The Nightmare Ends in the Morning

A drama film directed by Wang Ji and starring Yu Ping and Ma Yi. The film tells the story of Zhou Chuan, the director of a shipyard, who is humiliated and tortured during the years of the "Gang of Four." His wife Ye is forced to commit suicide and her grave is unknown. Juanjuan, who lost her parents, is bullied. Juanjuan's teacher, Chen Jinglan, sympathizes with Juanjuan's family and warms their tortured heart. For this reason, Chen also incurs unwarranted charges. Eventually, Zhou Chuan re-marries to teacher Chen, but after the "Gang of Four" collapses, Chen learns that Zhou's ex-wife is not dead.

Directed by Wang Ji, The Nightmare Ends in the Morning leans on a strong ensemble — Yu Ping, Wang Zhifang, Wang Bei — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 1980.