Red Sorghum (1987)

Directed by: Zhang Yimou

Adapted from Red Sorghum by Mo Yan

Awards: Golden Bear at 38th Berlin Film Festival

19-year-old Jiu'er was sold to marry Shan Bianlang, a son of a Chinese wine shop owner by her disolute landlord father. Yu Zhan'ao, who liked Jiu'er, killed the Shans and got together with Jiu'er, a choice that was frowned upon by most villagers. With the help of brewery masters, Jiu'er matured from an innocent girl to a capable female shopkeeper, specializing in brewing Chinese sorghum wine and gaining respect. Peace was interrupted when the Japanese army invaded China. While Yu used his forces to fight back, Jiu'er led an army of Japanese soldiers to her sorghum field, lit pots of red sorghum wine and perished with her enemies. Jiu'er sacrificed her own life and penned a story of love and conquest, ambition and determination on the soil of Shandong.

Chinese figures in Venice	16 Chinese films with a Cannes Award	Chinese at the Oscars