Fly with the Crane (2012 Film)

Fly with the Crane (Chinese: Gaosu Tamen, Wo cheng Baihe Qu Le) is a 2012 Chinese drama film directed by Li Ruijun. Based on a novel by Su Tong, the film examines the lives of elderly villagers facing the decline of traditional burial customs in the wake of government-mandated cremation policies.

A scene from the film Fly with the Crane.

Plot

The narrative centers on Lao Ma, a 73-year-old carpenter who, along with his friend Lao Cao, was once a respected craftsman responsible for building traditional coffins for the village elders. As the government enforces cremation, their trade becomes obsolete. Before his death, Lao Cao asks Lao Ma to help him construct a traditional coffin for his burial. Following Lao Cao's passing and subsequent secret burial, Lao Ma becomes preoccupied with the belief that a white crane will carry him to heaven, a desire rooted in his resistance to being cremated. His grandson eventually assists him in fulfilling this wish.

Production and Release

The film was written by Li Ruijun and Su Tong. It features a runtime of 99 minutes and is presented in Mandarin. The film held its world premiere on September 4, 2012, at the 69th Venice Film Festival, where it was screened in the Orizzonti section. It subsequently appeared at several international film festivals, including the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival and the 2012 Busan International Film Festival.

Cast

Xing Chun Ma as Lao Ma
Tang Long as Grandson
Wang Siyi as Granddaughter