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Movie Info & Details
Release Year1981
Runtime2h 05m
LanguageMandarin
CertificationNR
GenresDrama
Votes15
DirectorCen Fan
WritersChen Baichen
TypeFeature Film
Rating6.8 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsThe True Story of Ah Q
About The True Story of Ah Q
Based on the 1921 novella of the same name by one of China's most well-known modern writers, Lu Xun (Lu Hsun), the True Story of Ah Q is set during the 1911 revolution. Ah Q is a lowly peasant who wants to rise above his class, or at least get out of his grinding poverty. At first he thinks the way to do it is by marrying into a better station in life; later, he joins the revolution as he feels that is the only way he and others like him can transcend poverty. In this film version of Lu Xun's story, the character of Ah Q might benefit from a more rounded humanity to make him appealing to those not familiar with the harsh environment in China before the 1911 revolution.
Directed by Cen Fan, The True Story of Ah Q leans on a strong ensemble — Yan Shunkai, Li Wei, Yikang Jin — 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 drama titles of 1981.
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