Original subtitles

July 27, 1976, Tangshan

Dad, look! Dragonflies!

There's too much. I don't want to catch them.

Dad, why are there so many?

A big storm is brewing.

Dad, I want some ice cream.

Come on, come down.

Bring the fan home.

You'll tell mom I'm going to the factory.

I'll come home right after.

- 6 cents, will that be okay? - Yes.

Be careful.

Two ice creams, please.

Ying-Tong, come!

Give that!

Ying-Tong's brother took my ice cream.

Fang Da, run!

Did you push me?

Quickly, Fang-Da!

Quickly, home! He mustn't catch you.

Fang Da, quickly!

Come quickly!

Gently!

What are you wearing?

A fan.

Make it blow on me.

Hold on. I have to plug it in first.

Fang-Da, don't put your fingers in it.

Get down from there.

Your hand...

It's good?

- Yes. - Me first.

No. Mom first. She's hot from cooking.

Good. All together.

- Mom, is it fresh? - Yes.

I leave you. Watch your fingers.

It's fresh.

Not moving!

Dad has two watches.

Dad, what time do you want?

- 7 hours. - All right.

Your new schoolbags.

- I want Tiananmen. - The great wall!

Don't turn it off!

It's hot.

It should not be abused. Come here.

A little talcum powder.

I would like a tomato.

Me too.

A second.

Let's see!

There's only one left. For the little brother.

Fang-Da already had one. I want some too.

There is none left. I'll buy some tomorrow.

- Liar! - Of course not.

Mom will keep her word. All right?

It's weird, twins.

When one poops, the other has to too.

When she snacks on sunflower seeds, Da does the same.

Without them trying to imitate each other. This is very fun.

By saying it, you believe it.

They are still a little alone. Others mistreat them.

I would like to have another one.

You are serious?

We were scared during the birth. Would you do that again?

Of course. Too bad I can't have any more.

I have a son and a daughter. I'm satisfied.

We can be seen.

Get in the back.

Go!

Come.

Why are you laughing?

It is so hot.

We must be the only ones in Tangshan to do this.

In this heat, no one can sleep.

- Have you finished your day? - Yes.

See you tomorrow!

Why is the truck moving?

The sky is purple.

What is going on?

Get down!

An earthquake!

- Children! - Quickly!

Mom!

Dad!

Fang-Da, run!

The crane is going to fall!

Come!

Mom!

I'm coming!

Dad!

What are you doing?

Help!

Zhi-Guo!

This way!

Can someone come?

Da-Qiang, hold on.

I am here.

Yuan-Ni is here.

Da-Qiang, hold on.

Hold on...

Da-Qiang...

It starts again.

Da-Qiang!

You, Heaven!

You are a bastard!

Dad, mom, big sister!

Older sister!

Come take me out.

Mom.

Older sister!

Mom!

Help!

Why did you stop me from going there?

Why are you leaving me all alone?

Da-Qiang!

Children!

Yuan-Ni is Fang-Da.

Fang-Da!

- Where are you? - It is here.

It is here.

Da!

Mom, I want to go out. I don't want to stay here anymore.

Wise. Do not Cry. Mother is there.

Mom will get you out of there.

My arm hurts a lot. I want to go out, mom.

Do not Cry. Mother is there.

Where is your sister? She is with you?

I do not see her.

I hear him hitting stones.

Wait, Fang-Da. Hold on!

I see Fang-Deng.

They are under a concrete slab.

- Where? - Down.

- Look at. - Show me.

Deng!

Fang-Deng!

Deng, tell mom something.

Deng!

Gentlemen, I beg you.

I beg you.

The father of these children... Their father is no longer here.

If we don't save these two little ones, I won't be able to live anymore.

I beg you. I will serve you the rest of my days.

I will be your workhorse.

Stop crying!

We are looking for a way.

- Let's remove this plaque. - You need a lever.

Let's hurry!

One two three!

I'm going to find a lever.

We must act quickly. We no longer hear the children.

We can only save one. Make a decision.

We must save them both.

Don't you want to understand?

The concrete slab crushes them.

If we lift on your son's side, the little one will be crushed.

If we free your daughter, it's the little one.

Make a decision. We can only save one.

We must save them both. Both!

The plate is too heavy. We have to leverage it.

I beg you. Save them both.

- Decide quickly. - I beg you.

Save them both.

Quickly! We don't hear anything anymore. You're going to lose them both.

Both!

Have you thought about it, Yuan-Ni? Who are we saving?

There is a survivor here. Come quickly!

We'll help there.

Please.

Save the boy.

Who?

Save the boy.

Mom...

Deng!

Mom asks you for forgiveness.

- Mom asks you for forgiveness. - Da, say something.

Instead, take care of the one who is alive.

We can't do anything more for her.

Come see. The little one doesn't say anything anymore.

Take him to the airport quickly.

The army medical team will treat him.

Go quickly before it's too late.

Hurry up!

Where is your family?

Where are mom and dad? Do you still have parents?

Do not be afraid. I'll take you home.

It's her, there.

The one who lowers her head.

She's already big.

5 or 6 years old. We hold back at this age.

She's the prettiest. She could be an artist.

She is not bad.

She's not going to be easy to raise.

I questioned her. She doesn't remember anything.

You will fall in love with each other.

You just have to be patient because these children were shocked.

Are you sure she's an orphan?

Their photos were displayed in Tangshan.

Those who had relatives were all contacted.

Those who remain, we can say that they are orphans.

But we can't be 100% sure.

I don't want to lose her one day.

It's normal. You can still think.

No hurry. You can come back and see her.

Begins the procedure.

- Help us. - You are doing a good deed.

Is she having problems?

Nothing serious was discovered.

Only, she doesn't like to talk.

I find it very good.

Salute!

Let's learn from the rescue heroes

of the earthquake!

Let's honor our fellow first responders...

Let us celebrate the victorious return of our fellow rescuers

Ya-Ya, is that good?

The army is a big revolutionary family.

Everyone here will be your family.

Let me carry her a little.

How are you.

I want to wear it too.

Ya-Ya, you go with mom.

I will take it.

I am not tired.

Ya-Ya, this is the building we live in.

Here we are at home.

Ya-Ya,

It’s mom and dad’s house.

Do not be afraid. There are no earthquakes here.

Ya-Ya, look.

It is your bedroom.

Mom and Dad made it for you.

Do you like it?

Come see.

Come here.

Later, we'll wash and put on clean clothes.

This is new to her. Don't rush her.

She didn't say a word the whole way.

Do you think she's mute?

Do not say stupid things.

When you pick up a kitten, for 2 days, it doesn't eat.

She is a child who escaped death.

Look at. She listens to us.

Long live Chairman Mao and the Communist Party

Mother-in-law, sister-in-law, what are you doing here?

Mom!

Da, greet your grandmother and your aunt.

Grandma, aunt.

You must have waited a long time for me.

Not easy to find you. Nobody knew how to tell us.

Come in!

Yuan-Ni, you could leave Fang-Da to us.

He is the grandson of the Fang family,

it's up to us to take care of it.

You are still young.

I would understand.

You could continue on your way.

Step mother,

the Fang family can't divorce me like this.

This child is too miserable.

With only one arm,

he can take a book, or a pen,

but not both at the same time.

I will know how to take care of him.

I enrolled him in school. The teacher says it will be fine.

He will go to school in Jinan.

It will always be better than in Tangshan.

How long will it take to be rebuilt?

Yuan-Ni,

what would you say...

you and Fang-Da, to come to Jinan?

If you want, you will take a job.

Otherwise, you can stay at home and take care of the little one.

There are many of us.

You will be well treated.

That's nice of you.

But I can't go anywhere.

You are really stubborn.

- Put yourself in our place too. - Mom!

Step mother,

do not worry.

When the situation improves,

We'll go see you in the New Year.

I came all this way to go back with him.

Fang-Da and I are the only survivors.

If he leaves, too,

there will be nothing left of our family.

After the army, my son had to return to Jinan.

He stayed in Tangshan for you.

Mom!

What are you talking about?

I would have died in his place if I could.

Pardon.

He was a big guy.

He spoke well. He was hardworking.

He disappeared like that!

And my grandson is crippled.

How do you want me to be reassured?

I worry about him all the time. How am I going to live with this?

Pardon.

I beg your pardon.

Forgive me, Da-Qiang. Forgive me, Deng and Da.

I was the only one who escaped unscathed.

It's OK.

Take him away.

May he have a little happiness.

Well, there it is.

We are a family.

We have to tell each other everything.

A great misfortune has occurred. So many people died.

We need to take a step back.

Let's stand united and look to the future.

In your house,

you probably couldn't get anything back.

You sent us some photos not long ago.

I brought you one.

Sit well.

Hold on.

Da,

at grandma's house, you'll have to be good.

Don't be turbulent.

You won't forget?

Mom!

Wise.

Mom!

Be wise.

Mom!

Mom,

Taking Fang-Da from him is like taking his life.

Mom!

Da!

Come on, Ya-Ya.

- Wang, is this your daughter? - Yes.

How pretty she is!

What's your name?

Say hello.

Dr. Dong.

Is this the little girl from Tangshan?

Yes.

Show me.

Do you look like mom or dad?

Go eat!

Isn't that okay? You scared her.

What's her name?

Ya-Ya.

Call him uncle.

Call him.

Rude!

Here, the men, you will tell them uncle, the women, aunt.

You're embarrassing him.

Our Ya-Ya is a little shy.

It's pretty?

Ya-Ya, are you ready? We have to go.

Welcome new students

You are very pretty.

What's your name?

Wang-Fan. “Fan”, sailing.

My name is Wang-Deng.

Let's do as she says.

Deng, is that your first name before?

If memories come back to you,

you will have to tell them to us.

Dad can help you find people from your family in Tangshan.

I do not remember anymore.

It will come back.

So. Everything is in order.

From now on,

So you are the student Wang-Deng!

Come on! We're going back home.

To our great helmsman Mao Zedong, from the 38th Army

1986, Tangshan

Let it pass!

Da, your breakfast.

Give me the towel. Given!

Between.

Eat quickly.

And put on your prosthesis.

No.

She hurts me.

You are a young man. Pay attention to your image.

And then, it was expensive.

If you had told me you were borrowing, I would have refused.

Eat!

Mom, what are you doing?

The school told us to create a studious environment for you.

The fridge is noisy. I take it with me.

I will still fail the entrance exam.

Do not talk nonsense.

Pushes you.

What will you do without studying?

Return to my job? You can't work in the factory.

You can't drive or cook.

I reviewed all the trades.

You have to go to college.

I can be a guard. Keep toilets!

No!

If you fail,

your grandmother will blame me for keeping you with me.

For years she has been sending money and cakes.

If you enter university,

I would have paid my debt.

What are you talking about? What debt? It's my grandmother.

You create stories for yourself.

And if I die,

what will you do?

If you don't have prospects, no girl will want to marry you.

I would like to help you raise your child.

He will be your support in your old age.

Mom, don't worry about that.

I will bring you a daughter-in-law.

Go to high school.

Come on!

A moment!

Yuan-Ni!

Another phone call from the school.

- Client! - The travelers are arriving.

They leave the station.

Are you looking for a hotel? Clean and inexpensive.

Sir, a hotel?

I'll take you there.

Come in.

Professor Jiang.

We have a regulation.

After 15 absences, a student is suspended.

Fang-Da hasn't come for 3 days.

Does he want to take the exam?

Yes.

Da-Qiang,

Deng,

Don't say I'm rambling.

Each year, burning these funeral notes for you,

I repeat...

that we moved.

If you want to come back,

don't take the wrong path.

The alley where we live runs along the south wall

from the 2nd railway school.

At the 1st row of houses, you must turn left.

This is the 1st house.

Remember it.

Where we lived before, they are going to build a department store.

We can't live there anymore.

Mom, it's been ten years since Dad and big sister left.

They won't come back again.

It gives me chills when I hear you.

I don't know what to tell them.

It was hard to get you to the entrance exam,

and you didn't even introduce yourself.

How can you get so lost?

You disappoint me so much.

I disappoint you...

You would have done better to save my big sister.

My little Deng!

Dad, pedal faster.

Let's go back and eat.

Dad!

Mom...

What are you saying?

Mom!

It's me, Deng.

Ya-Ya.

Did you have a nightmare again?

Do not be afraid.

I'll get you a drink.

Ya-Ya, do you still have a headache?

I'm going to massage you a little.

It's better?

Are you nervous about the entrance exam?

It's nothing. Even if you fail.

Besides, there are plenty of nullities

who are leaving university.

You can succeed without entering into it.

That's enough! Is this a way to educate your child?

Drink and go back to bed.

Wang, you have spoken enough.

She won't be able to sleep if you continue.

Ya-Ya, drink your water and go to bed.

She sleeps.

It's inappropriate.

You are talking about me?

What did I do?

She's big now. Look at your outfit!

I am at home. I'm not going to wear a suit.

I can't go into my daughter's room?

Don't pretend you don't understand.

There is no way to reason with you anymore.

Listen to me!

This isn't the first time you've done this.

I always took it upon myself.

Dad!

I have to revise. I don't want to see a movie.

You need to take your mind off things.

Ya-Ya, what are your plans for next year?

I still want to do medicine.

I don't have good health. Your father is overwhelmed.

Choose a domain

that would allow you to stay around.

Don't you agree, Wang?

I respect his opinion.

I'm looking for what's best for her.

Ya-Ya never left me.

I'm worried about her leaving alone.

We don't have a good medical school around here.

It's not just medicine!

Working in a hospital is very hard.

You're not listening to what I'm saying.

It's mom who doesn't listen to us.

Stop arguing!

It means nothing to me to go to the cinema. Mom, I'm coming home.

I go.

Why are you saying all this in front of her?

He's not our child.

If she leaves, she won't come back.

You're starting again! What does it change?

Feelings exist.

- Take the thigh. - I do not like.

You eat it anyway. You need to gain strength.

I've eaten enough.

In 2 days I have a meeting in Tangshan.

Ya-Ya, do you want to come with me?

Surely not! It's almost the competition.

It will only take a day.

Even if it was only an hour. His time is precious.

I'm going there by car. I will drive.

I would have liked to walk her a bit.

Dad, I don't want to go.

Good.

Mom, come home.

I go.

I won't talk to you about studies anymore. Stay.

We agreed. And then, I'm not alone.

Who will take care of you like I do?

It won't be like home.

I want to know if I can cope or not.

Tangshan is too small for you?

Tangshan is big? You saw it on TV.

The peasants all go to Shenzhen. I never left the province.

Well, go ahead.

- Xiao-Long, will you watch over him? - Yes.

Take care of yourself.

Are you smoking in front of my mother?

Hangzhou Medical College

Which department?

- Basic medicine. - Here. Sit down.

My summons.

Wang-Deng.

Wang Deng, you have room 206, building 9.

206, building 9. Who is taking him?

I go.

Thank you for coming again.

Where is the restroom?

Given.

Wang-Deng, stop by the student office for your card.

Given. Come.

Toilet.

Your bag!

THANKS.

It's good for you.

You only have yourself to worry about.

When I go home and see all these people,

it stresses me. I can't calm down.

We've all been there.

You didn't see how worried I was about Fang-Da.

I still worry about my son.

I was like that too.

The factory is no longer interesting.

I would have preferred to be unemployed, like you.

You want it both ways.

The factory is always better than being self-employed.

Yuan-Ni!

Phone.

Not moving.

THANKS.

Hello? Fang-Da.

It's been a long time since you called.

Overwhelmed? More than a minister, I imagine.

Are you on a mission?

- A visit to Hangzhou? - No thanks.

- The medical school? - I am taking you.

No. For a soldier, this is not suitable.

Mr. Officer, you are a soldier...

I am a cripple.

Help me.

How are you?

Yes. I have good legs. I do this route every day.

What happened to you?

I lost him in Tangshan in 1976.

In the earthquake?

- Are you from Tangshan? - For what?

Our unit participated in the rescue.

I am carrying a benefactor!

I will give you the gift of the race.

Building 9, please.

- It's This one. - THANKS.

Who is it?

Deng!

- Dad, what are you doing here? - You didn't expect it.

Open the curtains.

Sit down.

Why didn't you call?

- I would have waited for you at the station. - No need.

It's really hot in Hangzhou.

It's true. During the summer holidays, it's suffocating.

I'm going to buy a watermelon.

Deng,

who is this young man?

A master's student.

In clinical medicine. He is from Hangzhou.

Drink some water.

Your mother gave me this for you.

Everything you like.

Dried cenels!

Can you wet a towel for me?

Is mom okay?

Not too much.

What do you mean?

She is at the hospital.

What does she have?

She doesn't want me to talk to you about it.

As this is the second summer that you haven't returned,

she told me to come by.

Why is she in the hospital?

What does she have?

It would be nice for you to come see her.

- If there is a problem, come back. - THANKS.

Zhao, are you guarding my shop?

The August Reader's Digest and a film magazine.

You should not have.

Fang-Da didn't call.

I forgot to tell you. I have the phone now.

Did you open a line?

It's wasted money. Mine wasn't enough for you?

For the day it was fine, but in the evening?

He might need to call me.

I would have gone to warn you.

- I need help. - Yes?

No dial tone.

It should work.

It's good.

I suspected it.

Why didn't you tell me anything?

- Do you have any wine? - Yes.

- I'm hungry. - Wait a bit.

You have the alcohol, I say.

You just drink. Have some soup.

Back then, I came to Tangshan to sell fans.

Then I stayed.

With no other plan than to earn my living.

Six months later, my wife found someone.

When I came home on New Year's Eve, she wanted to tell me everything.

I wasn't interested in hearing it. We divorced.

It's all nothing. It's for the kid that my heart aches.

After the earthquake,

there were two of us instead of four.

Fang-Da is gone, only me remains.

Have you ever felt alone?

I dread the holidays.

Since Fang-Da is no longer here,

I'm going back to the country for the new year.

Drink.

Is it from the earthquake?

You don't have to suffer like this.

You are still desirable.

Niu, go back and sit down.

I drank too much. Don't be angry.

It's nothing.

All the more reason for me to apologize.

We're not kids anymore. It's nothing.

Come live with me.

Impossible.

Shall we stay as before?

That's not possible either.

Yes, director.

Should I straighten you out?

It is too fast.

Ya-Ya...

Classes started two weeks ago. You have to go back.

How are you. I asked for leave.

It's an internship semester. There are few classes.

The nurses think you're pretty. They say you look like me.

They haven't been there long.

They are not aware.

Mom, it's true that I look like you.

Your character too.

Stubborn...

You ended up doing medicine.

When I was little, I loved going with you to the hospital.

It is you two who will have meant the most in my life.

But none of you...

doesn't want to stay with me.

Mom...

Don't hate me.

Watch over your father, do it for me.

He defends you all the time.

He says...

Whether or not a child is of the blood of his parents,

he always ends up leaving the house.

From now on,

there will be no one left to argue with him.

He'll be bored.

Mom,

daddy loves you.

I love you too.

Come.

Take what's under the pillow.

This watch,

I give it to you.

The money in this booklet,

your father and I saved it for you.

You are big now.

You can go to Tangshan to look for your parents.

Your father is right.

It is not possible that none of them survived.

Parents,

they're still parents.

Come.

Mom will be leaving soon.

Let me kiss you.

Dad, where should I place Mom?

We agreed. Why don't you want it anymore?

In a year, you will have the diploma. You will have studied 4 years for nothing.

Not for nothing.

I knew you.

We're dating but we're not married.

You can't have a baby.

Wang-Deng,

It's nothing, a pregnancy.

Just an incident, easy to correct.

You saw it clearly at the gynecologist. Every day, girls have abortions.

Others can.

Not me.

What do you mean you can’t? Are you playing precious?

Yang-Zhi,

I already told you.

I am a girl from Tangshan.

I woke up among corpses.

My father was lying nearby.

It's beyond you.

You do not understand me.

Don't act on impulse.

I know that you love me. I love you too.

I care for you. You are only 21 years old.

When a woman has a child, her youth is over.

It's too great a sacrifice.

Wang-Deng!

What do you know about sacrifice?

Yang-Zhi!

Yang-Zhi!

You can come?

Wang-Deng's father wants to see you.

- THANKS. - Bye.

Sir.

Where is Wang-Deng?

- We no longer have contact. - Did you look for her?

Yes. A long time. But in vain.

- She dropped out of school. - I know.

What happened?

She got pregnant.

Pregnant? She's pregnant and you play basketball?

I think she left college so I could lose track of her.

You shouldn't look for her.

If she wants to, she will come see you. You won't find it.

Sir, I think...

You're not looking for her and you're dissuading me from doing so!

Why are you hitting him?

Leave.

You don't feel guilty?

Go away! Leave us.

Answer!

I'm sorry.

I will look for her. I will do it.

1995, Tangshan

Try to make a good impression on my mother.

If he doesn't like you, we'll have to break up.

Is she the one I'm marrying?

- She gave birth to me three times. - What do you mean?

One, my birth.

The same year I had pneumonia.

For the doctors, I was lost. She harassed them. Two.

The earthquake. Three.

Mom!

I am here.

I brought your daughter-in-law.

My mother, Xiao-He.

Hello Mrs.

He's my father and my sister.

When I was little, I looked like him.

The house is small. We're going to be a little cramped.

I am thin. I don't take up much space.

Mom, why are you taking work?

I gave you money.

These are people I know. And then, it keeps me busy.

The fondue is ready. Let's sit down?

Shall we drink a little?

All right.

Drink. I will drive.

Open this.

Is this the best restaurant in Tangshan?

There are many good restaurants in Tangshan.

I missed you.

I have a company in Hangzhou, a car, an apartment.

I also have Xiao-He. With you, I would be fulfilled.

If you miss me, you have to come back and see me.

You wanted to take care of my child.

How will you do it?

You will bring it to me.

I'll take away the sewing machine.

Come with me to Hangzhou.

I'll buy you an apartment. I can't leave you here alone.

Your father and your sister are here. I'm not going anywhere.

Xiao-He and I will come back with you for All Souls' Day.

We need a house in Tangshan.

So that the spirits of your father and your sister

have somewhere to go.

Don't talk to me about it anymore.

So many years have passed.

You can't stay like this.

When we have experienced loss, we understand what losing means.

Find yourself someone.

If I had wanted it, it would have been done a long time ago.

- Why not? - For your father.

He gave his life to save me.

If he hadn't stopped me, I would have gone in.

What man will ever do the same for me?

All my life, I will remain his wife.

I don't feel wronged.

You're getting older.

You're alone at home. I am far. I'm worried.

You wanted it.

When you left, I felt the same way about you.

To each his own joys,

to each his own sorrows.

THANKS.

It's good.

I'll buy you a place to live.

First, plots in the cemetery.

All right. We will do as you wish. The plots first. Health!

Come down and visit.

See if it suits you.

What if we gave up?

We are here. We buy one.

Well, buy. But I won't live there.

Are you trying to upset me on purpose?

Hangzhou is no. The apartment is no.

You prefer to ruin your life. What does that mean?

It's going pretty well. I don't find my life rotten.

Do you think it's okay?

What will the neighbors say about me?

That I let you down?

Fang-Da, don't get angry with your mother. Speak calmly.

Mom, if I leave you alone,

Dad and big sister will be mad at me.

It is precisely for them that I do this.

After our resettlement, I explained to them

the way to find ourselves.

I've been telling them this for twenty years.

If we move, we'll have to start again.

I will not arrive there.

I have no more energy.

It's like that. I'm not going anywhere.

We're going to review lesson 3: "Sorry, Sir."

- Excuse me, Professor Wang. - THANKS.

Do not touch.

Don't cut yourself.

How are you?

Mom, it's not me. She's the one who broke it.

Dian-Dian, I told you not to touch anything.

It doesn't have much value. Repeat the lesson.

Your remuneration.

I can not accept.

This is surely insufficient to compensate you.

Take it, it has nothing to do with it.

I didn't break this dish. I don't want to go back to them anymore.

Wise.

Do not exagerate.

We're already going to leave my mother alone at New Year's!

I don't want to part with Dian-Dian.

We agreed.

And everything I promised you?

Fang-Da, for the rest, I will do what you want.

I renounce everything.

To the trip to Europe, to Louis Vuitton, to the new car.

I just want my son.

We agreed before the wedding.

Isn't that true?

I am asking you a question.

If I had imagined that, I wouldn't have married you.

Who would you have married?

Do not change the subject. We're talking about the kid.

You have to leave him with my mother.

And me, then?

My parents haven't seen it yet. What will they think?

And then, he's still so small.

I want him to sleep next to me.

You want to please your mother. There's only one for her.

There is nothing to discuss.

Or we stay there. Up to you.

In what honor?

You never spent New Years at my house.

The house is so small. Where do you want us to sleep?

Are we going to have a New Year's Eve at the hotel?

Stop this circus. We're going to your place, we said.

Don't dare me, Fang-Da.

You would lose big.

You don't challenge me either. I know how to bounce back.

If you think I married you for your money, you're wrong.

Let go of me!

Stopped!

You're awake?

- He woke up? - Just now.

Did we wake up, Dian-Dian?

Dian-Dian, my treasure.

Mom is leaving.

You will be wise.

Mom, thanks for the trouble.

But no.

You're going to be alone for the New Year.

It won't be the first time.

We'll leave our cell phones on. Don't hesitate to call.

Everything will be alright. Don't worry. I raised two.

I always wanted to express you

My enthusiastic feelings

I always wanted to tell you

How much I loved life

Hard-working Chinese

Enter the new era Full of ardor

Full of ardor

We are entering the new era

We sing "The Orient is red"

We stand up Become our own masters

We sing of spring

Reforms and opening enrich us

Our guides who follow one another On the path

Leading us into a new era

Raise the banners high And build the future

Edify

The future

Dad,

you smoke?

A little pleasure.

Try this.

I was just going to buy a down jacket.

Ya-Ya, where have you been all these years?

- The sleeves are long. - How are you.

You haven't forgotten your home.

Did you go to Tangshan to look for your family?

- Dad, do you like it? - Yes.

Ya-Ya, sit down.

You seemed tall to me. Why are the sleeves too long?

It's nothing.

Why didn't you come home?

I was ashamed.

At least you could have written or telephoned.

I didn't want to worry you.

You didn't want to worry me?

I was worried all the time!

Where were you?

Forgive me.

He's flying away!

- Dian-Dian, did you see? - Attention.

- Are you okay, dad? - How are you.

Run with it.

I'm out of breath.

Gently.

I often dream of this room.

I was walking behind you to get the meal.

I feel like it was yesterday.

You were tall like her.

Her grandparents in Tangshan would be so happy to see her.

It's you, his grandfather.

Don't contradict me. You understood very well.

During all those years,

You've often asked me about this.

After the earthquake,

my brother and I were buried.

We could only save one.

My mother said:

“Save the boy.”

These three words...

continued to ring in my ears.

Dad...

It's not that I didn't remember it.

I couldn't forget him.

I understand.

Deng,

you should remember

that family remains family.

But I can't forget!

Happiness

New Year's Eve 1997

Dian-Dian, offer your grandmother a glass of wine.

Dian-Dian, shall we have a little chat with grandmother?

Gui-Lan,

our Ya-Ya has returned.

She came with our granddaughter.

Tell him what your name is.

Dian-Dian.

- Call her. - Grandmother.

- She didn't hear. - Grandmother!

It would have been so nice to have her there.

Health.

Dad, how do you like my cooking?

Weird. I never saw your mother teach you.

However, your dishes taste the same as his.

All these years,

Did you wake up alone?

But no!

I was eating with army comrades.

You never considered...

a company?

Your mother accompanies me every day.

Here, Dian-Dian.

I'm getting married.

He is a lawyer...

It doesn't matter what his job is.

I just want to know if he treats you well.

- Yes. -And Dian-Dian?

- He's nice to her. - So, I approve.

He's a stranger.

A stranger.

Here... Damn!

I forgot.

Completely forgotten.

Feng, I am below everything.

I was so happy that I totally forgot about it.

My daughter came home with my granddaughter.

That's it!

How so?

I too have my whole family. I am stuck.

We're going to do that. Tomorrow,

I will come with Deng.

She will present her wishes to you. It suits you?

All right. I down three glasses to punish myself!

2008, Hangzhou

Director, which insurer for the Xinjiang group?

China Life. They are reliable.

- An earthquake? - Yes!

Come back!

It's nothing. Do not run.

It's not worth it if it's small. It's useless if it's big.

Call them back!

Come back everyone. It's nothing.

Mom, is everything okay at home?

Vancouver, Canada

You come home very early.

What happened?

A very serious thing.

Did something happen to Dian-Dian?

I called her. She will arrive.

Honey, let's go inside.

The earthquake was so powerful

that the houses did not simply collapse,

they were destroyed, crushed.

And often,

under the piles of wood and bricks are those who lived there.

The authorities' priority is not to find the dead

but to save the survivors.

My God!

I can not believe it.

It's really terrible. Look at these poor children.

Mom...

Honey, are you okay?

I have to go back.

It's OK.

I have to go help them.

I understand. All that you want.

Gathering!

Take him to this helicopter.

Don't unload in Chengdu. Continue towards the epicenter.

Accessible places have enough food and medicine.

Quickly. Call me after Chengdu.

I'll wait for you in Hanwang.

Liu Wei!

I receive you.

Did you have the Tangshan rescuers?

Yes, I succeeded.

What are they missing?

Medical staff.

I will see.

Thank you sir.

Are you on the medical team?

I studied medicine. I can join you?

I am helping you.

Pass me the bag!

THANKS.

Director Fang, we have arrived. Where are you?

In the city.

With the Tangshan team.

Who do we give our goods to?

- To the local Red Cross. - Understood.

- Are you from Tangshan? - Yes.

Me too. I am late.

- It's never too late. - Go get some tools.

This is your child's leg.

Under a plate.

Above, a pillar which holds the building.

To free your daughter, we have to remove the plaque.

But it's risky for her and the soldiers.

Rest assured, we will do our best.

Find a solution!

- I beg you. - All right.

My daughter!

Injuried people?

- The little one is fine. - Who is it?

Pick it up!

Li Qing.

Let's lift it!

Let it pass.

Ambulance!

My daughter.

Do not be afraid.

Mom is near you.

Call a doctor.

To amputate it.

We will only do this as a last resort.

I know she needs her legs.

My daughter.

You can't dig anymore.

Otherwise the building will fall.

If you lose your lives, your parents will be angry with me.

Amputate.

When she grows up, she will hate me.

Make her hate me!

My daughter!

My daughter's leg!

Ambulance!

My daughter!

Ambulance!

Get away!

My daughter's leg.

I want his leg.

My daughter!

I want my daughter's leg!

Mom asks you for forgiveness.

Attention! Tangshan team, watch out.

We're going to eat.

Those who are hungry eat first.

The others, you wait a bit.

All right?

Dad, mom, where are you?

Come quickly.

What do you want?

Sorry. But I'm very hungry. I won't eat much.

- It's very dry. Take water. - THANKS.

How many are you from Tangshan?

At the beginning, there were ten of us. Now over forty.

When they see the flag of Tangshan,

they join us.

What happened to your arm?

1976.

Were you buried in 1976?

I was two years old. I do not remember anything.

I lost my mother.

I never had a mother.

And your family?

I lost my father and my big sister.

We were twins.

We found ourselves stuck under a plate.

My mother was told that if we lifted on my side,

my sister would be crushed.

If we lifted each other, it would be me.

The rescuers asked him to choose. What could she say?

Of course.

You were both his flesh.

She refused to choose. They were getting impatient.

"Make up your mind

“or you will lose both.”

So she chose her son.

The 1976 earthquake destroyed my mother's life.

He tore his heart to pieces.

Do you know what she says all the time?

What is she saying?

When we have experienced loss, we understand what losing means.

The houses have been rebuilt.

But his heart

remained devastated.

For 32 years,

in his heart,

the ruins are still there.

Older sister!

Fang-Deng!

The next intersection is where we lived.

There is a department store.

Why are you staring at me like that?

Mom, how is your blood pressure?

I'm doing well.

I have been able to bear misfortune, I will be able to bear joy.

Where does your sister-in-law live?

In Canada.

She ran away from me.

This is our house.

I feel like I've been here before.

Mom! Big sister is back.

This is my wife, Xiao-He, and my son.

Quickly! Call her "aunt." - Aunt.

Mom, big sister is back.

Come in. Enter the house.

Big sister, come in.

Hold.

Carry your father's bag.

We lived in a tent for three years, then we moved here.

It's been 30 years.

I bought him an apartment. She refuses to go.

What is this photo doing here? She is so excited that she forgot about it.

I washed these tomatoes for you.

Mom didn't lie to you.

I beg your pardon.

Mom!

What is...

Where do you come from like that?

During all these years, why haven't you given any sign of life?

I thought you were with your father.

Stand up.

Every day I think of you two.

For 32 years, I thought of you.

Why did you ignore me?

Where were you in the end?

Why are you only coming back now, Deng?

Stand up!

Deng...

Mom,

stand up.

My adoptive parents.

Soldiers.

The army rescued Tangshan.

She died in 1990.

My adoptive father is retired.

He is doing well.

I would like him to come see me.

He still refuses.

My husband.

A stranger!

How many years is he older than you?

16 years old.

My daughter. Her name is Dian-Dian.

Her name is Dian-Dian too.

She is very pretty.

How old is she?

18 years old. She's at university.

In psychology.

Did you have a child at 22?

With a master's student.

He wanted me to have an abortion. I did not want.

We separated.

And after?

I left college.

Who took care of you after giving birth?

And the child's father?

He was abroad.

We no longer have contact.

You didn't look for it?

He didn't want me anymore.

What would that have been used for?

To my late father, Fang-Da-Qiang

Da-Qiang,

you cherish me so much.

You gave me back our daughter.

The grave was opened.

Mom.

I'm going to have it destroyed.

No need.

When I die, I want to be here.

Near dad.

Let's do what she says.

She has had her share of injustices.

All right.

From primary to high school.

Every time the school year started, mom would buy two.

One for me, one for you.

Mom...

All these years,

how did you hold on?

It went.

In a woman's life,

30 years is a long time.

All this for what?

Really. For me, it was okay.

If I had lived in exuberance,

I would have blamed myself even more.

Mom,

I beg your pardon.

From the moment I saw Fang-Da again,

I started to hate myself.

It is my brother.

He manages to live...

That's wonderful.

Mom, forgive me.

I tortured you for 32 years.

32 years old!

I can't forgive myself.

Mom, forgive me!

In 2008,

Tangshan Communist Party Committee and Municipal Council

erected a wall

in memory of the 240,000 victims of the 1976 earthquake.

Song Shou-Shu, aged 65,

former employee of Tangshan Mechanical Factory,

lost his father, his sister and his son

in the earthquake.

His son Song Yong-Jie was only 5 years old at the time.

I'll come back to see you in two days.

We express our great sadness

for the 240,000 compatriots

who died in the Tangshan earthquake.

We dedicate this film to Tangshan who,

like the phoenix, reborn from its ashes.

We warmly thank

everyone who supported us during the making of this film.

Directed by Feng Xiaogang