Red Sorghum (1988)

7.3Not Rated91 minDirector: Zhang Yimou

1988 Chinese film

Red Sorghum is a 1988 Chinese film about a young woman's life working in a distillery for sorghum liquor. It is based on the first two parts of the novel Red Sorghum by Nobel laureate Mo Yan.

The film marked the directorial debut of internationally acclaimed filmmaker Zhang Yimou, and the acting debut of film star Gong Li. With its lush and lusty portrayal of peasant life, it immediately vaulted Zhang to the forefront of the Fifth Generation of Chinese directors. The film won the Golden Bear Award at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Plot summary adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

FAQ

What is Red Sorghum about?
Red Sorghum (1988) — In 1930s China a young woman is sent by her father to marry the leprous owner of a winery. In the nearby red sorghum fields she falls for one of his servants. When the master dies she finds herself inheriting the isolated business.
Is Red Sorghum based on a true story?
See the production background and source material details on the official Wikipedia article.
Is Red Sorghum scary?
Content rating: Not Rated. See the reviews tab for parental guidance and tone notes.