The Head of Party Group

Director Liu, a powerful figure in the Shipping Bureau, was once on his way back to the city after an inspection tour when he was teased by the daughter of the municipal Party Secretary on the highway. He dared not speak out. His driver, Yang Yang, defied the pressure and subdued the daughter, vindicating Director Liu. Director Liu, therefore, strongly recommended Yang Yang for the position of Party Group Leader. Yang Yang discovered in the previous group leader's record book that Director Liu hadn't paid his Party dues for several months, so he went to collect them. Director Liu suggested that Yang Yang have his dues deducted monthly from the accounting department. Yang Yang reminded him that these were Party dues, not Party taxes, and that if he failed to pay for six months, he would automatically withdraw from the Party. Sister Mei, hearing that Yang Yang was a powerful official in charge of the Director, came to complain.

Directed by —, The Head of Party Group leans on a strong ensemble — Chen Xiaolei, Li Po, Zhang Jiasheng — 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 1986.