Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress (2002)

In the throes of 1971 China, during the heightening intensity of the cultural revolution, two inquisitive university students, Luo and Ma, are exiled to a mountain mining village. This harsh relocation is part of their reeducation, a purging process designed to cleanse them of their western-influenced education. Amidst the crushing labor and the village's pervasive ignorance, they find solace in the rhythm of music and the allure of local women, their only reprieve from the harsh realities of their new existence. However, one figure stands out among the village women — the granddaughter of the local tailor, the 'Little Seamstress'. She's an illiterate beacon of beauty that captivates them, a raw canvas awaiting an artist's touch. Motivated by their infatuation, the boys daringly steal a hidden cache of forbidden Western literature left behind by a departing student. These timeless classics, including works from the likes of Honore de Balzac, become their tools of charm and enlightenment. As they delve into the pages of these proscribed texts, they not only strive to win the heart of the Little Seamstress but also embark on a noble mission to educate her. They begin to read aloud, their stories resonating through the village, while the sweet strains of Luo's violin lend a melody to their narrative. In the process, they transform the raw canvas into a masterpiece, altering her world view in profound ways. Simultaneously, the boys learn about the transformative power of literature and its ability to incite inner revolutions. As they navigate through this journey, Luo and Ma discover their inherent potential to instigate change, wielding words and music as their revolutionary tools. Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress is thus a poignant tale of love, awakening, and the unassuming power of literature, set against the backdrop of a turbulent era.

Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress is a drama movie featuring Zhou Xun and directed by Sijie Dai.

Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.