Xiu Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl (1998)
"Tian yu" (original title)

Young teen girl Xiu Xiu is sent away to a remote corner of the Sichuan steppes for manual labor in 1975 (sending young people to there was a part of Cultural Revolution in China). A year ... See full summary »

Director:

Joan Chen

Writers:

Joan Chen, Geling Yan (novel),

Stars:

Xiaolu Li, Lopsang, Zheng Qian

12 wins & 9 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Xiaolu Li	...	Wenxiu (Xiu Xiu) (as Lu Lu)
Lopsang	...	Lao Jin
Zheng Qian	...	Li Chuanbei
Jie Gao	...	Mother
Qianqian Li	...	Sister
Yue Lü	...	Father
Qian Qiao	...	Chen Li
Cheng Jiang	...	Rider A
Xiaoyu Yang	...	Girl
Xuejun Gu	...	Rider B
Huri	...	Holligan
Zhizhung Lik	...	Headquarter's Chief
Kun Zhang	...	Assistant
Shijin Li	...	Jeep Driver
Dong Jia	...	Yak Herder A

Storyline

Young teen girl Xiu Xiu is sent away to a remote corner of the Sichuan steppes for manual labor in 1975 (sending young people to there was a part of Cultural Revolution in China). A year later, she agrees to go to even more remote spot with a Tibetan saddle tramp Lao Jin to learn horse herding.

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Plot Keywords:

revolution | china | mountain | writer director | rural setting | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexual content

Details

Official Sites:

Stratosphere Entertainment

Country:

Hong Kong USA Taiwan

Language:

Mandarin

Release Date:

16 November 2000 (Hong Kong)

Also Known As:

Xiu Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$23,880 (USA) (7 May 1999)

Gross:

$365,152 (USA) (26 January 2001)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Good Machine, Whispering Steppes L.P.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Although the U.S. distributor claimed the film was banned in China for sexual and political content, the script was actually approved by the Chinese government. The film was only banned after the filmmakers decided not to wait for permits before shooting in Tibet (such permits are required for a film to receive official approval).

User Reviews

A tale of unimaginable brutality.

Though there was the usual disclaimer at the end regarding persons living or dead, this film has an undeniable authentic feel.

The Tibetan country-side is at once breathtaking and desolate; a perfect setting for a tale of unimaginable brutality. Far from overwhelming the movie, the music underscores Chen's theme of suffering and injustice visited upon young Chinese girls who were separated from their families and sent to places unknown, never to be heard from or seen again; young girls who were in effect disappeared. This is a film that will stay with me for a long time to come.