Qing Chun Gui

Where YOUTH (SPRING) depicted the adjustments made by laborers in Zhili's textile mills at the beginning of the work year, and YOUTH (HARD TIMES) the tensions that simmer to a boil over a sweltering summer on the factory floor, the third and final episode of Wang Bing's documentary trilogy concentrates on the anxious period before the annual winter break when the sweatshops will briefly go silent, narrowing its focus to two young workers looking forward to being married back home over the Lunar New Year holiday, as well as their friends and family members. Much of the film takes place in the rural villages - a strong visual contrast (and relief) from the claustrophobia of Zhili's textile mills.