can melt it in your mouth.

- Your mom? - Yes.

- Here, take one. - No, it's for you.

It's too precious for me to eat.

You take it.

I had one.

- Here. - You take it.

It's for you. It's too precious.

Here's the Lucky Money for you.

- I can't take it. - Take it.

Buy books with it.

You don't have much money. I can't take it.

Just take it.

Tuanjie, the bus is here. Where is Xiaoyu?

- Hurry up! Xiaoyu! - Coming!

Please wait, we have one more person.

Where are you going with so much luggage?

We can make money in the south.

We can't stay in the village forever.

There's no way to make money here. We'll find jobs in the south.

We can make money out there.

- I'm leaving. - Be careful out there.

- Is that Xiaoyu? - Yes.

Hi, Tuanjie.

Xiaoyu, you don't want to leave your wife after getting married?

Don't tease me.

I'm leaving, take care of the family.

Don't worry.

The family of Mrs. Li-wang number three.

Pick up the ashes.

Use your hands to collect the ashes below.

Wang, give them a shovel.

Give it to me. Let me try.

It doesn't move. Too much mud.

It's too tight.

It's stuck.

Step on the gas pedal, Laidan.

Gas pedal.

Step hard.

- Did you take it off gear? - Take it off.

It doesn't work.

- It's off. - No.

It doesn't work.

You have to step on the clutch.

Take it off gear.

- I just did. - No.

Okay.

Let it go.

Push. Come on!

Come on!

Oh, my God! It's broken!

- Your great-granny! - My godmother!

Use that bag!

Come on, let's push!