Yi Zhang escapes from a labor camp during the height of China’s cultural revolution, setting out for his isolated home with the hope of witnessing a propaganda newsreel starring his daughter. These films were often passed around and in poor condition, so locating one that's usable and can be shown is difficult for this increasingly hungry and exasperated man. He then meets Liu, who also needs the film—for her own reasons, which appear more sensible—and he finds himself trying to get it from her while evading those pursuing him. As his search unfolds, we learn about their backgrounds through flashbacks, and both actors perform admirably. The movie brought “Cinema Paradiso” to mind because it highlights how significant cinema was for a small community, the high regard given to the projectionist, Mr. Movie, and the enthusiasm with which people gathered to watch whatever the authorities provided, despite the rudimentary screen resembling a large bedsheet. It’s a subtle commentary on political systems, masked by dark humor and disrespectful dialogue that mocks any ideology—whether seemingly gentle or openly oppressive—as things rarely improved for those struggling to survive as they always had. The scenes involving Wei Fan, particularly near the conclusion, are genuinely amusing, and there's also a sense of pointlessness that works effectively. Occasionally, the cinematography creates a strong feeling of closeness, while at other times it pulls back, allowing viewers to appreciate or question this man’s motivations, prompting speculation about whether he will ever see the film and why he has been so persistently pursued. It can feel slow in places, but the final thirty minutes make it worthwhile.

Source on TMDB