Yellow Earth

“Made almost ten years after the Cultural Revolution, Yellow Earth marks the beginning of a new era in Chinese cinema. Its almost pictorial imagery makes it a milestone in film history.

Northern China in the late 1930s: a young party member travels to a remote village to collect traditional melodies for marching songs. His stories about women soldiers in the People’s Army awaken hope in a young girl that she will be able to escape an arranged marriage. When she has to marry after all, she flees to join the army…” (Haus der Kulturen der Welt)

Media and rights courtesy of the China Film Archive

Film Details

Language: In Shanghainese and Cantonese with English subtitles

Year: 1984

Running time: 86min

Format: DCP

Director: Chen Kaige

Films and schedules may be subject to change.

Modern Cinema’s Founding Supporters are Carla Emil and Rich Silverstein. Generous support is provided by Nion McEvoy and the Susan Wildberg Morgenstein Fund.