Original subtitles

IMAGE / MOUVEMENT DU CENTRE NATIONAL DES ARTS PLASTIQUES

Shi We i here

What?

Not yet, I'm on it. And I have to eat.

Six rolls?

They're different sizes

Big is like medium, so.

How many meters? Same again, right?

Just tell me how many pieces, okay?

It's easier.

Rolls are different sizes

These are for delivery.

They have to be waterproof.

Yes?

Eh?

Shit, I'm exhausted.

Really.

Both models together?

I'm beat, I tell you.

Sure, sl'll be able to rest soon,

but right now...

Got it. How many pieces?

Tonight?

Why not first thing tomorrow, what's the difference?.

I'll tie it.

No, hang on.

How about I deliver first? And cut later?

While there's work there's life!

Still at it?. Every day, Shi We i.

Take one more. - Not me..

I've taken two extra already.

So finish those. and take another.

- Five yuan a pound? -- Cotton's not free.

So you do these two bundles.

I have two more at home.

Did Jing Min bring these three?

You mean these? Yeah.

You can do these two.

Which two?

- Are you off, Xiao Dong? - Yes, honey.

- Here's his car d. - Ok, I'll see him.

-- Did you ask how much? - He says 1. 50 a pound..

- 1. 50? - Right.

Ok, look, we've weighed this.

this is one bundle for sure.

So one bundle,

with the packaging.

Boss? Xiao Dong here. I cut some fabric for you.

Can we settle up?

Well, when is a good time?

I'm heading home for New Year's.

We could use the money.

Can you just do a card transfer?

Well... it's New Year, see?

In a few days? You'll be closed.

So when are you free?

mean, when can you.

What?

If nothing comes in, I can't pay out.

Or in a day or two?..

Sure, but I..

You see, I have to..

Just say a time. so I can book my ticket

I have to get home,

so I hope you can.

Deserted... front and back

I owed people a lot of money.

Over 100, 000. So I thought,

I'd better just split and not come back

I figure, in a few years

I can make enough to pay it back.

That's all. Just bad luck

With a kid, it's hard.

Can't work in a factory.

So I've been working here and there.

Six months now,

and still waiting to be paid

These bosses are all bastards!

And I'm not the only one.

Fuckers.

They just keep avoiding me.

Yesterday, you came along

when I went to see the manager.

So you were there, you saw it.

He just blew me off again

For six months he's been blowing me off..

" Sorry, no cash just now,

come back in a few days.

You're a big boy now, right?

I'm still little. You're a big girl!

That's right,.

because I'm your Ma.

So, tomorrow,

Will I be big, and you be little?

I can't, sweetie I can only get older.

I'll give you a present.

No presents.

So what shall I give you?

Nothing.

Yoy've got your presents.

That's right.

In Fujian, I made money.

Can't make money here in Zhi li.

Even working, you can't make enough. You can't win.

I guess it just goes

Cost of living

What do you spend it on?

I can't understand it.

It's not like I buy designer clothes.

So I don't know.

You don't spend you buy cheap stuff..

So where does it go? - Right.

Guys don't shop, but they gamble.

Not me.

So where does it go?

It just goes.

On loose women?

I don't go to those places.

He's a good boy, then.

Not that.

may not be such a good boy,

but no prostitutes.

No vices at all, is that it?

A bit of a wimp, then?

So where does it go? - Not on fancy food.

Yeah, I don't see you splurging on meals

Are you kidding? This year I'm broke.

I've hardly worked.

I made 30, oo0 last year, remember?

- Spent it all. - But you had a job.

Who, me? This year?

Not this year.

I went past there one day, I saw you coming out..

- When was that? Ages ago, but it was you for sure.

Not me.

- Sure was. Wasn't me.

I haven't worked anywhere else this year.

Shit, I bought an i Phone, and we were driving,

and I dropped it!

Smashed to a pulp?

What model? - It was a Plus.

The phone? - Right.

What happened?

Shi We i turned too fast

it flew out of my hand.

Smashed? Yup.

Shoddy goods.

You could see inside. it's half empty..

What do you mean? There's nothing inside.

So you're not going home?

How's that?

Well, first,

you should talk to Shi We i,

borrow some cash.

He says he's busy today.

Hard to say when I can leave.

Not tomorrow, I guess.

I need cash for the ticket.

Ask Zhang Chao.. He leaves on the 11th.

Or Mao Jun? Not really.

I'd rather not.

Makes it easier to ask him next time.

What's the big deal? If I wanted to..

I'd'have asked him by now.

Doesn't feel right.

Hey, good-looking, hear me sing,

Feeling s ain't no real thing,

Now we sing our mountain song,

We'll be home before too long

Ey hey yo ya,

We'll be home before too long

Hear me call you, little flower

Now you hear me sing.

Hear me, pretty baby, hear me sing

Now I sing this final song,

I won't sing another soon.

But I'll always sing along.

If it's you that calls the tune.

It can't be true, anyway.

No way.

- Anyway I don't believe it - No, man.

So what did you tell her?

Just about my situation.

What should I say?

Does the workshop give you a bed?

She's going to wash my hair.

So she said, it's a long walk,

I might as well stay for dinner.

Well, it was a chance to meet up.

Let's jog to keep warm.

It's freezing!

Ok, here's 10.

O k, I'm back.

Watch out, everyone.

Anything left in the bag? That's it.

All out. Really.

Give me 30.

Your change

40 Alright! I'm up 50!

- Let me change that. - Give me 30.

Here's your 70 back.

I've lost a packet.

And 500 last round

Your 200, plus the 500 in my pocket.

Well, I just won back the 200!

Open the betting.

I just need clubs and I'm good.

Is it fixed, then?

Eh?

Did they tow the car?

Did you ask the traffic cops?

The cops said 2, 000.

Hi, tell me when we can settle up,

I'm heading home

I could kill you guys.

Five double sixes, you believe it?

Here's 40.

Hey, I won 40!

My luck's turning!

About time, you're down 900.

Now what?

Want my fist in your mouth?

Okay, here comes the nine.

Wow, this is a winner!

Amazing.

Just magic.

Yesss!

Magic, man!

Is your brother outside, Shi We i?

Is he out there?

He was.

Hey, great.

Uh-oh.

E h... Oh, ok.

That's it, stop.

No Six Tributes there.

But three, right?

Ok, trade

Cash?

Yeah, I got it.

Five! Are the fives all out?

They're all out. Almost.

One more. Yeah, look at that stack

Just one five left.

The rest are all out.

The spirit's with him.

Take this 50, I owed you.

O k, I'll clear up.

You drive.

You're going home, just leave this stuff.

Take this with you.

Let's take it all,

and the rest of the stuff

No, leave it here!

Upright or sideways? Lay it flat.

Hey, let's sort all this first.

Here. Weighs a ton.

Tie it at the top. Stand it up.

Ready, set,

FAS Hup!

Hang on, I need.

a strip of cloth, to seal it

Dong Ming xian. did you clean up yesterday?

I just tidied a bit.

What are those two doing?

Lock that window.

Nothing worth stealing

You're not locking up?

All done here, you ready?

So last night, the boss,

he buys some apples.

comes round to see if we're still on the job..

So he calls us,

we'd all clocked off already

Brought us apples. yeah, right..

Fuck him.

I was at the shop yesterday,

asking how much for the stewed vegetables

and if he had any left.. and he says "for you, of course "

So I bought some

two or three pounds

- Sorry, did I splash you? - It's nothing!

I was just too slow with my bowl!

Did it get in your eyes? Here, use this tissue.

Yeah, some got in, it's hot and spicy.

Use the tissue to wipe it!

And some water, there.

You need water? - It's ok, thanks.

From Dragon Road to Jade Peak,

there's roadworks all along now,

right up to our place.

Through Dragon Valley?

Right, it's a direct route

The one that goes to Black Iron?

You go via Dragon Peak?

Yeah, past Big Rock

then through Daj i

Along Dragon River way?

No, that's the red route

After Daj i there's Xiao ji.

then past the cliffs

and a few more villages

But you still have to pass Daj i

So it is Dragon River?

As far as Two Bends.

Then the roads join at Da ping zi.

Auntie.

Aunt, you there?

I'm going up for my stuff

Does this key still work?

Give me a string for the bundle.

This is the last one

take this one down.

Is that from today or yesterday?

Today.

The boss's wife says

we can work here again next year.

She says she'll call us.

So we can leave our stuff? - Right.

- Me too? - Yup.

First she said.. she'd decide next year.

I said I would introduce you.

She was like, " Isn't he new?" and kind of laughed,.

so I said you'd been here 6 months

and you should be fine.

So she said ok

So we're good.. no need to move our stuff,

we can leave it all here, use it next year.

O k, I'm off to my card game

Not again!

What is it with you?

Stay here a while, hang out.

You know this is my only time off today and tomorrow.

Once work starts in this place, that's it..

Oh well, it's up to you.

But you could just take it easy.

Unbelievable

had such a good hand.

If we're not going home, what's your plan?

You have to control yourself or we're in trouble

We still have a few days.

How can you lose. and still keep playing?

Put the bags here? Bring them inside.

There's space here

Find a space

in the luggage rack

Right here.

We can keep the small bag with us

You guys work standing up? Sure.

When the machine's running it can be dangerous..

If you doze off,

an accident can easily happen.

There was a guy,

he nodded off on the job

- Fell asleep? - Right.

- And there was an accident? - Yup.

He was pulled into the machine.

He died.

He was only 22

just recently married

He got caught in the machinery?

He was dragged in. Dragged in?.

Like, sucked into it?

Right. By the conveyor belt.

Someone told me

he left two kids,

both still very small

the eldest was may be 3 or

If you sit back

I can't use you as a pillow

It still won't be easy.

If I bend my neck, my belly hurts

It doesn't like it

I think it's..

complaining

So I go to pick up my pay,

over 20, 000

more like 25, 000

I show up

and I say,

About my travel expenses.

do you cover those?

So he says, sure,

just one way.

So I ask the cashier

and he says the same.

- No dice.. - Mostly in those places,

you're on your own,

you just need ID and residence.

You know what they told me?

The bosses split the rest

between them.

That's it.

You need to eat.

Can I get past?

Just pour it out? - Yeah.

- With the liquid? - Just pour it all away.

Don't burn yourself.

This train is now arriving at its destination

Attendants will now clean the train

Please have your luggage ready

and leave any rubbish in the bins provided.

To maintain station hygiene

toilets will be sealed before arrival.

Don't follow too close!

Understood!

Keep a safe distance.

Right.

Seems a bus got stuck up there

One of the buses from here

has an ace woman driver.

They have special buses

The engines are different

They're more powerful

Her truck has twice the horsepower.

When you're working.

there's good and bad days.

Back in the day,

it was 100 yuan to Wenshan

sitting with the luggage.

Wen shan here in Yunnan?

Yeah, a construction site.

Diggin g? I've had it with that work.

See what it did to my hands?

Pays nothing,. and you get rheumatism.

It's not worth it.

Trench caves in, you dig it out again.

We dug 30 meters once, all by hand.

Who d'you work for?

Used to be a guy from Suo shan.

Remember his name?

Not really. Wu, I think.

Should be another bus ahead - With the rest of those people.

Heavy snowfall up there

That bus will be pretty full.

Down we go..

You think they made it up here?

Probably had to turn back and circle around.

Go and check it out.

May be tell them to stop and let us pass.

Can you stop a second?

Hi there! Coming home, then?

We need to get through.

That minibus? Just wait.

We're in a hurry!

Tell him to move back. What?

He should back up.

Move back past the bend

We're good, don't panic

Relax.

It is a bit scary.

Yeah, sometimes you're scraping the rockface

Where did that bus come from?

- Must be with the others. Can't be.

It's the same one,

they had to turn back

You think so?

Probably too icy. They're coming back.

But where could they turn?

There's no room.

We'll see.

We may have to get out

That looks tricky..

They got through, then turned back.

May be to see if we made it?

They must have turned down there,

a bit further along

It's really narrow here.

Don't worry

Our village had the job of making this road

They all had to pitch in

but my Dad was away,

so we had to pay

for others to do it

That was'how it worked

Downhill, you're safe with a handbrake..

Best method on these icy roads

You may get stuck going up,

but you can always go down.

So in winter, best go down hill

See, that truck's struggling

That's everything

That's it.

Just these.

Ok. Thanks for the ride!

Take care!

Careful, don't slip!

You're dropping something.

LUDI AN, YUNNAN

Ma? Are you home?

I tried calling you.

Where shall I put this?

In here,

in this room here.

We didn't see Xia o Fa

Really?

You brought friends?

Invite them in!

They're from Beijing.

From Beijing!

Let's sit down first

Where are the others?

Don't worry, I'll find them

Come on in.

Should I call them?

Come in by the fire!

Let's go in and sit.

We wanted Mu Fei home for New Year,

'm off sick for another 2 months

You've made good money

time to come home and celebrate

What did the doctors say?

They did some tests

they say

it's tuberculosis,

most likely

Lung disease.

The roadworks guys.

they took our bricks

Just helped themselves.

Well, I complained to them about it.

So their boss calls the police

and tells them to arrest us!

I said, they steal our bricks

and that's ok?

We complain, and we get arrested?

They used the incident

to make trouble for us

Can you believe it?

Things have got really bad

So I called my son back to help.

If I don't get justice.

said, I'll go higher up

I'll send my son to see you,

the whole family

You're supposed to uphold the law

Is this how you do it?

These last few days.

since I got back from Yue hong

I've been dealing with this

They haven't paid for the bricks

And water! dug a channel,

bought pipes to get water down here.

They've been tapping it since they arrived, after New Year!

Police chief says, give them some face.

Let the m use it, he says.

Party Secretary Cui agrees

What kind of treatment is that?

I dig a channel to get water,

in my condition.

all for their benefit?

And he says "give them face "

You tell me if that's justice

It's criminal, I say.

At the police station, the chief says

go home,. we'll see what we can do

So I did, but the family said

don't come home

just let them arrest you.

You stay there, they said

So I think, what am I doing here? And I'm worrying about our cow.

I thought, they say they'll fix it, I'll go home.

So I set off home

But on that day.. it was cold and snowing

But on that day cold and s nov

and I was lightly dressed

So they gave me 100 yuan

and some lunch

It was lunchtime, so they fed me

So I stayed another night

and we left in the morning

My husband came, so we went home

walked home together

It was snowing, I was tired

so we called home for my nephew to come

At Ranji a Cliffs we couldn't use the bikes

so we had to push them home

just walking and pushing

But up there

at Ranji a,

it's rockface on both sides

with a narrow passage in between

you can just scrape through.

Since then I'm thinking

what's left?

What else can we do?

We've spent everything on his treatment..

I thought to myself about

both of them out there

working this last year

to bring home a bit extra

and pay the doctors for his Pa.

But it's never enough

I should get'some work

but my youngest is at school,

he says Ma, don't go

I've got enough to eat.

Come on, don't cry,

it doesn't do any good.

And talking won't change it.

He only needs 20 yua n a week

He walks to school

and back at night

his pants all cold and wet.

I wanted you back here

to move the bricks into the house.

But I left them there,

and they stole them.

It's across town, see.

I called you back to help us out.

We're here now, but this year, again, we have n't earned much.

When you called, we were just lucky,

at the last minute, the film crew

said we could come with them

I can't move the bricks back myself.

So this time,

I needed your help

Have I ever called you back before?

Ok, tomorrow I'll have a look.

What about the spring onions?

Some on each table.

Easy does it.

Is the food cooked?

Yes, I think so.

That's a nice hat, Auntie.

Yes, it's cold

It looks thick

Woollen ear flaps.

and wool on the top.

Deng Chao not back yet?

They're up at the site.

They're still there?

They haven't been paid like last time

Anyone else with him?

There's Liang Tao.

Have you got dried chili?

What do you want it for?

Time was, there were ten or more of them working there..

Now they're down to two or three

Here, put it over there.

Where are the eggs?

Down there.

I'll bring it up in a minute.

Needs a pinch of salt and some chili..

GO ahead and eat

Not hungry, Sis?

I'm ok.

I've been a bit tense since that day.

It must have shaken you.

I've lost my appetite.

That's how I am.

Don't mind me.

Why don't just you go?

Wait a sec, ok?

Grandma?

Are you here all alone?

Grandma

Oh, it's you!

My four youngest kids

take care of me,

so the two eldest don't have to

Mother,

really,

don't be anxious or lose sleep

- He called me for some reason. -- Old Dong called her,

telling her not to worry.

He's right, you know.

You shouldn't worry yourself so much

Awake all night, she's so tired

she can hardly recognize me!

And she just sits there.

These days,

've slept well.

But one night,

after a while, I opened my eyes

all of a sudden,

and was awake till morning

If your body can rest. you'll feel better.

Yesterday I was dog-tired.

My son Gui, who died young was calling me.

Did you raise the chopsticks?

The chopsticks?

They said...

They stood up straight

I feel better.

But I need to wait a bit and see

I can rest easier.

- Let me take that one, here. It's too heavy for you.

My hands are freezing?*+3

What's up? Where are you off to?

Just out for a walk

Let me go first.

SLU DIAN, YUNNAN

Ma!

Second Aunt! Xiao Bao!

Is the dog tied up?

How come you're here?

Cousin wants me to go with him

to Guizhou, but I don't know.

That road,

it's pretty dangerous.

Very icy..

Let's freshen up first.

Weather's clearing up, though

Tell him to wait a few days.

Mama!

She's over there

Where?

Over there

Put on your thick coat.

It's very cold

Freezing

She's there, washing vegetables

No point working with all this ice.

Get a cut of pork This one.

Take it to her.

Leave that here first

The rind is very thick

It's enough for a meal. with the leftovers.

This piece will do.

Shall I put this back?

Yeah, we don't need it

They're so needy, asking for help

for every little thing.

That pig they killed last night weighed 300 Ib..

That's all?

- 150 kilos. - That's not so small.

150 kilos, that's not bad

It seemed bigger

To ok 3 of us to drag it, and noisy too.

Are you going to wash that and hang it up?.

Three people To drag the pig?

Right, huffing and puffing

We bought a small one, 80 or 90 Ibs.

80 or90

Probably underfed.

It doesn't want to eat.

Two last year, two this year.. They don't eat, just can't feed them.

Other people's pigs eat anything. tasty, bland, sour, smelly....

Fourth Brother says

you have to feed them here,

where you can hear if they're chomping away.

Ours just roots around for ever picking and choosing

Where are you going, Ma?

To chop vegetables.

You put too much in, it won't cook.

That'll do.

Top up with water? - Yep.

This rice doesn't need much water.

I feel more and more depressed.

thinking of the future, how we can even survive.

I just think

things can't go on like this.

mean, if nothing changes,

what happens when they grow old and can't even move.

or manage on their own?

The burden on me will be huge,

can't carry it

I've been thinking.

why not stay on my own,

I don't need, you know..

ok by myself

The more I think about it,

living alone would be

the best thing for me.

My parents told me, may be

I should stop looking for treatment

and accept that. I won't have children.

accept tha have chi

Well, I couldn't do that.

But you could still adopt.

couldn't you?

It's hard nowadays

adopting children

And in our situation.

if things don't change

raising a child.

will be even harder.

I'm basically pretty stubborn

but I guess Mu Fei is the same.

he really wanted this,

and in the end, I gave in'to my feelings.

I mean, right from the start

we should never have hooked up.

His parents were against it,

so I should have made a'clean break.

should have said no. and not listened to him

But it's too late now. that's all in the past.

Run, Ma, run

Slow down!

Stop, stop, they say stop

Stop the car

Help them out.

Out of the car!

We stop here, come on.

Make way, kids.

Out, out, come on!

Piggyback time, now or never!

Still in the car? Out, Liang Xi anglian!

Is the bride ready? Carefully now..

Hurray!

Let everyone catch up.

Forget the film crew. Let them go ahead.

Move the wedding car,

it's in the way, park it up there.

Ready? Let's go!

Piggyback!

Won't be easy..

Use a stick. he'll walk faster!

A riding crop!

- A little whip! No nose bag?

Come on, run!

Get that horse moving.

A whip, a whip!

Phew, I need a rest.

My legs are killing me

Don't quit, Shi We i!

Hang in there, brother!

Carry the bride!

Don't give up!

This is your big day!

So what are you doing?

Brother, what day is it today?

Tell them, brother, what are you doing?

It's your wedding day,

and you're fetching the bride! -

So, what are you doing?

Where's that whip?

If we don't bait you where's the fun?

The bride's family will complain!

For sure!

Slowly does it.

She'll catch cold! No, I will!.

Pants off! Hey, give me a break

You dropped your flower.

Get going, then!

Give him some blinkers.

Are we doing this, or what?

Where are the blinkers?

Are the rest of you going to help?

A bottle of water, a bottle of mud!

Where are the balloons?

Let's move! Up she goes!

They're all too easy on you.

Easy-p easy.

Slowly, don't rush.

Hey, look!

Here they come.

Look at Auntie, she's so pretty

So where's the confetti gang?

Here we are!

That stuff's freezing!

Ok, off we go again!

Last stretch and that's it.

Let's go.

It's tricky here,

careful not to slip

There's ice everywhere.

Just wait!

Hey, we have to shout now!

There's your uncle.

Say " Happy Wedding Day ".

Let's go up.

Give him your Dad's envelope.

Don't laugh! I can manage

Another one.

Here, take this one.

You dropped a red envelope!

We'll get it later

Your auntie's not here,

nor your big brother So it's up to you!..

Little brother's turn. Accept the gifts..

Young master!

And young master's red envelope?

Look at the kids

how they all gather around the bride

You can step over this way.

Goodies! Free for all!

Have you seen Tao tao's mom?

Who? Tao tao's mother.

Where is she?

Meeting you, I thought. MIKI BANA am the luckiest of men

And then I fell in love, and now

MIKI BANA I am the happiest of them

To the happy couple!

MIKI BANA Shi We i!

They're calling you!

Has Liang Xi anglian. made you the happiest man?

Do you want to say a few words?

Go on, they want a speech

What can I say?

Just say, thank you all for coming.

Ok, well, folks,

seems you all made it!

And haven't even eaten yet!

Thank you all so much for coming

How about "health and good fortune "

Spring is here again, blossoms on the hill

Seeds are in the soil,. and the crops are growing still

Isn't she something?

A proper little jewel.

I sing and she dances!

Thank you sweetheart!

WANG JIANG, ANHUI PROVINCE

It's weird, it just won't spin out.

You just need practice.. Yeah, first time..

Just can't seem to cast it right

I'll get it out there in the end

Those guys get it. way out there, first shot.

Water's pretty choppy.

O k, now you look like a real fisherman.

That's i t, I guess

No luck

Not a sausage

And I got mud in my socks

I need practice Then you can brag

Catch anything? Nothing

There must be fish, right? In the Yangtze?.

Sure, but they're not biting Right.

There's fish,. I just can't catch them

It's raining Good for fishing, they say

I can fish alright.

No problem.

It's just not the right place

They won't bite.

Ever fished before?

Let's call it a day

For line fishing. you need all these hooks

No other way, right?

Well, there is, actually

Electrofishing, with a bike battery.

Who can cast a line that far?

But it's illegal

Out there in midstream?

Much too risky Let's try over there

I wouldn't dare

Nobody does it, you'd get caught

HOME OF CHEN QING TAO

We're going into town tomorrow, son.

Didn't you go yesterday?

Where? Come over here first.

Leave the kid at home and come over.

Ma wants me to go to Wang jiang

We're going tomorrow.

She needs me to go with her.

Tomorrow.

So come over.

Put gas in the tank and we can go.

Take the kid to Wei's place,

he can sleep there tonight.

We i can bring him back tomorrow.

You should wash your clothes.

Aren't we going tomorrow?

So dirty.

I've got things to do

What things?

I already told you.

I have to buy thread

Work stuff, don't concern yourself.

Stubborn child. - You treat me like an idiot!

So pig-headed.

And I need shoes

Your sister's place isn't ready you can't take people there..

You can't always believe her,

she says one thing. then another.

You don't know her,

so don't talk about what you don't know.

I know'her, see.

She's a good girl. not like you.

Sure, not like me.

You don't care.

She's doing her place up all new.

That's what I heard.

She's made money.

You hardly ever see her!

So don't talk if you don't know.

You never listen to your big sister.

She talks big. but she doesn't do much.

You're just like her.

I'll tell them they can eat with us

My longest time away was in Shanghai.

I worked there 6 or 7 years

On building sites?

Right, bricklaying.

Not a bad job

Now you're mostly in Wuhan?

Yes, these last two years.

A lot of construction firms have gone bust..

The small contractors are gone too,

They can't make money

Gone? How?

The suppliers. Small sub-contractors.

There are fewer of them now.

It seems construction is in trouble.

It's the property market

They were building more each year,

now there's a surplus

More flats than people!

Back in those days,

on the building sites,

a lot of the guys

didn't bother to go home even for New Year,

just spent it there at the site.

Sichuan ese don't care much about New Year.

They can't be bothered, they're making money.

Or they have lots of kids,

and they stay away

to avoid getting arrested under the one-child policy.

Too many kids..

Best to stay away.

That's often the reason.

Others stay behind to look after the kids and the old folk,

and work a bit from home.

But staying at home with the kids.

you can't really make money.

At most you can cover your living expenses.

Others come home for New Year?

That's what most people do.

Some come more often just for a few days..

Have some more food.

So we're not at home much.

And that's not great.

- Dig in! - We're good.

Had enough?

You need to eat!

CHINESE NEW-YEAR-2016 FEAST OF GOD OF-PROSPERITY

- Second Brother? - I'm Third Brother.

- Is he coming

- I'm Li Sheng - Li Sheng, right.

Tell them to go outside,

with the old man

Gongs, stand over here!

Who said to go that way?

You two go down, there are seats.

There are two seats for you, see.

Over here, you two!

Here, sit down.

There's a free table.

Over there.

F ang Lingping!. They're calling you.

Wait, where are you going?

Come and sit down!

We can squeeze three more in here.

Three more.

hese are your places, come on.

Join us here.

Don't worry, we'll make room.

You three change places

We're in the wrong seats.

Here, you three can move

and sit over there.

There you go Room for one more here.

And you two here, that's perfect.

This is the bride's place.

Right here.

Come on, everyone.

Some for you? You go ahead.

She can't reach

Drinks!

Cheers!

Is my face messed up?

It was already, with all that smiling.

You'll get wrinkles.

Do I look awful? Just don't laugh

If I stand back, how does it look?

Go back further.

The smj ling's ruined your make-up.

How about here?

Not far enough.

Any closer, it's obvious

T

f you'd set it properly would hold.

Whatever you do That d t costs 100 yuan!

Whatever it takes, right?

- Fang Fang? - Huh?

- Who's that? - It's me..

Anyone with you?

Shh, keep it down.

Here's the room.. Or leave your stuff with me.

Ok.

While you're out looking

May be we'll find something tonight.

So we can leave this?

Just stick it in there.

Best leave it here under the bed.

So let's go. - Leave it there.

How many? Two.

Four of us,. three plus a trainee

He's never used these machines?

That's ok, we have some flat-beds.

Can he work a computerised machine?

He could do that.. - Anyone can use one!

We have lots of those too

More than twenty

One or two trainees are no problem.

You pay by the piece, right?

Yes, the other workers will explain.

Don't worry about that now, just ask the others..

Hey, over here.

This machine needs fixing

Here, your scissors

You don't know how to thread it,

you'll have to learn.

And go slow on the pedal

The thread snapped.

You need to work the pedal more gently.

It's better if you stand up.

Pedal slowly pull the thread tight

Gently does it, see.

Too fast, and it snaps.

Ok, stop.

Now you have to go very slow,

so it presses down slowly

Look where my foot is.

My foot! Don't look at my hands

What?

Hey, stop. Stop pedalling.

What's wrong?

Just stop, don't move.

You can't let it twist, it'll snap.

Don't turn it! have to, it's dangerous.

Nearly cut my hand.

Don't fuss.

You have to wedge this in

then the needle will come down smoothly

Then a forward turn, see?

Turning it back is dangerous.

Yimin Road, sixty

Where exactly

Number 67

Uhuh, ok.

Alright, we'll come

Forget the bed, we. have. to go

Hey, let's go

We can do that later. Why?

eave the covers.

- We have to go. - Where?

There's a better place

Let's not take our stuff yet,

-- Check it out first. - Exactly, leave it here.

Ok, leave the bags here.

But don't be too picky about places,

we can still come back here.

Where are they working?

dunno yet where sister is. I'll ask..

can tell them to come by,

see for themselves

You can tell her I'm working here.

But she might not remember me.

She will.

Hi, Sis? Find something?

I'm here, let's work together.

Right. Did you go to another shop?

So where are you working?

I have friends here.

Jin Cheng.

You know, I worked with him before.

Jin Cheng.

No way she'll remember me.

Ok, so you're there,

whatever, but I'll be working here

Which side does the sun come up?

In the East.. Right, but where's that?

We'll see tomorrow, won't we?

The sun rises in the East

But do you know where that is?

Check your compass. Top is North, left is East.

-I know all that! - No, left is West.

Learn to read a compass!-

- East is here Let me see.

Up is North, down is South.

It's South!

Forget the compass. It's South.

So this side would be North.

Up is East, down is North.

This blanket needs washing.

So change it, if you want a clean one.

Get organized.

That side is North

Over there is East.

Up North, down South.

Better just wash it myself.

That should take you 10 minutes. Not half an hour.

Concentrate.

Not like that. See this corner?

Watch me.

Just pull out this corner..

See?

And it just flips.

It's easy, you don't have to pull.

Like this, see..

Go on, then!

No need to poke it through

just use the small scissors,

it's easier.

Pass it through,

right to the end,

then like this.

and there's your corner.

Then poke through, both sides.

Just coax it a bit, don't force it.

You can give it a little twitch if you need to,

but just once, and then

it should come right out.

That way, it'll take you all week

See? Look how many I've done.

And you?

So you do them.. - And what will you do?

I mean, why work? We can just starve.

Uh-oh...

It's cut a lot off.

How much?

No, don't cut, it's automatic!

You don't need to cut!

It's like the stitching.

You know how to seam, right?.

Align it and let it run.

- Keep it even. -- What about this?

Keep this straight, it'll press down and cut.

It's automatic?

Turn it slowly, hold tight with this hand

Slow and easy.

Right.

Hey, this hand has to move!

Towards that side.

Or you'll lose control.

Load another one show me.

You're hand's still too stiff!

Be more flexible

Hey, watch out, don't put it there!

That's really dangerous!

Pull it tight.

Don't touch the presser foot!

Pull the foot down.

inish that one, you only did half.

Just do as I say!

You still haven't got it

Keep going! Finish it!

How dumb can you.. You took it off

and can't get it back on again

Bow ties, all day

Morning till night

You can't even stitch straight. and we're making bow ties.

Takes you 10 minutes instead of two or three.

Ok, give me that.

Only that one left.

Who's ignorant now?

Marry a man with an education they said

That's you, right?

So what are you doing here?

Shouldn't you be going to college?

still know more than you.

What a pain.

Fix this, mend that

Do you realize

the time it takes?

To fix all this?

I know! I can do it.

Alright, go on then, let's see!

Oh, do it yourself

And then tie, twist and stitch! Right?

I'll do it this once, ok? But next time you mess up the cut.

you can figure it out yourself.

Can't handle it?

Sure I can.

Piggyback.

No way.

You were saying?

Hold me up.

Quick, I'm slipping

I'm slipping!

Aiya!

What a pest.

- My legs are numb. - Serves you right.

Screw you too.

You ask them, ok?

Look, next door they're hiring

Hi! Our duvet's too thin

We need a thicker one.

Ah, he says you can't use his machine.

You'll have to try elsewhere

-- He won't let me use it?. - I asked, but he says sorry, no.

There's a place.

Hiring machinists.... and knitwear workers.

They need machinists.

We can ask, check it out.

Hell, we're qualified

Let's ask.

JUK So? You want to work here?

I might have a contact here.

Their machines are really old

No luck there either, they're full up..

And that other place will be the same

Might as well head back

No-one's hiring

Or they're out of business.

A real bummer.

We may not find work here this year.

Too many machinists around

It's not that.

A lot of shops have quit, or gone bust.

What happened?

It's so quiet.

That's it, we've reached the end.

And it's really cold.

my feet are frozen.

It's always so bloody cold.

So? What do we do?

I say we drop it.

We can check out of here

and go work with Mom

at my sister's'shop

That's a useless idea

Oh, why?

How would that work?

If we can work there, What's the difference?

Back home,

you don't know what they're paying now.

Rates are bad all over.

You think she has work for three more?.

And it's your sister's shop.

We won't get living expenses.

It wouldn't feel right

Why do you say that?

Really.

And they can't tell you what you're earning

till the season's over

They'll only pay us when we're done.

Are you filming here?

Filming the rain!

Come on in!

You posted that! Piss off, cousin

Right, fatty!.

Hold me till the very end

Our happiness has grown so thin,

Look, just skin and bone!

Those flowery promises we swore,

Now just made-to-measure chains

Who can promise we'll get free?

See that?

Fuck, what's this bruise?

Is it serious?

Was it you?

Are you crazy? You left a scar.

Has to be you.

Are you chatting with Ming xiu?

Oh no! Forgot to recharge.

Ouch!

That hurt.

Ten yuan!

Two people.

Write "you owe me a kiss."

Give us a kiss, then!

Scram! I'm not telling

You can tell me, I'm family

Sure, what's she to you?

Am I nobody?

I'm me, see. - Yeah, a dickhead.

So you fancy Li Tao?

I don't want to know what you texted.

Hey Jin Cheng, give me 10

and I'll show him.

So? I'm'broke.

No money, no deal.

Here, go ahead

say it should be 20

Why 20? 10 plus 10

Ten! Ten yuan!

Only ten? For two?

So how much?

Jin Jin will bet you.

Here, you tell me.

What's that?

That pretty girl in the photo looks like you.

- Never mind.. - Eh? Let me see!

I didn't say that.

- Who, then? - Not me.

That was definitely you!

Not me, honest.

It is you, just look.

No way. The one in black

Bullshit. Wait, I've got the recording

There!

See? It wasn't me. - It was you!.

Watch me jump.

You're too fat.

Better than being a dumbass

Then we go and eat?

What?

No, I'm not hungry.

Any old place will do.

May be down that way.

Nah, we always go there.

- Where, then? -Depends.

That place is better,

I often eat there.

Let's move, let's go.

Are you guys working?

What's that?.

Where have you been?

I found a doll!

In his room!

So it's yours now? You want money?

It looks like me. You're right!.

Looks like me.

It's bald.. Show me, Went ing.

Went ing!

Come on, bring it here.

Went ing!

Where are you running to?

Come on.

Scram!

See that? She tried to kick me

- It actually looks like her - Look at it!

It's got no hair!

Good point.

That's not me!

So who is it?

Bald like that. You shaved its head!

Well, I'm off.

The machines are ok

So leave them

They don't need stripping.

Where are my big scissors?

Can't you see?

Where?

Easy, isn't it?

Easy, right?. missed it again

So what's your trick?

Hold it tighter.

I'm holding it even tighter than you do.

Bullshit, Lin Shao

Same to you.

See that?

didn't see.

Watch how I pull it.

Pull it faster.

See that?

You call that tight?

That's not tight?

Look, it's loose here. HAnd now?

The boss says they're too loose

I say they're tight! say they're loose

Hey, look at this.

Switch it off, I'm'sleepy.

I have to start work now

and I'm really sleepy.

What happened?

messed it up.

Wrong way round.

I messed up the seam.

It'll be ok. Are you sure?

Won't take a minute.

The seam was wrong.

but I've fixed it now.

What's with you today?

Nothing, why?

Why not go and chat, then?

Up to you

Who cares what I think

if you like it, you should chat.

Every day, I don't care.

Who's showering first? Me.

Five minutes, tops.

I'll go first then.

We could go see my brother.

You know the place.

Get away!

We could look up Liu Qing

2 Come and see.

What?

Shush. Where do they work?

Liu Qing?

Hi, I'm looking for Liu Qing,

she's a really good friend

I heard she's there every day,

so we'd like to come over.

Maybe this Sunday.

That's the only time we can go.

are you guys free?

What are you eating?

Eating instead of working.

Did you get ciggies?

I don't smoke.

You can't smoke here

- Are you clocking on? - What for?

It's too hot to work

How much have you made?

What? I haven't made much

Broke, but still eating

Does that machine even work? Should be scrapped.

Heap of junk

Hardly even works

That one over the re's still ok

Just give it one kick

Yeah, it's a piece of shit

- She lets you curse? - She's family.

She made no money last season.

How do you eat?

So do I get kicked?

- Kicking me out? - No more snacks.

Eats up all our money. should really kick her out.

Go on then.

Let's work.

You have to do a good job that's all.

You seem to work hard

I can't make money, so I sleep in, fuck it.

What did you make last season?

20, 0o0 for two people and a trainee.

The other day I got up late say 10-15 minutes.

So the boss calls. I didn't dare to pick up

You have aircon? -Nope

Me neither, it's like an oven.

Can't work now without aircon.

What do they think?

Do you have aircon?

You like this position? You like it this way?

On the floor.

You're crazy!

You're not gonna...

You're really crazy!

Hey, film this!

That's enough, okay?

I don't like it.

Just having fun

Asshole

Maybe you should go home

Or slap her fac.

don't like it either.

What shall I do with her?

Roll me over, in the clover..

- Let's go. - Go where?

Back to our workshop.

The drinks!

Leaving the bag?

I got it.

You want it?

Sure, I'll carry it.

I obey, don't hit me.

Obedient husband

Come on, off we go.

Hurry up,. I have to wash my hair!

Fuck that, who cares.

My phone..

Get the lights, let's go.

Don't worry about me.

And the fan.

So much work.

The lights.

That one too.

Got your phone?

And in here?

Let them do it.

2018

396?

That's a lot, better check.

You have any over 400 Lin Shao?

This one's the highest,

396.

I have one over 400

400 and what?

460 and some

- What? - 460 plus

Impossible!

ou made a mistake

Even 360 is high, how could it be 460?

No way.

That's over the top

Look for yourself!

Come on, how could you do 460?

You've never seen 450?

Not possible

See for yourself.

I will. I don't believe it.

23, 24, 24... 25, 24.

24, 24, 25, 25, 24, 24.

This one's amazing!

Some are over 30, right?

Nah, 20-something at most.

There's no mistake.. I checked it four times.

Four times? Yup.

That's a record

She really did 457 pieces!

Over 400 pieces? No way

That's just plain scary!

Here's another sheet with 30 plus per line.

Fuck, mine are nowhere near that

So normally, in six months.

what would you expect to make?

Seems I made 37, 000

I'm done - I got it wrong last time.

Last time I made 10, 000

Shall I take my pay book down?

Yes. Everybody?

Only if they've been checked, right?

You took yours down?

Take it now, the boss is there.

Mine comes out at 360.

He's toddling off again Where are you off to?

ding off again.

I'm heading home tomorrow.

Tomorrow morning

My hair's filthy. Really greasy.

I washed my hands, they're still black.

- No, baby, it's raining outside! -Daddy!

t's raining Outside!

Stay here!

Stay inside, it's too wet to play

Zhang qing, call the driver.

Call that carshare driver.

- Are you upstairs?. - Yeah, call me when he comes.

Alright.

- What? I'll call you.

- Right, when he gets here. - Ok, just wait..

Come down!

Hey!

Come down! - I'm coming!

Hurry up! - Right.

Where are you?

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2019

It's pretty wet..

Those pants he wore the other day,

they're nice. he could wear those.

Put those on him.

So he can have a change.

It's not easy, but I'll manage.

He wets the m. I change them.

My little treasure

His jacket's fine.

- Don't tuck it in - Sure.

Nearly done. He's quicker than me!

- He's dry, doesn't need wiping - Wet the cloth.

Did you wring out the water?

Sure, it's. dry.

Just look at you, then!

Do you want some rice or what?

Just some rice. - I'll get him some.

Hard to please, are we?

Right,, then. Off we go

Let's wrap you up.

Clothes on? Shh, don't wake him.

- We're quiet. - Seriously?

Very quiet.

Not too tight, a bit looser.

Look how you've wrapped him!

Daily routine...

There, there, don't cry.

She can munch on this.

Over here. There you are.

Mommy's got work to do, alright?

Of f I go!

Have to go.

Mommy, let's go!

I'm staying with you! - Go!

- We can play. - Let's go!

We'll play together.

Downstairs, alright?

Sunny day tomorrow, at last.

Where are you off to?

Granny has. an orange for you

Come to granny, cuddles.

Don't run away now!

Come on, little one.

Your baby's gone

Let her go, it's fine

Come back, baby Let her toddle

Put them there

Don't worry, I got the firecrackers.

Quickly Take the bags.

Small firecrackers?

Just check, ok?

rou can use-these

Ok, I've got more

What are you waiting for?

To set this one off!

Go on then

Take the bags, I'll light this one

Light it up Go on, I'll take this

Now you can go.

Not so near!

Ok? Ready, set go!

Go!

Nearly there.

'came a few years ago.

Burned some paper.

Good thing I'm here, isn't it?

It's just up here.

We can put all this down and make our offering

Move it away a bit.

Light the crackers

Ma, accept this food

Step back

Kowtow. Now the crackers

Over here!

AN STAN