Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl

Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl, directed by Joan Chen in 1998, is a poignant film that delves into one of the darker chapters of China’s recent history. This film, severely criticized and banned within mainland China upon its release, features a captivating performance by Xiaolu Li in the title role, with strong supporting performances by Lopsang and Zheng Qian.

The narrative, taking place during the stringent Cultural Revolution period in China, commences with Xiu Xiu (Xiaolu Li), a typical resident of a bustling city. She's a vibrant, confident teenager with dreams as big as any you’d find in a youth of her age. Rather abruptly though, her world is turned upside-down when she is selected to be “sent down” to the hinterlands, a consequence of the Chinese government's policy of that era to instill the values of hard work and mass mobilization into its youth.

Upon her relocation to the remote plains of the Tibetan plateau, Xiu Xiu is entrusted with the care of Lao Jin (Lopsang), an older, taciturn horse herder. Lao Jin, a veteran soldier with his own harrowing past, is tasked with teaching Xiu Xiu the skills vital for surviving in the new, harsh environment. It's a strange companionship that develops between the city girl Xiu Xiu and the jaded herder Lao Jin as they must coexist in the solitude of the vast plains, protecting and teaching one another.

As we follow Xiu Xiu through her trials, the film unravels the societal pressures, tumultuous conditions, and overwhelming loneliness that grip the protagonist in the desolate setting. The lush cinematography catches a stark contrast between Xiu Xiu's grim reality and the captivating beauty of the Tibetan landscape, accentuating the despairing tone of the movie.

The movie cleverly uses the story of Xiu Xiu and Lao Jin to expose the harsh realities of life during the Cultural Revolution. Many of the policies and actions taken during that period had a profound impact on individual lives, and the film emphasizes the personal tragedies and human suffering caused by these political movements.

Xiu Xiu’s story is about loss of innocence, resilience, and survival. It's a poignant and deeply moving exploration of how an individual's aspirations and spirit can be affected by sociopolitical events. The young girl’s struggle to hold on to her dreams and humanity while trying to navigate the harsh realities of her circumstance forms the emotional crux of the narrative. The contrasting characters of Xiu Xiu, an innocent, naive city girl, and Lao Jin, wise in the ways of their harsh surroundings, bring a touch of heartfelt human drama and warmth to the somber political subtext of the story.

The cinematic techniques, gripping plot points, and the intense acting prowess of the cast, headed by Xiaolu Li along with Lopsang and Zheng Qian, create a tightly woven narrative that leaves the audience with an unforgettable cinematic experience. The viscerally stunning visuals and the layered dialogue incorporate an interplay of emotion and politics that is beautifully haunting, making Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl a must-watch for any cinephile who appreciates thought-provoking cinema.

The movie, powered by Joan Chen's confident direction, offers a stirring exploration of a tumultuous period in Chinese history while delivering a nuanced portrayal of a young girl's brave struggle for survival and identity. Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl remains, to date, a seminal work in the annals of Chinese cinema, profoundly touching and deeply sorrowful, yet ultimately an unforgettable journey into the human spirit.