Both Hibiscus Town (1986) and Bangzi Melody (2017) render the weight and absurdity of history through the lens of movements, while also showing that even in the darkest of places the light of humanity still burns; a little balm for a crazy age and the scars that were left behind.

What is 'Home'? Is it where the heart is? Is it where one's duty lies? Or rather the shackles to progressive thinking? Both Cao Yu's Thunderstorm and Ba Jin's Family expose the despotism of the feudal family. By using strong dramatic paradoxes and complex character relationships, the films denounce the decay and oppressive ideas of the past, prompting each new generation to reflect on inherent prejudices of existing society and seek out a trajectory for meaningful change.

The acclaimed poet Lin Mang once said in 1957, 'If there were only two great works from the last 20 years of the New Culture Movement, they would be The True Story of Ah Q and Midnight.' In a tumultuous world, is mental vigour a panacea for obstacles in life pursuits, or rather is it a tonic to quench one's soul? In the deep darkness of midnight, who can bear to stand alone? Lu Xun and Mao Dun used their pens to awaken readers to the failings of human nature and reflect on the ills of society at the time.

While protagonist Yingzi from My Memories of Old Beijing (1983) retains her purity of heart, even as she observes with clear eyes the turbulent changes around her, Chen Bailu, of Sunrise (1985) unwittingly sinks into a life of insatiable material desires. When dealing with life's myriad of hardships, choices presented to traditional heroines are often limited and distorted by prevailing sensibilities of the zeitgeist.