Cry Woman

Cry Woman, the 2002 film directed by Liu Bingjian, offers an intensely evocative journey through the mainstream and sub-aspect of Chinese society and delves deep into the human condition, exploring the interconnected strands of hope, despair, and survival. As the narrative unfurls around the compelling characters played by Longjun Li (Guixiang), Qin Liao, and Xingkun Wei, it casts light on the unconventional profession of professional crying, a unique cultural phenomenon in China.

Centered around the female protagonist Guixiang, Cry Woman embarks upon a sensitive exploration of her struggles and resilience. Guixiang's character is deftly depicted, with Longjun Li adding depth and conviction, imparting life to the assorted shades of this intricate character. Guixiang's life takes a turn when her husband, played by Qin Liao, is arrested, and she can no longer maintain their failing restaurant business. Amid all crisis, she is sent on a path that ultimately leads to a small village in South China, where she discovers an unusual profession – that of a professional mourner paid to wail and cry at funerals.

As Guixiang navigates her way through the absurdity and stark realities of this profession, something that initially seems unbearably disheartening transforms into her survival mechanism. Liu Bingjian explores the delicate intersection of societal constructs, juxtaposing grief and celebration, livelihood, and cultural obligations. It takes us on a journey of empathy, thus allowing for deep introspective moments within the narrative.

Longjun Li's compelling and poignant portrayal of Guixiang, the woman who essentially cries for a living, is a testimony to the human spirit's resilience. Circumstances force her into a profession that perpetually bathes her in the aura of grief, yet she does not succumb. Instead, she turns this adversity into a source of sustenance, displaying an utmost strength of character.

Qin Liao contributes to the narrative with nuanced subtlety, embodying his character's strengths and weaknesses with a delicacy that makes them palpable to viewers. His role contributes to the overall impact of the film and offers a great blend of emotions that craft the heart of Cry Woman.

Xingkun Wei, another key contributor to the film, adds another layer to the narrative. His character's interaction with Li forms an integral part of the storyline, fostering a space for emotional exploration and resolution.

Cry Woman is impressive in its diversified portrayal of emotions, coupling heartbreaking moments with doses of dark humor. The director uses dramatic irony brilliantly throughout the plot, juxtaposing the theme of death and sorrow with the struggle for survival and hope.

The cinematography of Cry Woman is thoughtfully executed, capturing the provincial locales and rendering scenic images of the Chinese countryside in shades and hues that mirror the film's emotional essence. The music further enhances the overall narrative, resonating with the underlying melancholy and sentimentality without being too intrusive.

Under Liu Bingjian's skilled direction, the film maintains a delicate balance between harsh realities and the subtle humour that emerges from them. The narrative technique used, which often oscillates between the documentary-style realism and cinematic fable, gives the narrative a raw, gritty appeal, while also pulling the viewers into the complexities of the characters and their journey.

While Cry Woman may be a film that revolves around the concept of professional mourning, it is much more than that. It's a thought-provoking commentary on the human predicament, a deep dive into cultural intricacies, and, most importantly, a testament to the human spirit's irrepressible resilience. It is a film that compels you to feel, ponder, and perhaps even shed a tear, even as you marvel at the strength of a woman's character that aspires to endure, survive and triumph, all while she cries.