Red Sorghum

Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous early 20th century in rural China, "Red Sorghum" is a gripping tale of love, loyalty, and resistance, as a young couple takes hold of a once thriving winery, defying the brutal forces of war and colonial subjugation. The film begins with the passing of an ancient leper, who had been the proprietor of a remote winery. His prized possession, the sorghum fields, was the lifeblood of his business. Before his death, the leper had fallen in love with Jiu'er, a young woman he had purchased as part of a cruel tradition that forced her into a life of servitude. Together, they had built a home and started a family. As the leper's final days draw to a close, he entrusts Jiu'er and her lover, affectionately known as "the Grandpa" to the young narrator, to safeguard his legacy. After the leper's demise, Jiu'er takes control of the winery, her fierce spirit and unwavering resolve galvanizing the community. Her lover, a rugged and fearless man, serves as the winery's protector, and together they build a quasi-matriarchal society, where women hold power and men are subservient. The winery becomes a symbol of hope and unity in the face of a rapidly changing world. As the Japanese invasion looms, the region is plunged into darkness, and the once peaceful community is shattered by the sounds of war. The invaders, seeking to assert their control over the land, lay waste to the sorghum fields, intent on constructing a road to facilitate their conquest. But the people of the winery, fueled by Jiu'er's indomitable spirit and a deep love for the land, refuse to yield. With the road's destruction an act of sacrilege, the community decides to take a stand, resisting the occupying forces with all their might. The film's cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the ferocity of the battle as the winery's defenders, armed with little more than their conviction, face off against the might of the Japanese army. In the heat of the struggle, the land itself seems to come alive, the sorghum fields bursting forth anew, as if to defy the ravages of war and occupation. As the battle rages on, Jiu'er's love for her husband and her people becomes all-consuming, a potent force that unifies the community in the face of overwhelming odds. In a pivotal moment, as the Japanese forces close in for the kill, the narrator watches in awe as Jiu'er confronts the invaders, her bravery and defiance an inspiration to her comrades. The climactic confrontation between the winery's defenders and the Japanese is heart-stopping, as the community's bravery and resilience are tested to the limit. Though the outcome of the battle is far from certain, the people of the winery remain steadfast, their love for the land and each other an unshakeable foundation. Ultimately, "Red Sorghum" is a testament to the transformative power of love, unity, and resistance. As the people of the winery rise up against their tormentors, they assert their right to live with dignity, their struggle a paean to the indomitable human spirit. The film's closing shot, as the narrator reflects on the lessons he has learned, is a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of the people who came before us, their stories a testament to the enduring power of courage and love.