In this controversial Chinese drama, a humble rural couple in an arranged marriage build a life together. As they find emotional closeness and tenderness, they also encounter new challenges to their home and way of life.
Join us on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at 10 a.m. for Return to Dust (Yin ru chen yan) as Cinema Art Bethesda continues in-person screenings and discussions at the Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema. As always, coffee/tea and bagels/cream cheese will be provided at no additional charge starting at 9:30 am. Admission is $15 per person (cash or checks only).
Summary
In rural Gansu province, Youtie and Guiying, a poor couple in an arranged marriage, are dealing with physical hardships and family interference. Despite their hardships, they develop emotional closeness and tenderness and build a home and life together, leading a simple life farming with their donkey. They become involved with a powerful local businessman, who needs a rare type of blood transfusions which the poor husband matches. The grateful, wealthy family offers to move the rural couple into a high-rise public housing building, but they reject it because the apartment cannot house their farm animals.
Filled with human valor and personal tragedy, Return to Dust became a cause célèbre when Chinese censors demanded changes in the final, emotionally-charged scenes in the film.
Return to Dust runs 2 hours 11 minutes; dialog in Mandarin with English subtitles.
Trailer
More Details about Return to Dust
Return to Dust at Rotten Tomatoes (Score: 96%)
Festivals and Awards
- Jameson Cinefest Miskolc International Film Festival 2022
- FIPRESCI Prize: Best Foreign Film
- Emeric Pressburger Price: Best Feature Film
- Lisbon & Estoril Film Festival 2022
- Special Jury Award
- Berlin International Film Festival 2023
- Nominated: Best Film
- Asian Film Festival Barcelona 2022
- Official Section Award: Best Film
Reviews
Deadline Hollywood: Berlin Review: Li Ruijun’s ‘Return To Dust’ (Anna Smith)
“’Return To Dust’ isn’t always an easy watch, but it’s a thought-provoking one with beautifully-judged performances that radiate warmth and encourage empathy.”
RogerEbert.com: Return to Dust Review (Glenn Kenny)
“Every frame of this movie is exquisitely considered without seeming fussy or stagy. … Li’s directorial mojo means he can compose admirably without aestheticizing.”
The New York Times: Return to Dust Review: Grit Against all Odds (Austin Considine)
“Critic’s Pick! [Q]uietly heartbreaking…. [A] touching portrait of love and resiliency…with superb performances by Wu Renlin and Hai Qing….”
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