Ning Dai Movies

Crazy English director Zhang Yuan weaves a telling tale of conformity and the high price of independence in this screen adaptation of author Wang Shuo's popular novel concerning a young orphan's attempt to fit in among his new classmates and earn the respect of his stern teacher. Effectively orphaned after being abandoned at a Beijing kindergarten, young Qiang has a difficult time adapting to the school's strict new set of rules. In a place where obedience and good behavior is rewarded with precious red flowers, Qiang's inability to conform is only highlighted by his glaring lack of the highly coveted blossoms. As Qiang's constant bedwetting and difficult behavior draw the ire of his short-fused teacher, Mrs. Li, the troubled young child's unintentional rebellion finds him increasingly ostracized by his conformist-minded peers. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

In this drama, a woman seeks reconciliation with her family after an act of shocking violence, though forgiveness may not be forthcoming. Two divorced single parents (Liang Song and Le Yeping) marry, each bringing with them a teenage daughter. Xiaoqin (Li Jun), Mother's daughter, is strong-willed and proudly working-class, intending to get a job in a factory when she finishes school. Xiaolan (Liu Lin), a bit younger and Father's child, is more intellectual and hopes to go on to college. One day, a petty argument between the step-sisters over some change turns ugly; Xiaolan hits Xiaoqiun over the head with a stick, and to the shock of everyone Xiaoqiun dies. Xiaolan is convicted of murder and sentenced to a long stay in prison; after 17 years, a handful of prisoners are released on furlough for New Years, including Xiaolan. When Xiaolan's parents don't arrive to pick her up, she's left stranded; a guard, Chen Jie (Li Bingbing), takes pity on Xiaolan and offers to give her a ride home. However, they soon discover Xiaolan's home has been torn down and her folks have moved. Chen Jie is determined Xiaolan will spend New Year with her family, though Xiaolan herself starts to wonder if they have any desire to see her. Guonian Huijia marked something of a comeback for director Zhang Yuan after several projects that caused him run-ins with the Chinese government; this film was released concurrently with his documentary feature Crazy English. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Old Han (Huang Zongluo) was a janitor for many years at the Peking Opera. While he was there, he witnessed countless productions, and saw an equally impressive number of rehearsals. Now that he is retired, he discovers that he has a common bond with a group of senior citizens he meets in the park: they all share a passion for Peking Opera. They decide to rent a space in order to amuse themselves by putting on scenes and the like. What could be more natural than putting Old Han in charge of their preparations? However, he fails to understand the amateur nature of the operation, and offends the hobbyists grievously with his stern, disciplinarian manner. Things come to a head when they discover that the space they have been renting is going to be torn down soon. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi