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 ...
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Title: Thousand Pieces of Gold (1991)
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1 win & 1 nomination.
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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 |
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Plot Summary
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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. Written by Kelley O.
Plot Keywords:
idaho | f rated | chinese american | female protagonist | asian american |Taglines:
A testament to the strength of the human spiritCertificate:
PG-13Parents Guide:
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Details
Language:
EnglishRelease Date:
November 1991 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
American Playhouse: Thousand Pieces of Gold See more »Edit
Box Office
Gross USA:
$717,772Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
MonoColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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I wish this fantastic film were available on DVD. I own the VHS and find it more compelling with each viewing. Rosalind Chao and Chris Cooper ( who later went on to win an Academy Award) give topnotch performances and make me believe in the power of love and redemption. Their slowly building relationship in a hostile world and its low-key but very powerful denouement is a textbook in fine acting.The historical period has been covered before but never from the point of view of a Chinese immigrant woman. Lalu's courage, strength and intelligence as well as her sensuous exotic beauty are inspirational. As Charlie, Cooper gives a fine portrayal of a decent if flawed man who triumphs in the end. A real classic!