Walking to School

Based on a true story, this film follows a 7-year-old boy, Wawa, and his older sister, Naxiang, who live beside the Nujiang River in Yunnan Province, China. Every day, Naxiang crosses the river to attend school using an overhead cable, but their mother will not allow Wawa to use the cable. Eventually, Wawa secretly uses the cable to cross to the other side. The dangerous activity has deadly consequences, and the siblings’ lives are changed forever.

Directed by Peng Chen, Peng Jiahuang, Walking to School leans on a strong ensemble — Ding Jia-Li, Anamuling, Chen Yifei — 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 2009.