Chicken Poets (2002 Film)

Chicken Poets (Chinese: Xiang ji mao yi yang fei) is a 2002 Chinese film directed by Meng Jinghui. The film serves as an allegorical exploration of the challenges faced by the generation born in the 1970s as they navigate the transition from the ideological environment of their youth to a modern, increasingly materialistic society.

Plot

The narrative follows Ouyang Yunfei, a struggling young poet who visits a former university friend living in the suburbs of Beijing. Upon arrival, he discovers his friend has abandoned his past aspirations to become a successful breeder of black chickens. Disillusioned with his own creative path, Yunfei contemplates giving up poetry. He encounters a young woman named Fangfang, who is colorblind, and she encourages him to continue his work. Despite this connection, Yunfei remains uninspired until he acquires a pirate record that appears to possess magical properties, granting him the fame he previously sought. The film examines whether this newfound success provides the resolution he desires.

Cast

• Chen Jianbin as Ouyang Yunfei
• Hailu Qin as Fangfang
• Liao Fan as Chen Xiaoyang
• Minghao Chen
• Ting Yang
• Naiwen Li