Ben Ren Wang Lao Da

Wang Laoda from Xiaowang Village may be slow-witted, but he is honest, simple, and kind-hearted. The production team leader, Li Yongxu, and his wife notice that Wang Laoda lives alone and find it difficult for him. They try several times to arrange a marriage for him, but the prospective brides are deterred by his simplicity. During the three years of natural disasters, Wang Laoda meets a widow named Da Cui, who is fleeing with her children. Despite the villagers’ ridicule, Wang Laoda marries Da Cui.

Directed by Guo Wei, Ben Ren Wang Lao Da leans on a strong ensemble — Qinggang Liang, Zhang Anli, Yuxiang Song — 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 1987.