Springtime in a Small Town / Xiao Cheng Zhi Chun (2002)

Zhuangzhuang Tian's quiet but powerful film tells the story of a reunion between old friends in postwar China (1946) while portraying the part that chance plays in the formation and destruction of relationships.

Zhang (Xin Bai Qing), a doctor based in the city, pays a visit to his old friend Liyan (Wu Jun) who lives in the crumbled remains of his childhood home, the days of his good health behind him. Zhang is overjoyed to discover that his good friend is now married, but is startled to discover that Liyan's wife is his former flame, Yuwen (Jingfan Hu). Unsure how or even if, he should inform Liyan of his former relationship, Zhang initially decides not to discuss it. Yuwen however, sees the opportunity to finally be with the man she loves and visits Zhang over the course of several nights. The two re-visit their former passion and remember how Yuwen's parents did not approve of Zhang, thus finalising his decision to study medicine. They entertain the possibility of running away together however in the end, they realise there is no acceptable way of resuming their relationship. Sadly, but with some relief, Zhang bids farewll to Liyan, Yuwen and Liyan's "Little sister" Dai Xiu (Lu Sisi). Liyan and Yuwen's empty and unfulfilled marriage then continues on as was before.

This film is a remake of an original which was first screened at the time the film was set and serves also to explore the misery of post-war poverty and destruction. The bombed-out home shared by Liyan and Yuwen not only offers a melancholoy metaphor for a battle-ravaged China, it also visually represents the state of their marriage, Liyan's poor health and the lack of hope either of them have for the future. Zhang's visit provides proof that life can offer excitement and variety and gives them both a momentary reprieve from the monotony and gloom of their life together. Zhang also offers them a break from the "On the Beach" style isolation they endure being the only surviving residents of their town.

An interesting and at times, agonising study in the cruelty of life's ironies, "Springtime in a Small Town" also reminds the viewer, that some people (and events) should remain in the past.