Youth chronicles the lives of a group of idealistic adolescents in a military art troupe in the People’s Liberation Army during the Cultural Revolution in the 1970s. The two key characters, Feng Liu and Xiaoping He, also participate in the Sino-Vietnamese War in 1979 and become heroes for their acts of courage. After the war, they are honourably discharged from the Army but struggle to make ends meet in the Reform-era China, while they eventually find love with each other.
A coming-of-age drama that portrays a young generation during China’s modern history experiencing love, lust and betrayal, Youth features in the background Mao-era songs and dances, but also the sufferings of the time. After its release in China was held back some time, this colourful, and ultimately remarkably melancholy film, became another big hit for director Feng Xiaogang, who has now made a success of nearly every genre: historical epics, war films, action thrillers and romantic comedy.
Film details
Productieland
China
Jaar
2017
Festivaleditie
IFFR 2018
Lengte
136'
Medium/Formaat
DCP
Taal
Mandarin
Première status
None
Director
Feng Xiaogang
Producer
Wang Zhonglei, Wang Zhongjun
Screenplay
Wang Zhonglei
Production company
Huayi Brothers Media Corporation, Zhejiang Dongyang Mayla Media Co., Ltd
Sales / World rights holder
Huayi Brothers Media Corporation
Cinematography
Pan Luo
Editing
Zhang Qi
Production design
Shi Haiying
Music
Zhao Lin
Principal cast
Huang Xuan, Miao Miao, Zhong Chuxi, Yang Caiyu, Li Xiaofeng, Wang Keru, Sui Yuan