One of the best films by veteran Bu Wancang, made in the last phase of his Hong Kong career. It is a moving film version of Hector Malot’s Alone in the world ! its uncredited inspiration ! about the orphan girl Xiao Mei (the rôle was Siao Fong Fong’s breakthrough) who is adopted by an old street entertainer. The two cross the country accompanied by a monkey and three dogs who complement the street theatre group. When the man is thrown in jail after a fight, the girl is left alone. She finds shelter with a woman who is looking for company for her bed-ridden daughter. She leaves them as soon as the old man is released from jail and the two set out on another journey through the snow-covered landscape. , partly shot in Japan, has the characteristics of the old Shanghai masters: virtually no close-ups and emphasis for naturalistic acting.
