Orphan of Anyang (2002)

Synopsis: Novelist Wang Chao makes an audacious cinematic debut with THE ORPHAN OF ANYANG, a starkly realistic drama. Dagang (Sun Guilin), a depressed and lonely middle-aged man, has lost his factory job in Anyang, and is struggling to survive. One... Novelist Wang Chao makes an audacious cinematic debut with THE ORPHAN OF ANYANG, a starkly realistic drama. Dagang (Sun Guilin), a depressed and lonely middle-aged man, has lost his factory job in Anyang, and is struggling to survive. One night, he finds an abandoned infant and a note from the mother promising a monthly stipend for the person who takes care of her baby. Out of desperation, he takes the boy in, taking care of him the best he can. He contacts the mother, Yanli (Zhu Jie), who is working as a prostitute. Her pimp, Si-de (Yue Sen Yi), fathered the child, but denies responsibility for him. Yanli buys Dagang lunch, gives him money, and makes plans to meet him again. Eventually, the two begin living together to take care of the baby. But when Si-de learns that he is dying of leukemia, he decides to claim the child as his own. Wang has made a formally rigorous film, filled with long, static takes and little dialogue, but brightened by occasional flashes of warmth and humor. As the film takes viewers deeper into the harsh world of these characters, it develops a surprising emotional power. This film was included in the 31st New Directors/New Films 2002 series presented by The Film Society of Lincoln Center and The Department of Film and Media of The Museum of Modern Art in New York City. [More]

Starring: Jie Zhu, Guilin Sun, Senyi Yue, Tianhao Liu

Starring: Jie Zhu, Guilin Sun, Senyi Yue, Tianhao Liu, Fuwen Miao, Chuangzhong Zuo, Hanyi Sun, Zanzhong Liu, Zhenjiang Bao, Bingxin Liu

Director: Chao Wang

Director: Chao Wang
Screenwriter: Chao Wang
Producer: Li Fang

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