A Little Bird Reminds Me

Xing was born in a theatre, his father was a painter, and mother was an actress. In his childhood, mother was working elsewhere. Xing and his father lived behind the stage. In mid 1990s, the theater was repurposed as a dance hall. His father started a business and mother became a full- time housewife. In middle school, Xing sent love letters to a girl but never got a reply. Meanwhile, his parents’ relationship quietly began to crack with his father leaving. Xing’s friend Guang was a shy teen gangster. He wished to practice handwriting and got rid of hooligan life. But he lost the chance after injuring someone in a fight. Xing’s grandfather passed away at the eve of new millennium. At his funeral, Xing’s father returned, but Xing and father could not find a word to talk. In grandfather’s testament, he encouraged Xing to unremittingly strive to be a better man.

Directed by Shi Xin, A Little Bird Reminds Me leans on a strong ensemble — Niu Ben, Lin Chenhan, Ma Qiyue — 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 2020.