The Road Home (2000 Film)
The Road Home (Chinese: 我的父親母親; pinyin: Wǒ de fùqīn mǔqīn) is a 2000 Chinese drama film directed by Zhang Yimou. The film is noted for being the feature film debut of actress Zhang Ziyi, who portrays the young Zhao Di. The narrative explores themes of tradition, devotion, and the changing landscape of rural China through the lens of a family's history.
Plot
The story begins in the present day as Luo Yusheng returns to his childhood village of Sanhetun following the death of his father, the village schoolteacher. His mother, Zhao Di, insists on a traditional funeral, which includes having the coffin carried by hand from the hospital to the village, despite the logistical challenges posed by the modern era and the migration of local men to cities. As Yusheng observes his mother's dedication to these customs, the film transitions into a flashback detailing his parents' courtship.
In the past, the young Zhao Di falls in love with Luo Changyu, a new schoolteacher who arrives in the village. Their relationship develops through small, symbolic gestures, such as the preparation of meals and the repair of the schoolhouse. Their romance faces significant obstacles, including political pressures that force Changyu to leave the village for an extended period. Zhao Di's unwavering commitment to waiting for his return eventually leads to their reunion, establishing a bond that lasts for the remainder of their lives.
Returning to the present, Yusheng decides to honor his mother's wishes for the funeral. Although he initially attempts to pay for the labor required to carry the coffin, he is moved when a large group of his father's former students volunteers to perform the task without compensation. The film concludes with Yusheng briefly taking his father's place as a teacher in the village schoolhouse before returning to his life in the city.
Production and Release
The film was released on February 15, 2000. It features a screenplay by Shi Bao and is recognized for its visual style, which contrasts the black-and-white cinematography of the present-day sequences with the vibrant color used to depict the past. The film's runtime is approximately 89 minutes.
Cast
- Zhang Ziyi as Young Zhao Di
- Sun Honglei as Luo Yusheng
- Hao Zheng as Luo Changyu
- Yulian Zhao as Old Zhao Di
- Bin Li as Grandmother
- Guifa Chang as Old Mayor
- Wencheng Sung as Mayor
- Qi Liu as Old Carpenter Xia
- Bo Ji as Carpenter Xia
- Zhongxi Zhang as Crockery Repairman