The Orphan of Anyang

Running time: N/A

Surely one of the most promising debut films from mainland China in ages, The Orphan of Anyang is a simple and deeply touching look at the story of three souls, linked by one baby, in modern day China. Laid off from his factory job and scraping together his last few yuan, Dogang finds an abandoned baby and a message from the mother. He decides to raise the baby to earn the 200 yuan per month in child support. When a dying gangster finds out about the baby, however, he desires to have it for his own, in hopes that he will have a descendant. In contrast to the images of cell phones and attache cases, another image of urban Chinese life is presented. This gritty glimpse of life on the streets and shabby apartments illustrates a fascinating picture of the underside of a society that is the reality for millions. Director Wang Chao tells his story with a minimum of pretense to convey a deep emotional and political honesty. In many ways, this is a fundamental text about the choices and fears average people, confronted by rapid economic change, are forced to make. Although this is the story of two men, one woman, and one baby, it definitely has universal relevance.