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

Extremely moving and beautiful

This movie is truly incredible on many fronts. Firstly, the story is incredibly moving and powerful, without any schmaltz and the heavy-handed preaching about who's "right" and who's "wrong" that most Hollywood films resort to. Most of the film examines the relationship between Xiu Xiu and the Tibetan herder she is forced to live with as part of her "re-education". The acting throughout is superb, with the two leads delivering subtle yet powerful performances. The photography and settings are breathtaking, and I didn't find the music intrusive at all...