The Grass in Wind

Dir/Prod: Luo Ying
Scr: Ye Fu
Prod Cos: Chong Qing Tong Yuan, Sino-Saint Culture Industrial Investment
Cast: Li Xinran, Li Huailong, Li Donghe, Chen Xi, Bai Lanqiao
2015 | Colour | Putonghua | Simplified Chi & Eng Subtitles | 90min

Since ancient times, the peony has been a symbol of love, but in Classic of Poetry, it also became known as the ‘flower of farewell’ when giving as a parting gift. In The Grass in Wind, Qiuye (Li Xinran) marries Dashan (Wong Yi) in a peony-filled ancient town of Cangshan in northern Sichuan. They enjoy a loving marriage until the Japanese army invades China, and Dashan leaves to fight. While awaiting his return, Qiuye is cared by Dashan's mute friend Tusheng (Li Donghe), who develops feelings for her. When the war is won, Dashan's comrade Long (Li Huailong) brings news of his death. Qiuye and Long eventually fall in love with each other, yet Qiuye’s sister-in-law Xiaohua also loves Long. As Qiuye is torn between love and filial loyalty, civil war breaks out. Tusheng and Long depart for battle, and Qiuye once again waits for the return of her beloved among the peonies. The charisma of lead actress Li Xinran, the sea of peonies, the traditional Cangshan drums and music, and the backdrop of the ancient town imbue the film with a rustic yet poetic atmosphere, evoking the melancholy of the turbulent times.

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