Red Sorghum (1988)

In the stark and remote expanses of 1930s China, a tale of resilience, love, and rebellion unfurls in a secluded sorghum winery. Owned by a leper who meets his end not long after his arranged marriage, the winery falls into the hands of his young widow, Jiu'er. Thrust into an unexpected role of leadership, Jiu'er's life takes a dramatic turn. Her world, once defined by societal norms, is now shaped by the rhythms of winemaking and the burgeoning quasi-matriarchal community she leads. Amidst the heady scent of fermenting sorghum and the red hue of the wine-stained earth, an illicit romance blossoms between Jiu'er and her lover, known only as "my Grandpa" by the film's unseen narrator. Their love story, however, is not one of quiet desperation but a daring dance in the face of adversity. Yet, tranquility proves fleeting, as the shadow of war looms large over their idyllic existence. The invading Japanese forces threaten their land, their freedom, and their very way of life, slashing through the sorghum fields to pave a road of domination. But the spirit of the community, as resilient as the sorghum that springs anew from the ravaged earth, refuses to be vanquished. Their struggle is interwoven with the menace of local bandits and the trials posed by the lover's penchant for drink. But it is their collective resistance against an oppressive regime, their unyielding hold on their land and legacy, that paints a poignant portrait of defiance and hope. Thus, 'Red Sorghum' is a saga of love, survival, and the undying spirit of a community navigating through tumultuous times.

Red Sorghum is a drama movie featuring Jiang Wen.

Red Sorghum is currently streaming on FilmBox+.