Jia Zhangke

With clear influences from Bresson that are not limited to the title, Zia Zhang-ke's impressive debut offers the first examples of the unique directorial vision that has made him the most important chronicler of his country's sweeping changes. — A pickpocket in the Chinese city of Fenyang is wandering alone, aimlessly and without direction, having never managed to escape the streets like his friends. His affair with a local hostess at a karaoke bar leads nowhere and a policeman is on his trail. It's time to think about his future. — Wolfgang Staudte Award | Berlin Film Festival | 1998 Netpac Award | Berlin Film Festival | 1998

Four independent stories about violence and how it spreads like a virus, depicting the cruel and inhumane face of the Chinese society. The great Jia Zhangke won the Best Screenplay Award at Cannes for a film consisting of four immersive episodes. — An angry miner rebels against the corruption of his village leaders. A migrant worker who spends New Year's day at home, discovers the limitless possibilities that a gun can offer. A beautiful spa receptionist reaches her limits when a wealthy client attacks her. A young factory worker changes one job after another to make his life better. Four people, four provinces. A reflection on modern-day China: an economic giant eroding slowly by violence. — Best Screenplay | Cannes Film Festival | 2013