🎞️ To Live (1994)
To Live is a profound Chinese drama directed by Zhang Yimou, based on Yu Hua’s novel. The story follows the Xu family across decades—from the Civil War to the Cultural Revolution—portraying resilience, suffering, and humanity in the face of shifting political landscapes :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
- Director: Zhang Yimou
- Starring: Ge You, Gong Li, Niu Ben
- Genre: Historical / Drama
- Runtime: 132 minutes
- Release Year: 1994
📝 Plot Summary:
The film traces Xu Fugui and his wife Jiazhen through famine, war, and political upheaval in mid‑20th‑century China. Despite extraordinary loss, the couple perseveres—finding hope, humility, and an unbreakable bond with their family :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
"Even through hardship, they just wanted a simple life." :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
🏆 Awards & Legacy:
- Winner of Cannes Grand Prix and Best Actor (Ge You) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Internationally celebrated yet censored domestically in China :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Haunting portrait of ordinary resilience under sweeping political change