Red Sorghum (1988)

When a leprous winery owner in 1930s China dies a few days after his arranged marriage, his young widow is forced to run the winery to make a living while contending with bandits, her drunkard lover, and the invading Japanese army.

Director:

Yimou Zhang

Writers:

Jianyu Chen, Yan Mo (books)

Stars:

Li Gong, Wen Jiang, Rujun Teng

16 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Li Gong	...	Wo Nainai (My Grandma)
Wen Jiang	...	Wo Yeye (My Grandpa)
Rujun Teng	...	Wo Luohan Yeye (Uncle Luohan) (as Rujun Ten)
Ji Liu	...	Wo Die (My Dad)
Ming Qian	...	Wo Nainai ta Die (My Grandma's Dad)
Chunhua Ji	...	Sanpao
Chunhua Zhai
Zhaoji Jia
Yuxiang Zhang
Guiyun Zhou
Qianbin Yang	...	(as Yang Qianbin)
Guoqing Xu
Erga Yao
Yusheng Li
Kun Dong

Storyline

In 1930s China a young woman is sent by her father to marry the leprous owner of a winery. In the nearby red sorghum fields she falls for one of his servants. When the master dies she finds herself inheriting the isolated business.

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Plot Keywords:

1930s | wine | arranged marriage | sino japanese war | sorghum | 

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Genres:

Drama | History | Romance | War

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

As of 2015. This is the first film of ten collaborations between director Zhang Yimou & actress Gong Li.

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Connections

Referenced in Where Have All the Flowers Gone (2002)

User Reviews

A Singular Chinese Film

There are several versions of this film available on video. Some are in wide screen, some aren't. The impact of the visuals is lost without the full-shot wide screen. Then there are two different subtitled versions, one that has large subtitles and another that uses smaller but less intrusive subtitles, which is the best of the two. So depending on what version of the video you're watching, your experience of the film can vary. But assuming you get your hands on the good version...

This film is like a quiet fairy tale that transforms into something that I didn't see coming. The visuals are stunning. The story slowly unfolds but is presented so well that it's completely compelling. The acting is as good as it gets. And the ending hits you like a punch in the stomach.

This films stands out from all other Chinese films I have seen. It has a character uniquely its own, and is well worth seeking out.

Details

Country:

China

Language:

Mandarin Japanese

Release Date:

February 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

Red Sorghum

Filming Locations:

China

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$108,371

Company Credits

Production Co:

Xi'an Film Studio

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1