Set during the twilight of the Cultural Revolution, the third film from acclaimed Chinese filmmaker Chen Kaige (Farewell My Concubine) concerns a young man who is sent from the city to the country for his scheduled tour of farm labour. Upon arriving in this remote mountain area, he -- much to his surprise -- is asked to become a teacher even though he lacks all the customary qualifications. 

The film, presented in Competition at the Cannes Film Festival 1988, remains as a landmark work from one of the leading figures of leading figure of China’s fifth generation of filmmakers. 

Presented on a rare 35mm print from the ICA Archive.