7.5/10
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Xiu Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl (1998)

Tian yu (original title)
R | | Drama | 16 November 2000 (Hong Kong)
Xiu Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl Poster
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) | 1 more credit »

Stars:

Xiaolu Li, Lopsang, Zheng Qian | See full cast & crew »
Reviews

On Disc

at Amazon

12 wins & 13 nominations. See more awards »

Photos

See all 10 photos »
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Edit

Cast

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

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. Written by Anonymous

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

triple f rated | china | revolution | nipple | f rated | See All (41) »

Genres:

Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexual content | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

Add content advisory for parents »
Edit

Details

Official Sites:

Stratosphere Entertainment

Country:

Hong Kong | USA | Taiwan

Language:

Mandarin

Release Date:

16 November 2000 (Hong Kong) See more »

Also Known As:

Xiu Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl See more »
Edit

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$23,880, 9 May 1999, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$1,000,000
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

Good Machine,Whispering Steppes L.P. See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1
See full technical specs »
Edit

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). See more »

Goofs

From 89:34 to 92:18, Xiu Xiu's right side hair is braided; from 92:30 on, her left side hair is braided instead. See more »

Connections

Referenced in (500) Days of Summer (2009) See more »

Soundtracks

Water of Desire
Lyric by Johnny Chen
Performed by Chyi
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.

User Reviews

 
A remarkable first feature from Joan Chen
27 August 1999 | by Acorn-2 – See all my reviews

Xiu Xiu is a beautifully made movie in which Joan Chen combines sumptuous visual imagery, a beautiful, delicate musical score, fine performances by her actors and a spare and intelligent script to produce a simple, moving story of two lost lives.

The movement of the story from the dark confines of the tent Xiu Xiu and Lao Jin share to the almost limitless prairies and big skys of the Tibetan highlands follows the emotional pulse of the film. Expert camera work creates perspectives that sweep from the touchingly intimate to the overwhelmingly vast, exploring the characters from inside and out.

Wonderful, economical performances from newcomer Lu Lu and Tibetan stage veteran Lopsang give profound and touching insight into the extraordinariness of two ordinary people. Chen saves the story from descent into melodrama by a precise and thoughtful restraint that respects, observes, and never intrudes to seek to "explain" or apologize.

A film worth going out of one's way to see.
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