Thousand Pieces of Gold (1991)

In 1880's China, young Lalu is sold into marriage by her impoverished father. Rather than becoming a bride, Lalu ends up in an Idaho gold-mining town, the property of a saloon owner who ... See full summary »

Director:

Nancy Kelly

Writers:

Ruthanne Lum McCunn (novel), Anne Makepeace (screenplay)

Stars:

Rosalind Chao, Chris Cooper, Michael Paul Chan

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Rosalind Chao	...	Lalu
Chris Cooper	...	Charlie
Michael Paul Chan	...	Hong King
Dennis Dun	...	Jim
Jimmie F. Skaggs	...	Jonas
Will Oldham	...	Miles
David Hayward	...	Ohio
Beth Broderick	...	Berthe
Kim Chan	...	Li Ping
Chris Evans	...	Sailor #2
Weili Fan	...	Sayan
Evan C. Kim	...	Shun Lee
Freda Foh Shen	...	Ah Ling
John M. Hosking	...	Watkins
Mary Matvy	...	Françoise

Storyline

In 1880's China, young Lalu is sold into marriage by her impoverished father. Rather than becoming a bride, Lalu ends up in an Idaho gold-mining town, the property of a saloon owner who renames her China Polly and plans to sell her as entertainment for the locals. Refusing to become a whore, Lalu ultimately finds her own way in this strange country filled with white demons.

---

Plot Keywords:

idaho | female protagonist | asian american | based on novel | independent film

---

Taglines:

A testament to the strength of the human spirit

---

Genres:

Romance | Western

---

Certificate:

PG-13

Details

Country:

USA UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

November 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

American Playhouse: Thousand Pieces of Gold

Filming Locations:

Butte, Montana, USA

Box Office

Gross:

$717,772 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

American Playhouse, Channel Four Films, Filmcat

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Based on the true story of "China Polly".

---

Connections

Referenced in Siskel & Ebert: Bad Girls/The Inkwell/Naked in New York/Brainscan/Surviving the Game (1994)

User Reviews

Amazing dramatic performances

One of the few movies i've seen where sex is not the bottom line or basis of the romance. It is tasteful and sweet in its depiction of an interracial relationship which develops around an actual friendship and ensues into a genuine emotional bond in the midst of semi-racially intolerant environment. The lead actor and actress produce an amazing performance of a romantic chemistry that is set in the bounds of respect, selfnessness, kindness, and deep affection.

I give it a thumbs up, way, waaaaaaaaaaaaaay up.