Movie: Warm () by Huo Jianqi

Author: Liu Zhifu Compiler/Nationality: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-12-01
Features: The film Warm is adapted from the novel White Dog Sits Still by the writer Mo Yan, directed by Qiu Shi, the wife of Huo Jianqi. Qiu Shi told me that despite the novel being published many years ago, Huo Jianqi still cherishes their shared reading experiences from back then. The story revolves around the love entanglements among several young people in rural China. The male protagonist returns to his hometown after a decade away, specifically to visit his first love, expressing his inner remorse and longing for their past romance. The story itself is not particularly extraordinary, but Huo Jianqi portrays the reunion of lovers and their mutual care with such emotional depth that it moves the audience profoundly. Huo Jianqi often says that life is full of hardships, but sincerity is crucial. On life's journey, people need to understand and care for one another, and often, repentance or gratitude can bring inner peace. As a member of the Fifth Generation Directors, Huo Jianqi still appears like a child, retaining the innocence and simplicity rare among his peers. Deep down, he always hopes that the process of social change can cause less pain and more hope and warmth. Perhaps Huo Jianqi's idealistic sentiments cannot change the harsh reality, but I believe they can touch the hearts of those who hold ideals and every kind soul, leaving a spiritual sanctuary for today's people in a changing era. Huo Jianqi and his film Warm have indeed moved Japanese society for good reason. I remember during university, a film professor introduced a Japanese film, The Story of the Paper Crane. The film depicts a historical custom in Japan where, driven by survival competition, a son was forced to carry his disabled mother to a mountain to die. Shocked by this, I couldn't help but question the transition of Japanese society's civilization. Such traditions were never meant to be China's path, nor do they align with our humanistic values of "loving one's parents and extending that love to others, caring for one's children and extending that care to others." The sincerity and warmth reflected in Warm are truly Chinese characteristics. They can not only move the Japanese people but also touch the world. The story of Warm comes from rural China. Amidst the "Three Rural Issues" (agriculture, rural areas, and farmers) that trouble China, the film Warm can be a spiritual comfort to the vast number of Chinese farmers still living in poverty. At least, it can prove to them that we city dwellers still have consciences; and also, to believe that true warmth will return to their midst soon, and rural China will no longer be a corner forgotten by love.