Original subtitles

in coproduction with

with the support of

with the participation of

YOUTH

HARD TIMES

ZHILI, ZHEJIANG PROVINCE, 2015

Hey, wait!

What?

I heard what the old lady said.

So what?

I don't care.

- Those are my scissors! - Chill.

WORKSHOP AT 57 XISHENG ROAD, ZHILI

You done yet?

Stop after this one, ok?

WANG WENBING ("Turtle"), 21, from Anqing, Anhui Province

Fuck, wait for me!

You still have loads to do.

My ma.

You doing one bundle?

- My ma's coming to help me do the hems.

She's on her way.

On her day off?

Your ma's coming to do your job?

Just to help.

HE QI, 21, from Anqing, Anhui Province

I'll slow down a bit.

Turtle, give me a smoke and I'll wait for you.

First to finish hands out ciggies.

You're the slow one.

Just letting you catch up.

Who needs your help?

I bought some water

when I dropped in on your sister.

Where is it?

I forgot to take it

and didn't like to go back just to get it.

Too many layers!

What's wrong with this thing?

They're not lined up.

Don't worry.

Keep them flat.

You press them down flat

with your hand.

Tell me about it.

All these needles are blunt!

Five or six layers is too thick.

It'll never work.

You just have to know how.

Too many layers.

When it's thick, you take it slow,

don't rush,

firm and steady.

Three models in one day!

What's up?

Not working?

So come over.

Uh-huh.

- Where are you? - Right here!

Where did you go?

You're working tomorrow.

I don't even have his number.

Oh yeah, how?

I just do.

Do you know anyone here?

They're still working.

Who do you know?

My sister's still working.

- Where? - In this shop.

ZHANG XIANG, 20, from Anqing, Anhui Province

Here?

Your sister's here?

What, here?

No, not here!

So she's inside?

She'll be out soon.

She's still working.

Can't she get away?

They're busy and short of people.

Oh, right.

See you outside, ok?

Did your ma call?

She came by already.

Get some smokes!

Wait for me outside!

I'll be along.

I just need to.

Check something out.

What?

Any money in it?

I'll go later.

Ah Jie's gone.

What do we do?

He's gone.

Come on, I know this chick.

I have to finish.

You sure she's there?

Who is she?

I had to wash yesterday's bundle,

it's not finished.

She's cute. You're not interested?

Here, I'll show you.

She's pretty cool.

You're really chasing girls like her?

You meet her online?

No, man, I know her!

Look, here's a photo.

She's real!

I'll ask her over.

When will they fix this machine?

No chance, it's all clogged up.

keep breaking needles.

The bobbin case is wobbly,

so the needle gets stuck,

then it comes up again and the thread snaps.

Too much crap inside.

It worked fine before.

Well, now it's filthy.

Never had a problem.

I told you, it's clogged!

Bound to get stuck.

There you go.

Just needed cleaning.

So it works now?

The case isn't broken?

No.

But it will need replacing soon.

Let's not wait,

do it now.

It can wait.

Cool it, the boss will pay.

They're expensive.

The boss will pay.

You think so? Sure.

Tell him what I said.

You can tell him yourself.

He keeps pushing me to work faster!

How can with this thing?

And cut the loose threads.

What threads?

Did he ask you to cut them?

Eh?

You have to trim the threads, right?

I don't get it.

The loose ends!

Loose ends?

That's right.

Doesn't matter.

Oh, really? Nope.

This machine can't do that.

What does he expect?

It's slowing me down.

You know I'm the fastest worker here?

The fastest talker, anyway.

And pretty sure of yourself.

WANG YULAN, 22, from Anqing, Anhui Province

Fed-up.

Don't leave your stuff here.

Take it all-upstairs.

The door.

Have to close it.

Shall we?

Let's go down and see.

Yalong's back at work.

Not like you two.

The boss is fixing your machine.

It's all in pieces!

Where's the presser foot?

And the rest of it?

He took your batch down too.

He could see the presser foot was sticking,

so he took it apart. Just your machine.

Where did he put it?

No idea.

He couldn't find the screwdrivers,

and you were still in bed.

What about Yalong's? He didn't touch it.

- And Turtle's? - Neither.

Yesterday he went up

but couldn't find anybody.

Someone opened the door and yelled "Yalong!"

Hey, don't film me.

Film someone downstairs.

Not me.

Film one of those guys next door.

Hey, bro...

There are girls here.

Stick around, no rush.

How about us four

get something to eat?

Three girls, right?

Plus two next door.

Hey Turtle, let's eat.

What?

Let's just go down,

find a place for a snack.

They're buying, aren't they?

The shop next door is hiring

- Three jobs going. - Three?

Have to check.

Where are they from?

They're from our town.

- What's it like? - What?

The conditions.

Working conditions.

They're straight about rates.

I know, I've seen the place.

I know the tailor at no. 61.

Any girls there?

Our boss is a bit touchy.

There's work here. If you all go...

- Do it quickly. - Quick or slow,

it won't matter,

that's just how he is.

So you're quitting?

There's work if you want it.

He hasn't told you to go.

Or has he?

He said, "if you don't like it, go!"

Really?

The guy's crazy.

That's just how he talks.

He's not really pushing you.

But you want to stay?

I can, I don't have to.

I'd have to find a new place.

- Takes time. - Let's all go.

I'll stick with Turtle.

And dump me, right?

I need to find a good shop.

What do you say?

Are you coming or not?

You want to earn more?

If I take a delivery job,

I won't earn much.

Maybe 300¥ a night.

Found anything yet?

I'll help you.

You decide.

Where?

Anywhere you say.

You choose.

You'll have to go sometime.

- Where? - We'll ask Turtle.

Turtle!

Wanna go find a shop?

You go.

I have to find one for you?

You don't have to stay here.

Right?

Do you want to?

- I'm leaving. - What?

I'm off.

So let's find somewhere else.

Don't feel like it.

One with girls.

Whatever.

So what do you want?

Lots of girls there.

So what, man.

Lots of girls here.

- Two. - Eh?

HUA LAO, 21, from Anqing, Anhui Province

Two girls.

And what they both want

LIU WANGHONG, 24, from Changling, Anhui Province

is a a guy who'll live with their family.

That's the big fashion now,

to bring home a son-in-law.

True, but they don't all find one.

That's what they're after, though.

Problem with that is,

you get exploited by the in-laws.

Living in her family

Sounds nice,

but you're on the spot.

Not so good.

These girls...

So what's the problem?

You got both families on your back.

Your parents don't like it and you work for your in-laws.

You know what?

You just have to make a heap of cash,

work hard and save money.

Do everything, basically.

That's your marriage,

it's no joyride.

- It was for sons from poor families. - True.

If you complain back home

your own parents bawl you out.

They won't listen to you, they just say,

"You have your own family now".

Exactly.

They'll help us for a while,

till they hit sixty, then the pressure builds up.

You can earn money, but that's not enough.

You're the new head of the family.

You take a wrong step, they curse you.

You can't do anything right.

And the whole neighborhood joins in.

So if you're getting the same from your wife,

you're in deep shit,

you'll just be her poodle.

My legs hurt,

let's hang out inside.

I can't, some other time.

You little devil!

WORKSHOP AT 43 XISHENG ROAD, ZHILI

Hurry up and finish, Li Mao.

XU FENG, 21, from Anqing, Anhui Province

Why?

want to take a shower.

You'll be back late.

Don't worry.

I spoke with the boss yesterday.

No need to bother him,

we're off soon anyway.

What do you mean?

That's a bit sexy.

What? It's not a porn movie!

A bit daring, though.

I look like a coal miner.

He's right!

How many in that bundle?

Fourteen.

It was the girl we saw last night.

- From the shop at no. 9. - Cool outfit.

They would have to film her.

You think she looked that good?

And there's a girl at no. 6.

How do you know?

I saw a picture.

He's the fastest now.

- Who? - The guy behind you.

Fuck!

Yeah, I know...

How much he makes.

7000, tops.

Every day in here,

the noise.

WORKSHOP AT 61 XISHENG ROAD, ZHILI

Mm, that smells good!

Yeah, wow.

- Lijun! - Yes?

HAO LIJUN, 20, from Yatan, Anhui Province

Is the first time you brought him takeaway?

Put it over there for now.

All this still to do?

The whole pile?

Yup.

RAO ZHIQIANG, 24, from Yatan, Anhui Province

Oh no, not again!

You've threaded it wrong.

Slip it in carefully.

Ok, I see.

Not that needle.

This one here.

Why doesn't the bottom thread come up?

What?

Why doesn't it sew?

I don't get it.

can't really see.

- Lijun. - Yes?

Where are you from?

The village next to his.

I can't find the needle, and he's gone.

Bring them over.

Have you cut them?

Should this belt have a patch?

No, overedge stitch, then sew the tab.

What?

You sew the button tab.

Bring yours over.

Hey, come on.

Here you go.

I have one left to do.

See, look up there.

Each naked lie that tears a hole

In my heart and in my soul

Teasing words that all the while

Hide the daggers in your smile

Each naked lie that tears my soul..

JIN QUANBING, 19, from Huaining, Anhui Province

Dai Ting said, when she says hello

you just ignore her.

Do we take out the crotch piece?

On this model?

Hey!

Right, after assembly.

I didn't do it that way.

Slow and steady, don't rush it.

Easy does it.

I'm sewing the panels together.

Take it slow.

Have you brought them?

The ones for this model?

- I took them down. - Were they assembled like this?

Those crotchless pants,

the way he makes them..

He has his own technique.

Completely different.

Not easy. For sure.

You could try it.

It's hard.

The boss' wife is away, who's checking?

But if he checks..

They don't all have to be perfect.

Just make sure the top ones look good,

they won't notice the difference.

That's how they do it at no. 4.

- What do you know? - Piss off!

Here we go...

Just shut it.

Always bitching.

I just follow the original.

- I'll go down and show him. - We did them the same way.

If yours are ok, we're good.

So, they say you have gifts

for all the girls?

Not at all.

You're still the king.

JIN CHENGZI, 21, from Huaining, Anhui Province

That's what they say at the ice skating rink.

He just wired her 200¥.

How much?

Nothing to boast about.

Sure, forget it.

Doesn't mean anything.

Rink tickets have gone up.

Yeah, used to be 12¥.

Full of chicks there yesterday.

I have to do some hems,

where's the bobbin?

It's in there.

Here I am.

- Nearly done. - Ok.

So many left to do?

Hurry up, then.

All done.

They're selling fruit.

What have they got?

Apples and oranges.

How much are the oranges?

Dunno.

Let's go.

Why are you calling?

What is it?

Ok, go on.

Oi!

The street's full of people.

You all still here?

Lounging around...

Who's lounging?

Not tired yet?

We're done.

He looks younger than me.

Course he is.

And getting married?

So young!

Not really.

Is Lijun younger than you?

Three years younger.

Three or four?

How old are you?

He's my age.

How about you?

Born in '91.

And your girl?

'95.

I thought you were three years apart?

She was born in '95.

February '95.

I'm a few years older.

Your future wife?

- What? - Your fiancée.

She's too young to marry.

Is that what she says?

Haven't you met her family yet?

- It's only been 2 years. - Not 3 or 4?

No, two years.

A bit more.

Two years, hmm.

You'll need a big sheet of fabric.

WORKSHOP AT 80 XISHENG ROAD, ZHILI

Does she still have a lot to redo?

FU YUN, 23, from Shipai, Anhui Province

FANG LINGPING, 23, from Shipai, Anhui Province

What did he say just now?

LIN SHAO, 17, from Shipai, Anhui Province Brother of Fang Lingping

CHEN XIUWANG, 45, from Anqing, Anhui Province

You go first.

What are you doing?

Stitching and assembling belt bands.

CAO DEYIN, 26, from Wangjiang, Anhui Province

Is it easy?

It's ok.

Hurry up, I need to use that.

In a hurry, are we?

You're stitching belt-bands, right?

Well, hurry, I've got some to do.

You don't need the overlock for that.

Is there another machine free?

Of course!

I haven't finished here.

Fine, but I'll need it in a moment.

I'm exhausted.

Today was really hard.

But the other girls?

Mei, Chun, Li Hong, they're fast!

Faster than us, for sure.

San even gave me thread when ran out,

and two pieces of printed fabric.

Did they have to redo any?

Yes, today they did.

Quite a few!

Oh, I didn't realize.

What are you going to do?

I envy you.

For having so many to redo?

I'm exhausted!

Still four pairs of pants to finish.

But I'm nearly done.

Really fed up with it.

I'm sleepy.

She should go so we can sleep.

I can't tell her.

Is she following you?

Trying to.

I'll tell them I want to go home.

I'll finish the reworking, then go.

I have some washing to do.

What a drag!

I'm just too slow.

I've got some here too.

- Washing? - Don't worry, I'll do it.

What is it?

Dirty socks.

They dry quickly here.

What are you doing?

Was that my bottle?

- Yeah, so? - Good thing it's not glass.

You should be more careful.

Don't hang it there,

it'll fall.

- Where, then? - If you break my bottle,

I'll make you pay for two.

Typical.

You don't think, do you?

Did you see where it was?

You knocked it over, not me.

Can't let you near anything.

- Rubbish. - Don't hang it there.

It'll fall again.

Don't talk nonsense.

Mind the table.

You'll knock over my toothpaste.

Don't you need your scissors?

I cut myself again. Look.

No thanks, I know.

I have to alter my pants.

Me too.

I'll do it after the washing

I'm doing my washing later.

Those pants?

But you're wearing them.

I can change.

My machine is hard to use.

The presser foot's too low.

What are you eating?

Smells delicious!

You're back!

We missed you.

There she is.

What's up?

LIN ZHUXIN, 16, from Shipai, Anhui Province Cousin of Lin Shao

Now we can have some laughs.

When are you off home?

Couple of days.

To see the old folk.

A quick round-trip?

Is this done?

Old folk are a treasure.

We have two at home.

That's good.

We should treat them well.

When you're old, you'll understand.

We should visit them often,

not just at the holidays,

talk to them.

They're alone at home.

I'm doing the bands.

Nearly finished?

I need that space.

When are you going?

When are you off home?

Last thing want to do tonight is overtime.

There's not much left down there.

Are you doing this tonight?

These are really long.

Oh no, not again.

Come on, upstairs.

Watch your step, chief.

Fu Yun, talk to me!

You don't understand me!

What do you mean?

Why don't you talk to me?

- Let's talk to him. - What for?

When they tell me to redo them,

I don't waste time arguing.

You still have to do them.

- He asked me to go down. - Don't go.

- It won't change anything. - I have to take these pants down.

What's the point?

I have to rework four pieces.

They're all talking about me.

Not just up here, down there too.

Let them talk, what do you care?

That's all they can do anyway.

Forget about them.

- They pay us so little... - True enough.

But don't make any more mistakes.

Why do I always have to redo them?

Forget about it.

There's an odd seam here.

Did you do this one?

You have to start again.

- Is this one wrong too? - Yes.

And this one.

What model is Ping An working on?

This one?

Yes, that one.

Have you pulled them all out?

If not, do the serging first.

Shall we put the cotton in?

They've started.

Ok, keep going.

Make them nice and thick.

Like that one.

I've stuffed it full.

That's right, pack it all in.

There's too much,

put it all in!

Is Guomin helping with some of your pieces?

You can just redo them.

Come on, don't quit.

Just take a bit less work.

Say something.

I'm no good at reworking

Then keep quiet, they won't check.

- I can't do it. - Tell me honestly,

how many batches have you messed up?

What?

Two.

Just put them aside,

talk to the boss's wife.

But finish the ones you still have to do.

What shall I tell her?

They know there's a problem.

messed up that crotch piece,

I even tore it in places...

Listen to me,

forget those two batches.

Work on the next ones first.

If there are a few duds,

slip them into another batch.

If you wait too long,

there'll be no fabric.

I won't manage.

You did the other models,

the assembly, the hems...

So what's the problem?

Just talk to the boss's wife.

I sympathize, you know.

But what can I do?

We're all tired,

we all have our problems.

But I've already stitched the lining...

Forget it, just do a flat seam!

- I can't see the pattern. - What?

Well, you have to.

You have to do the lining first,

then a flat seam, and that's it.

I really want to quit.

Come on...

A flat seam?

It's your fault, you know.

You were fine doing the patches.

You have to follow the pattern.

- Well, I didn't. - Why not?

You have to, everybody does!

You can't just make it up.

You've only yourself to blame.

Face it,

you did this to yourself.

ignoring the rules.

How do you think the others get it right?

In this kind of work,

you have to be more careful.

You could have learned your lesson.

One missing button tab, okay.

But you forgot two!

And that no. 8

one glance, anyone could see you'd messed up.

Hello? Uncle?

I'm here, I have some cotton for you.

I'm down here.

Come by here first.

Uncle! Over here!

Hi Uncle.

What's the matter?

After these batches, I'm leaving

This shop's not so bad.

I don't want to stay here.

Why not?

You know a better one?

Let me park this.

- What's all that? - Don't worry.

No, I don't want this!

- Idiot. - I bought it for you!

- Stop that! - I don't want it.

Take it!

Keep your stuff.

What is it with you?

Ok, but I have to get back soon.

Are you deaf, or what?

I said, I don't want it!

Go on, go!

- I don't need it! - But I bought it!

You keep it.

- We need to talk. - I'm due home for dinner.

I'll come with you, then.

What is it? Just tell me now!

I'll come with you.

I'm going back home.

Shall I talk to him?

Would you?

Take the cotton. - I don't need it.

Leave it there.

Get rid of it.

I don't want it.

Just dump it.

But Uncle...

- What? - Take the milk, I bought it.

None of us drink it.

These are good scissors.

- Which? - These here.

What are you working on?

You can use the serger now.

Take your time.

I'll be done before you finish.

I could use some help

fetching these bundles!

What?

Come on, everyone.

It's all here,

just help yourselves.

I haven't got room

for all this, have I?

I'm heading back from the noodle bar

Saw a dude and his chick inside their car

Figure some joker had locked them in there

Looked pretty hot in there

The lady was panting, she needed some air

Found a rock on the grass, broke the window glass

My good deed for the day,

I tiptoed away...

Quick, let me through.

Looks like a midnight snack!

Who's that with them?

These people here.

That's not her.

She's not in the photo.

The boss is checking on us?

Stresses me out.

He's pissed off with us.

So?

She's on her way.

She's coming.

- Oh yeah? - Yup.

When we were together...

They just texted non-stop!

She won't discuss it with me.

Oh, really?

The same girl?

Yeah, her.

We really had a thing.

She said, "not your concern."

Maybe she's right.

Don't they always say that?

WORKSHOP AT 198 YIMIN ROAD, ZHILI

"Not your concern.

Over and over.

- Sure, but. - "Not your concern!"

XU WANXIANG, 21, from Anqing, Anhui PRovince

- Well, I... - "Not your concern!"

None of your business!

JIA DELIN, 18, from Anqing, Anhui Province Cousin of Xu Wanxiang

That's what she just texted.

Should I answer?

LIU JINLIN, from Anqing, Anhui Province

She can wait a bit.

Ask her if she's a parrot.

"Not your concern!"

If you're making money,

and you get a girl, you're broke again.

Where are we eating tonight?

- Eh? - What shall we have?

Noodles!

- Good noodles. - Really?

You, me and him.

We can look in at Maozi's shop, see if they're hiring

Sure, why not.

You're friends with her, right?

What happened?

You'll never thread it.

Looks a bit tricky.

You might need tweezers.

That machine's fucked.

So why go to her shop?

Let's finish these first.

We don't start the new model?

No.

I'm just doing a sample.

Finish this batch.

This one we've started?

Or the boss'll get mad.

We have to finish this one.

What about the other one?

We don't start it.

You want one of me nude?

Is that a new belt?

- I feel dirty. - That's just your jeans.

got into a fight.

For Wang Wei.

Who with?

Asshole didn't even thank us.

Where was that?

That time,

it was at the big pharmacy

- So? - We sorted them out.

Not even a thank you.

I kid you not.

It didn't take us long

He call you?

We should go over there, the three of us.

Nah, it's his shit, let him deal with it.

Who does he think he is?

You ask me...

- Got a sponge? - Are you washing?

Just my face.

Come on, let's go!

Let's go.

Minghan!

- Minghan! - What?

Second floor.

- Where's the door? - Can't get in.

In the police station, fuck,

they cuffed me to the plumbing.

Didn't even give us water.

A whole day, just one cup.

A big fucking tin bowl,

with a cupful of water in it.

And not a fucking bite to eat.

So when did you fight with the boss?

After lunch.

Cunt told me to haul ass.

I said, not before I sort you out.

So that piece of shit,

he just stands there,

tries to show me the door.

Spent the afternoon in the lock-up.

He was pretty pissed off.

They lock you up?

We had a punch-up!

So they took both of you?

Cops said we should cool off inside

for a few days.

Both of you?

Just like that?

That's right.

went to the cops to see what they'd say,

you know?

Did they tell the boss to pay you?

What did he say?

- What? - In his statement.

Don't ask me.

- You did good. - Go again if you have to.

It's all good.

We both signed our names.

Party A, Party B...

All down in writing.

Go on, show him.

Okay, so?

Now what?

We gonna sit here all night?

What do you mean?

- Let's go! - And get our money?

- To the Internet cafe? - Nah,

let's just go out.

This way's quicker.

Watch your step here,

in these back alleys,

you can't see a thing.

Use your ears instead!

Interesting place.

Just take it slow.

Sure, what's the rush?

Careful, it's wet.

What's he doing,

walking over there?

Stay on this side, tell him.

Or walk ahead of us.

It's ok, we can see now.

It won't rain again.

Let's go upstairs for a bit.

Stay close, it's just up here.

Has to be somewhere.

Keep looking.

I'm sure put it here this morning.

- Just think! - It was right here.

Is the boss here?

No.

He's not here?

- The key? - I'll take it Did you find it?

I'll give it to him later.

You can give it to me.

Workshop manager

He says you can give me 1000¥.

I'll check, show me your paybook.

I need to see it first.

Sure I've got my paybook.

I have it.

Show me, then.

I can't pay you without seeing it.

- I have it! - That's how it is.

- I said, I've got it! - It's common sense.

I can't find it for you!

Look,

you just listen to me.

You two better behave.

The boss is fair with you.

Workshop manager's mother

Whenever you want to go home,

he pays you, no problem.

But you don't work!

What's he paying you for?

His patience has limits.

We don't pay you to have fun.

Show me your paybook.

I haven't got it on me.

And you want me to give you 1000¥?

How do I know if you've earned it?

Of course I have!

If you've earned it, you'll get it.

So I have to go back and get it?

You expect me to pay without seeing your paybook?

What do you think?

I left it in my bag.

No paybook, no cash.

What do you expect?

It's just plain common sense!

Whatever, just say an amount.

At the minimum rate.

I'll take it.

What minimum?

- Say 2000¥. - What?

2000 or 3000, whatever.

How much?

4000¥ total.

Just take the lowest rate, 3 a piece.

How do you figure 4000 at 3¥ a piece ?

Take an average of 12 pieces per batch,

then multiply by 3.8¥.

Right?

If you take the lowest rate.

I know how many batches I did.

You can work it out, take your time.

And your paybook?

It's safe in my locker.

It's-a long way to go and fetch it.

You've got a photo there with my name on it.

I need new chopsticks.

Dropped mine.

Who?

How many pieces?

- Your paybook? - Eh?

My paybook?

To check how many pieces you've done!

Not your phone.

- You're saying I have no paybook? - Not at all.

We never said that.

Everyone who works here has a paybook.

But you only make one copy, right?

What if we lose it?

You have to make sure you don't.

It's the same for everyone.

We don't want to hear it.

It's the same in my shop, one copy.

I've had this shop nearly ten years!

I've got your money here, look!

Workshop manager

I didn't at the police station.

I'm not trying to cheat you!

But I need your paybook.

I took out your cash before lunch,

but I can't just pay it out.

Go and have another look.

Make sure you look everywhere,

you might have dropped it.

Go on.

You'll need the key to get in!

I couldn't find it, so what now?

How are we supposed to sign off?

No way I can do it without your numbers

But I have them!

What you showed me isn't valid.

I need the original

This is original!

I've got your signature!

Or do you deny that?

Give me a break!

I sign hundreds of paybooks,

how do I know that one's yours?

You can compare it to the others.

Oh yeah? How long will that take?

Haven't I been clear?

No paybook, no money.

Not a cent.

Show me the book, you get your cash.

The money's right here.

As I told the police,

why should I cheat you?

You'll get your money

when I've seen your numbers.

So basically, I've worked for nothing.

Oh, so it's my fault?

- You lost it, not me. - I've got a photo.

- So what's the difference? - That?

What good is that?

You need a proper paybook.

A photo doesn't count.

And my handwritten copy?

- Your what? - I copied it all out.

The only valid document is our paybook.

That copy has your signature on it.

And my name. What more do you need?

What copy?

What did I sign?

Did I sign a copy you made?

No, I mean, I've got your signature.

- On what? - In my phone.

How does that count?

I made a copy.

And did I sign that copy?

What do you mean?

If you show me a copy I signed,

I'll pay you right away.

Go on, show me!

Ask the others if they ever got paid without a paybook.

Think hard where it might be.

Boss, you don't want to pay me, fine.

I never said that.

withdrew the cash!

Before I even had lunch!

So don't give me that!

How can we settle without a paybook?

I'm off tomorrow.

I'll leave empty-handed, too bad.

So where the hell is it?

Where do I look?

No paybook, no pay, he says.

Next year,

don't think I can come to Zhili.

I'm pretty sure.

Fuck, my old man will say, come back to Zhengzhou.

That place is a shithole, no way.

Who lives in Zhengzhou?

No friends, no-one I know.

No-one to hang out with.

If it was like in Zhili,

with work buddies and such,

maybe I could hack it.

But stuck in Zhengzhou,

all day, every day?

Deadly, man.

warned my cousin,

I said,

don't tell the family.

His girlfriend doesn't know

about all my debts,

she just knows I'm broke.

Doesn't know why.

She just knows I've quit.

So only my cousin knows.

He bought me some sachimas here this morning

It's really tough, this life, you know?

I can't say.

But that's how it is.

Shit...

Anyway, now

I have to find work. No choice.

Just to get fed and housed.

Hello?

I'm not sure I can make it back tomorrow.

Yeah, a problem with work.

Should be, like, 6 or 7000¥.

So I'll be a day late.

Is that ok?

Hello?

Right, one more day.

Eh?

What?

I'll try to be home tomorrow, ok?

I'll do my best.

Alright?

WORKSHOP AT 280 YIMIN ROAD, ZHILI

Be careful, Xinxin!

Mother of Xinxin, from Guizhou Province

On this side, sweetie.

Be careful with that.

Off you go now.

XINXIN and her father, from Guizhou Province

Sit still, there's a good girl.

A DIAO, from Guizhou Province

Eh?

They beat him to a pulp!

Go and look for yourselves!

Someone got beaten?

Three or four against one, they held him down.

- Quick! - Look, down there.

They held him down?

He's barely conscious!

They'd better stop.

The whole family just laid into him!

- Who is he? - Seems they owe him money.

Really scary. I just ran!

We don't dare look.

They hit him with a rock!

- A really big one. - How could they?

- Who is it? - Someone asking for his money.

He hit him with a rock!

Just the boss?

The whole family joined in, saw them!

He called them!

I just can't watch.

- Are they still out there? - Yup.

- He's down and bleeding - And they don't stop?

Quick, quick!

Three against one. His head's bleeding.

- Who is it? - Can't see.

It's bad, where's the police?

Someone must have called them.

What do we do now?

How can we go on working here?

First time we've seen this.

That's one nasty family.

Where are they from?

I don't think they're from here.

Henan, I think, somewhere like that.

And they're always late paying.

Or Hunan, maybe?

Seems they ran up a debt.

The guy comes to collect, they beat him up.

They have some dodgy cousins too.

Someone will get even. Bound to.

And he had help, a couple of thugs.

Let's take a breather.

Fuck this... Work for these people?

Can we trust them to pay us?

They'll screw us for sure.

Did you see that? Smashed his head with a rock!

- This is trouble. - We can't stay here.

- Blood everywhere. - No way.

I say quit, it's too much.

Tell your husband you want to go home.

The old bitch was there too. Vicious bastards.

- He beat that guy senseless. -Yeah, he's the worst.

- I'm still shaking! - So brutal.

Seeing that up close...

But where are the cops?

Did anyone call them?

That other boss did.

Some of our lot, they're acting like,

if he was beaten it must be his fault.

They're always blaming someone else.

And they don't pay their debts.

I was fetching a bundle, I saw them come storming out...

Ok, let's get back.

Let me watch a minute.

- Who cares if they fight. - I want to see what happens.

Take a look from this side.

- Two guys? - He came with his brother.

- That's right. - Two of them!

Seems two wasn't enough.

Our boss wants to shut the shop

I can see two guys on the ground.

So there were two.

Two down, one is unconscious.

Let them all croak, good riddance.

Funny way to do business.

Who wants to work for people like that?

It's not the first time either.

One of them can still talk.

Two wounded...

One really needs a doctor.

- And no-one reports it. - The boss said "no need."

Everyone's too busy watching.

- The cops were here earlier. - Really?

Yeah, they came.

This morning

You see it with your own eyes, it's scary.

don't even want to go down there.

Our own boss acts like a thug, and we're still here?

I should just take off, forget the money.

Some day I'll come and smash this place up.

Don't need this stress, day after day.

After we eat, I'll ask for my pay.

Wow, that's fighting talk.

If he says no, we should all fight.

Right, no exceptions.

We're all in this together.

ZHOU FENG, 38, from Xuancheng, Anhui Province

Work two more days, what's the point?

Feeding us little jobs just to keep us here.

He can't pay anyway, right?

- Some items, he'll only pay 3¥. - What items?

Not just a few items.

Those four we did last week.

- That's a lot. - Yeah, took us a week.

- And at what rate? - Don't worry.

- Eh? - He said 5.2, didn't he?

- Oh yeah? - That was just a quote.

- Not a promise. - Just to keep us quiet.

No way we can trust that guy.

This morning he said 5.2.

We all heard him. We'll hold him to it.

Another month of this!

No, he just said he could offer 5.

We should have settled this by now.

Our last rate should still be valid.

He can always promise, but will he honor it?

It's just talk, to make us keep working.

If we ask to be paid

but we haven't agreed a rate,

and he offers us 3¥, then what?

Well, we just tell him,

you want to pay us 3¥, we're all out of here.

And he says, ok, bye bye!

No way he'll say 3¥.

We agreed on more last time.

You'll see, it'll be even less.

- Who works for 3¥? - But he can say,

if you quit early, the deal's off.

And he has more work for us.

YE KAI, 24, from Guizhou Province

Wrong!

After this item, there's no more cloth!

So let's work late, whatever, and finish this item!

He'll say, I have new orders every day.

So what does that mean, "quit early?"

- Each rate is only for a month. - That won't fly.

It works both ways. He can change the rate,

and we can say no and go.

While you sit there and talk, we're not working.

If we work, we can go home.

We can talk later.

Let's try to corner him after dinner.

Don't wait till he comes to us.

No use going to see him now.

It's too soon.

If he's arrested, that's 30 or 40k bail.

Manager's younger sister, from Hunan Province

Not more?

Not that much. More like 5 or 6k.

It's not that serious.

- Right. - It's a light injury.

A few bruises.

Seriously?

He could demand my kid brother goes to jail.

Even for common assault,

he could do five years.

You're crazy. Three years, tops.

- "Minor?" - Right, one to three.

- Slight or minor. Oh, so you know?

guess you would.

It's at least a year.

Slight or minor bodily harm, one to three years!

Seems to me, that's getting off lightly.

Used to be a lot stricter.

Especially for more serious injuries.

Come on, back to work!

When you're done, I have to cut some slits.

No overtime tonight.

In that case just finish what's in hand.

We'll need to work past 11! Just for the overlock stitching!

Those four-panel pants are simple enough!

Easy to say, not so easy to sew.

What do you have to pay that guy you beat up?

- He hasn't asked. - Really?

So I don't know.

- Pay for treatment, that's it. - Oh?

Manager's father, from Hunan Province

Beat him up, then just slip him some cash?

- Right, medical costs. - Uh-huh.

One or two thousand should cover it.

After this, I don't feel like working here.

We haven't heard the end of it.

If it really was the fabric supplier, there'll be hell to pay.

won't involve you guys,

but if they don't pay me, see what happens.

What do they expect?

don't look for trouble, just the opposite.

I know what I have to do that's all.

A guy gets beaten up,

and no questions asked?

There have to be consequences.

- It's not that simple. - Right.

That was the fabric supplier, so it's serious.

Not simple at all.

They owe me 2000, maybe 2500.

- You staying? - No way, quit.

But we need our deposit back.

2000, that's money.

Here, sit down, tell me how to get the money.

- Huh? - Go on, tell me.

You just want your pay, right?

You work like hell for 2000¥,

you sew hundreds of pants.

Right, one after the other.

That's it.

Look, mommy!

Mommy look!

Look, Mommy, look!

Mommy!

Mommy look!

Not now.

Look, look!

For you, Mommy!

No thanks!

Ok, give me that!

For Mommy.

Take scissor...

Here. Oh no, it's broken!

You guys had no water at all that year.

- Water? - Yup.

- If the streams dry up... - That's it.

When the fields are dry, we depend on the streams.

I remember, you called the girls out

to transplant the seedlings.

No mud to stick them into,

they had to use a hoe.

No water anywhere, it was bad.

How long were you working there?

A few months, I guess.

Sorry...

- Any water left? - Just a bit.

Why take them down?

Why not boil more upstairs?

No, I can't,

they need them down there.

Will they cut more fabric?

We'll see what they give us.

We have to talk straight with them.

We work two more days, then...

One batch, two days, then two days off.

Right, but...

Another batch would mean a few more days

We can't just believe what he says!

He says "don't worry."

Like that buddy of yours.

"Don't worry, you'll get paid."

"We'll settle up soon." Right?

But we've paid a deposit. We have to work.

If you go on working, how can you ask for it back?

See what I mean?

If he keeps giving work,

there's nothing you can do,

no more than the rest of us.

If you just ask for your deposit back,

he'll never agree.

Only if you get into some dispute about work

and you say "Ok, I'll take my money and go,"

that could work.

Right?

Makes more sense.

He was 5000 short paying for that fabric.

He couldn't even pay that.

I'm not that smart, I admit it.

I don't even know how much I've got.

Come on, let's go.

- Probably nothing - Let's go!

- If so, I'm out of here. - Move!

- I'd have to, right? - Yup.

Let's get paid.

Sorry, I made a stop on the way.

Oh, hi. Where?

We'll pay you, but go back to work.

You still awake?

It's been days now.

We wait every night, and still no sign of him.

We should go see his brother.

Three, four days and still nothing.

If he's not here tomorrow, we go to his brother.

Are we supposed to wait up all night?

Complete waste of time.

They could just tell us when to come.

Better to wait here.

- Fuck waiting. - All night.

Wasting our time.

We're being conned again.

In two days, they said!

- It'll be the same tomorrow! - We can't accept that.

If we're not paid tomorrow, we never will be.

If f we go to his brother, he'll call the cops,

and say you set a mob on him.

And CCTV. If we bring a crowd

We need some concrete proof,

something he signed.

The clothes are there, we can hang a sign.

What use is that?

No use at all.

If you just give up, you let him screw you.

- He hasn't cheated us yet. - But he's playing with us.

It's too late to talk rates, just try to get paid.

Forget the rates, let's get paid tomorrow,

then go work for his brother.

Our boss has to pay us, he promised.

Don't say that until we're sure.

He needs to pay us in full.

His brother promised us too.

If he gives us the same runaround,

we'll make trouble in his shop,

and see what happens.

He can probably find a way

to accuse us of stirring up a mob,

say he's done nothing to us,

we're disrupting his business, all that.

The cops will come and arrest us,

and his hands are clean.

Bad idea.

Waste of time.

Xinxin, behave.

Look, over here near the door.

They've moved some stuff out.

Come and look.

Don't try talking to him, you won't get anywhere.

I think you're right.

Let's go.

Did you talk rates?

Send the guys in, ask for more!

- 5¥, minimum. - Hmm.

So what do we do?

- This shop has to close. - There's no work,

and it's no fun anymore.

Anyway, Wang Yong's gone.

He's not running things any more.

His brother's managing both shops now.

Ok, come up.

So they're after the boss.

The tailor's still here, making new patterns.

So that will take him a while.

I found a new shop for us,

and that will take a few days to organize.

We'll lose a lot of working time.

Not much choice just now.

Can you make 200 a day there?

Even a bit more.

We'll need to talk to the boss.

200 plus a day is fine.

- Let's do it, work till the break. - Same everywhere, anyway.

If business is slow, they break early,

and there'd be no work for us anyway.

First week of January, they all stop.

Twenty days still to go.

Is it worth looking, for a week's work?

Sure! Let's do it!

It'll take a few days to relocate.

We may not find a place so soon,

probably lose three or four days.

That's fine.

That's a good shop you found,

in Lichang East Road.

Their batches are huge, over 100 items.

That's good, we can do 2 or 3 days there.

Or Jiangnan Road?

- Where I used to work? - Yes.

- How did you know? - Of course I know.

They pay 7 for pants.

And they break on December 26th?

And where will I go after that?

You work hard there, you can make money.

The boss has plans for a shop in Anqing.

Or so they say.

- Where's their boss from? - Hubei.

They have a dedicated finishing shop.

Hey, sister.

Uh-huh.

Overtime? We haven't worked for a week.

Right, the whole week. Our boss got into a fight.

He beat someone up, he's on the run.

Can't be reached.

He was supposed to pay us two days ago.

Everyone pressing him. But he's gone.

He owes a lot of people money.

It will take time to work out.

So we don't know if or when he's coming back.

Where are you now?

When do you get off?

What? Overtime till half past midnight?

Back to work the day after tomorrow?

Right.

- The brother said that? - Yup.

I went to open up the 3rd floor.

WORKSHOP AT 136 XISHENG ROAD, ZHILI

The place was deserted, so I called the police.

asked the landlord, before you all got up.

He has a room on the 3rd floor?

Yes, where he leaves his stuff.

He has a storage room?

He must have moved some things in there.

Into that private room of his.

What about the 4th or 5th floor?

He probably stashed stuff there too.

Are you from Anqing?

We're all from Anhui,

some are from Anqing.

ZHANG XINSHENG, 23, from Wuhu, Anhui Province

The boss isn't, though?

He's from the North-East.

- Shenyang. - Liaoning Province.

And the machines?

Well, our boss has gone.

We just came from the police station.

There are lots of cases.

Bosses who skipped out.

In one shop, their boss has been gone three months.

It's happening all over.

Some have been searching for weeks.

Problem is, we expect the authorities to help,

and try to track them down.

But they don't seem to care.

They just take a statement, and tell us to wait.

Seems it's our job to find him.

- They say they have procedures. - Bullshit.

We can talk all we like.

They say it's not their job.

Fact is, the police, the officials,

they have no clue.

All they know

is how to give us the runaround.

They're not interested.

That's it.

No-one's going to help us.

Didn't they send someone?

They just came and had a look around,

and then they left.

End of story.

- What about guarding the machines? - They didn't say.

They just checked our IDs.

And phone numbers.

Took down all our details and left.

Right, at 10 West Yimin Road.

The boss brought it 6 weeks ago.

What?

Until New Year?

Ok, got it.

As I'm sure you realize,

I can't really haggle.

The price of each machine is recorded at sale.

I'm sure you know this.

This month, new machines are selling at 1070¥.

That's for a new one.

Trust me, we have the receipts.

So we're looking at second-hand prices.

For what you have here,

we can give you 700 each.

- How much? - 700 for each machine.

All at the same price?

Right, that's my best offer.

So... would that include, say,

this lace machine?

- And the serger? - Those are valuable!

And what about this one, for linings?

It's a flat price, we can take them all.

Sergers are worth a lot more.

The way things are, believe me,

a serger can go for 500.

I can give you 900.

Alright? Well, everyone's busy,

let us know if you get a better offer.

ZHANG HUAN, from Anqing, Anhui Province

Sure, take care now.

Best offer. I just need to check with our boss.

If she says ok, can take them off you.

No-one else will trust me

Hold on a minute.

Yeah, we still need to check with the boss.

We can't decide now.

We'll be off then.

You can check prices online.

Used sergers are going at 700 now.

Maybe 900 on the website.

Last month it was 1070.

Sold five machines at that price.

That's the best you'll get.

Ok, whatever.

That door upstairs is locked.

We can break in from the 4th floor.

Turn it that way.

It's double-locked.

Hey, be careful.

I don't want to force it.

We could call the landlord

He can open it.

No way he'll do it.

He's a victim too.

can't believe he's run out on us

He could have gone during the holiday.

Wife of Zhang Xinsheng, from Wuhu, Anhui Province

What a pain.

When will your film be finished?

That's all there is?

Yeah, just this stuff.

The CPU's gone.

This computer's been gutted.

This is worth something.

- The hardware, maybe. - But he's wiped it.

- And this? - It's just a frame,

there's nothing left.

All cleaned out.

Just a router that might still work.

Zilch.

Just plugs and wiring.

And empty machines.

Here's an extension cord.

We can run a fridge and aircon

Oh hell, what are we going to do?

You came later, that's all.

They're owed a bit more.

They were here from the start, they came with my Ma.

That team was fast, even earned a bonus.

Oh yeah?

When they come down we can check the amounts.

I've earned 20,000¥.

He says he'll give us 900 per machine...

Take Zhangfan, she's really fast,

She's probably made 9000 pieces.

Right, someone like her can make 30 or 40,000¥.

This shop isn't failing or anything like that.

- So we can't understand it. - 9000 pieces?

Right, just Zhangfan alone.

That works out at 30,000¥.

First let's take the money,

then we'll see about sharing.

We can sell these machines,

No problem.

He owes everyone, not just us.

We can get a few hundred each at least.

Think about it.

Let's just discuss it calmly,

then talk to the guy.

- Negotiate. - You ask me,

we should sell the lot

at 1000 each - If he sticks on 900, take it.

Clean-out sale.

- Ok, aim for 1000, if not, 900. -And soon.

Tell him to come over.

- Cut out the Labour Office? - Let's see him first.

But if he screws us, the LO won't help us.

Let's sell the machines, then see about sharing the money.

No chance. The Labour Office decides.

We know about that. They'll just take it all,

give us a few hundred to get home with.

That's what they do.

But if we agree together first

what can they say?

- They're bound to want a cut. - That's how it works.

Ok, flatbeds, 900.

That's agreed.

Come over, we'll talk about the rest.

I'll be here.

No, no.

No, that won't work.

We can't go through the Labour Office.

Once they get the cash,

you know what happens.

They give us 300¥ for train fare

and say "go home and wait."

They say one boss skipped with 650k?

That's right.

XIAO FEI, from Xi'an, Shaanxi Province

And then the boss at no. 142,

down the block here?

That workshop on the corner? Yup.

Before our guy left.

About a month ago.

And one on Rainbow Road?

I forget the number. Also did a bunk.

And the "Golden Age,"

on Fuqiang East Road, no. 65.

Also ran off with the cash.

I just don't get it, all this in the last two years.

They say migrant work is important

and has to be closely monitored, right?

But in actual fact...

it's completely out of control.

Like, here no-one even has a contract.

As if it made a difference.

Nobody signs anything,

Wouldn't mean shit anyway.

Right?

mean, they're not really companies, are they?

Some guy just rents a space,

runs his business as he likes,

no paperwork, no rules, nothing.

Is Xiao Ke still outside?

They're downstairs watching the police guys.

Yesterday the landlord said he was changing the locks.

The boss is bad enough,

now the landlord is giving us a hard time.

See how everyone kicks you when you're down?

Like that air-con unit.

The boss buys a new aircon,

then he does a bunk.

The Labour Office says,

the aircon belongs to the shop.

But the landlord says it's his now,

so he takes 1000¥ for it

from the guy buying the machines,

who takes it off our price.

Then the landlord cuts off the power!

So 1000¥ doesn't even cover our electricity bill?

And the rent...

The boss rented this place for a year.

- So the lease is still running. - That's right.

And still he won't let us stay!

And he cuts off the power.

So we're stuck, we can't do anything,

we can't stay here,

and if we leave, we're screwed.

If they evict us,

either today or tomorrow,

we'll be on the street.

This is our boss.

Is the picture clear?

Not bothered, is he?

We slave away every day till 11 at night,

Up at dawn every morning

And he just takes off.

Never gave us time off, even when business was good.

Right.

We'd often do two weeks without a break.

- Working flat out. - He was making plenty.

A night off every other week.

We were really beat.

In the end we chose someone

to go down and talk to him.

We just wanted one evening a week

without overtime.

He says sorry, no way.

Any of you steps out

or takes time off,

I'll dock your pay.

Like that.

Everyone's gone.

- It's just us now. - Xiao Ke?

- Gone. - He has family somewhere.

Not sure where.

Just look at us...

How could this happen?

Oh, here you are.

Can't see a thing.

XIAO GE, from Anqing, Anhui Province

This light...

- Shut the door. - Is it too bright?

He owed that Shanxi guy over 600k,

Why hasn't he come round?

He did, he took the cloth.

And he's not suing him?

- Yes, he is. - But I thought

the cook took the two rolls of cloth?

What?

He did, the cook took them

No way, why do you think

the ironing workers

beat up the cook?

It was because

they caught him stealing it.

He took the cloth

and some oil and stuff They beat him up.

It was the cook.

Actually his son-in-law.

Nobody's saying anything now,

but that cook,

he knew there was a problem.

The landlord knew first,

he called to tip him off.

So the cook doesn't tell us

he calls his son-in-law

who comes and grabs those two new rolls of cloth.

while he cleans out the food supply.

Even took the chili sauce.

And the ironer said nothing.

He got 600¥.

I told you, didn't I? I said, something's wrong

I told you he'd gone home.

- So what's his game? - Zhang Xinsheng didn't say.

He left early today, went to a hostel.

I tried to tell you, remember?

So what's he up to?

don't know.

What does he think? He won't get a penny anyway.

He can't do that to us

He's in it with them.

Wasn't he good buddies with the boss?

Yeah, with the boss.

So he gets paid...

You're saying the boss paid him off?

Paid him not to say he was skipping out?

What, that boss?

Do someone a favour?

He's too selfish for that.

That's right,

why would he help that guy,

and leave you in the shit? His core workers!

Why would he do that?

- I'm not moving. - If he wants us out

You stay put, they call the cops, then what?

That's how it is here

People rat on you.

Then once they've got you,

they make you sign a statement,

you think that's it, you can go.

- No way, they want money. - Right, and no witnesses.

Happened to you once before, didn't it?

You can be white as snow, they get a false testimony,

and you're under arrest.

Someone frames you, that's it.

Just try getting out.

You pay up, it's the only way

- It's always money. - But where can I go?

So what, we call the others tomorrow?

What do you think?

Well,

we can spend the night here

We're all here.

- No we're not! - The others have gone.

They may not come tomorrow.

At least we have some savings.

Savings, my arse!

- And my son's school fees? - She's right.

We're living day to day!

You're newly married, still living at home,

Running a household,

things happen,

expenses pile up...

I won't give you the details,

but there's nothing to spare.

We just earn enough to live.

You stop earning, you're broke.

Right now, I'm worried sick.

Our son's still in school,

that's two months' expenses from now till his vacation.

Where do I find the money?

His dad had no work this year, he's just stuck at home.

New Year holiday? Forget it,

With nothing coming in...

Some people have a bit of land...

We don't. We depend on work outside.

You don't find work, you don't eat.

Same here, we don't have any land.

You're like us then.

- What? - We're the same.

How? Really?

You're out on the street?

I mean our families are similar.

How do you mean?

Similar how?

My pa's a farm worker.

- My ma, too. - We're all the same.

- That's right. - All farmers.

My dad has half an acre to grow crops.

This year it's cotton,

worth 900¥ altogether.

That's good, my husband is allotted

about a third of that

to feed a family of four.

No extra for me or the kids.

We've been there twenty years.

How can that be?

Where we live, land is allotted per head.

- Up to an acre or so. - I've lived in Anhui

over 20 years, I still have no land.

Nor does my eldest, he's 20 this year.

How can that be?

We don't have residence status.

Land use law hasn't changed in years.

- Decades, even. - 50 years, I'd say.

Over here a bit!

Not ideal, one umbrella for two.

Who said that?

WORKSHOP AT 61 XISHENG ROAD, ZHILI

Don't talk, just work.

The boss never said that.

All she said was, she wants to go home.

To take care of her kids, to see them again.

So she's going back?

- She wants to - And you?

You say this is wrong? Where's the mistake?

Right here on the first sheet.

It can't be wrong. I added these up long ago.

I always take cash home.

HAO FANGFANG, 18, from Yatan, Anhui Province

Not me, got myself a bank card.

Last time I took cash.

Once wanted to open an account,

at Huishang Bank, but they were busy.

I don't bother.

only take a few thousand home.

In December went to the Post Office.

There's always a long line.

They said, forget it, you're not 18!

So I never asked for a card.

You have to show them ID.

Two years ago, in the autumn,

my average rate was.. 3.80, I think.

Last autumn, I was making 4.56.

I've always made around 3.50.

Last season, it was 3.50, 3.60 or 3.70.

Let's see, how many pieces

did I make last season?

Can you figure it out?

Not that many, I didn't earn much.

- Were they difficult models? - Yes.

Big pants sizes, 20, 28, 30.

I just can't do those.

People say girls are good at making clothes.

I love sewing, actually.

- But this is so tiring. - And not much money.

That's why can't make those whole outfits tops and pants.

Some people went home yesterday.

Oh really?

Near here, in Happiness Road.

- Where are they from? - Near us.

Let's finish, tell him tonight.

Then tomorrow after lunch, we can get paid

and all go home.

Payday tomorrow.

Settle up and go.

Do we work tomorrow?

- Three bundles. - We can finish them.

Tomorrow?

And leave the next morning?

Not necessarily!

So where will you go?

We said we'd rest for a day, do some shopping.

Any more bundles? I'm waiting.

No, wait till they're back.

Yeah, I'll talk to them.

I already did.

I'm saying, we have to do that Saturday order.

I have to check it all first.

We can each check our own.

Ok, first thing tomorrow, we'll tell them that.

We all want to go, take a break.

But we have to finish this order.

So work flat out.

Then you can rest.

I've lost all my pay at cards, anyway.

You want to hear about gambling and losers?

I once asked Lao Biao about his mahjong place.

He says, sure, send your people over.

So one guy bets his train fare,

and loses the whole wad,

all on one game!

YANG, from Yatan, Anhui Province

SHAN. from Yatan, Anhui Province Husband of Yang

You walk in, my needle starts jumping.

- Your machine works fine. - The knotting machine!

It's fine.

Check it again.

You got nothing else to do, right?

- Right? - It works fine.

RAO ZHIQIANG, 24, from Yatan, Anhui Province

- Hey, Yang? - She's here.

I figured out what you made.

- So? - I worked it out.

You've made 10,000.

I've got her money here!

But she's still earning, right?

I took what she made yesterday!

You're all so selfish.

She says she made 6000.

I doubt it!

- 5700, then? - Right.

Better keep working, then.

Oh, sure.

Five seven, huh.

Hey man,

we can earn more, we've still got 14 bundles.

That's not much when you share it out.

Well, it would be.

At last year's rates, dummy.

Yang! I need to talk to you.

Hey, Yang!

Remember those two who changed shops?

He was making pants, she was doing tops.

She couldn't handle the pants.

So he came to see her,

and they both went upstairs.

So someone says,

"That young couple,

they're upstairs."

She tells everyone they're in bed together

all alone in the women's dorm!

Said she went up, took one look, omigod!

Just dropped everything and ran!

Shit, Fatty downstairs says go check your accounts.

Better go down then.

Check our numbers.

I have to cook now.

So who signs off for you?

Maybe you could?

Just leave it.

Bring me some paper.

Are you good?

Yes.

I've sorted all that stuff.

JIN QUANBING, 19, from Huaining, Anhui Province

- Hey, slow down! - Move!

Nearly knocked me over...

Trying to fly, are you?

You've brought down the reworked pieces,

that's very good.

- Is the boss still there? - Yes.

I'll explain.

Right, so minimum piece rate 3.20.

I think we can do...

3.50 for the unlined pants.

For cotton-lined pants, 3.80.

Can we agree on 4?

How about 3.50 and 4.20?

No, for the padded pants, 3.80.

Since you wanted 4.20,

can add 50c on the long pants.

Some pants are shorter,

so let's say,

an average of 3¥ a piece.

But what about the long pants?

Only 3.80 for long pants?

Well, you still have to

count up the pieces and show me the list.

Then we'll see

- Right, let's go. - Show me the totals.

You do that first,

add up the numbers, then we'll talk rates.

Let's try for a good rate.

So 3.80 for all plain pants?

I'm saying 3.80 for lined pants.

What was the old rate for the plain ones?

And 4.20 for the padded jeans?

That's right.

It's only a small run.

Why not raise the rate for the jeans?

What?

These new ones are different.

They're not like the plain ones.

These are no-logo goods,

so it's different.

We can't base it on the cat-pattern ones,

we make very few of those,

maybe a hundred at most.

It's a very limited run.

If we accept a rate based on this model,

we'll all starve!

So based on what?

Let's talk it through.

Ask for 20c more on these.

20 cents.

- On all pants then? - Right, add 20 cents.

A bit more for the lined three-quarter pants.

That's mys suggestion.

This one needs to go up.

You can try, you won't get it.

That's what I'm aiming for.

Well, I say,

if you can get him to boost this one,

good for you, but I doubt it.

- We'll see - Go for it.

Good luck.

Yeah, try to get that. That's our best chance.

Ok, show him this list.

- That should do it. - Right.

Just say we've all agreed.

Come along, we should all go together.

Ok, let's go.

He's offered us nothing so far.

Too damn right.

Hey, Uncle, come with us.

We should all go together.

You're offering 3.80 for lined pants.

was making those last year.

Different shop, similar models,

but easier to make than yours,

and they were paying 4.80.

We're not asking for that, just a bit more.

But 3.80 is just too low.

Across the road at no. 68, they're paying 4.20.

Don't use them as an example.

But they make a bigger model and only pay 4.20!

Some shops pay 4.50.

They've always made plain pants.

Rates can be 5 or 6¥, you can't compare

10¥, even.

Just focus on this shop!

- You can't compare. - Exactly.

Well, I still pay 3.50!

- And last year? - 3.55, wasn't it?

What did you pay last year?

Go ask the other shops.

Over there, at no. 67, for example.

They've all settled at 3.20 and gone home.

Plain and cotton-lined are different.

Don't bother comparing with last year.

If I raise this one, it comes out the same.

I still only get 800 or so, not even 900¥.

By your calculation, it would be over 4¥ a piece.

That's right.

- No chance. - I make it 4¥ too.

I worked this out based on a raise on the lined pants,

but nothing on the plain, not a cent.

As you asked me.

If you just add 30c on the lined,

up from 3.80 to 4.10,

it works out.

Take it down to him.

So what are we saying?

Just 30c more on the lined ones.

- Cotton-lined? - He said 3.80, that's 30c more.

So that's the only increase.

As far as I can see.

Let's see if they'll agree.

We want the average of all 68 models,

that's 3.85.

That's what we tell the bosses.

We're talking about an average rate,

of all models, but they say,

except for the new plain pants.

Now what they want

is to count these new pants separately.

But we don't know yet

what's going to happen.

What the hell?

Are you kidding me?

Forget them for a second.

It's your shop, you pay them what you like.

But I've worked here for years.

You've been paying me 3.85.

On the average. And that's fine.

So what are you thinking?

That this stuff is easy to make? Ask any tailor.

Last year's models or this year's, see what he says.

It's unacceptable.

Whichever way you cut it.

Unbelievable.

It's late, let's call it a day.

He says you're asking too much.

I can't accept that.

He won't raise any rates.

No way, he says.

Jin Feng, I need a word.

The list hasn't changed, right?

But the numbers have to.

Look at this one, 4¥.

Which one?

This one, the cotton-lined pants?

Let me see...

Say 3.60 for the first model.

- 3.60. - Right.

4¥ for this one

But they said no to all four!

Who did?

Uncle Shan, and that group from the same village.

Shan wants an average rate of 3.80.

He asked me to figure out how to get it to 3.80.

So let's say

cotton-lined pants, 4.20.

That's what he suggested.

Now he says no.

Let's go through it.

By your calculation, I get 3000 less.

Take last year's production,

plain and lined pants, overalls and jeans.

Add it all up,

you get an average piece rate of 3.95.

By your count, it's 3000 short.

They won't accept it.

We're not criticizing you,

but this way get paid 2000 less.

I won't even make 20,000 on the season.

You offer 3.4 or 3.5, which isn't enough.

And if they think you just want to be off home first,

they won't accept it.

How about we ask for 3.88?

Yeah, why not.

I'll work out what Uncle gets at a rate of 3.88.

Yeah, that should do it.

Let's work it out.

Well, in that case...

Quiet, let them talk!

Ten cents less is ten cents less.

When you cut the cloth, does it look easy?

Look, this isn't a bad rate.

Try getting 3.85 in Qisheng Road.

- You can't compare. - Go ask them.

- We're making lined pants! - But not 4¥ quality.

You can't compare those to ours.

You go on and on,

but some pay 3.70, some pay 3.50,

or even 3.20.

So 3.85 is a top rate!

What more do you want?

Beats me.

You mean 3.85?

If you can't accept that, too bad.

Let's see what it comes to

for 50c more.

- Uncle! - What?

What do you say to this 3.85?

They can't do that.

- Right. - No way.

Go down and tell them.

What are they thinking?

Look, I order these from the finishing shop.

Similar to what we make here.

All at around 3 to 4¥.

Call them down to settle up.

Where?

Same method, anyway.

At 3.95?

What? No, no, 4¥.

- Let's do it. - Get it done.

So 4 for the lined pants? And the rest?

The lined pants were 3.50 before.

Ok, deal.

We can get 3.80.

Ah, forget it, let's do it.

You got him to add 50c?

Yup.

- Raised by 5 cents. - Oh, great!

4 for cotton-lined pants.

It's the same.

We recalculated.

Fine, ok.

- Enough! - Ok, come on!

Forget it.

He just added 20c on cotton pants.

Yeah, that's it.

So let's just do it that way.

Tell us what we get, us two.

What about Youyou?

Youyou's amount is correct.

You can go and eat now.

That's it, all paid out.

I haven't even counted it.

Better count it.

I had an advance, so let's check.

How much have you got there?

This is the receipt for her advance.

It was 7,380.

I'm spending the new bills first!

Hey, he hit me!

Have you been payed?

Sure we have.

JIN CHENGZHI, 21, from Huaining, Anhui Province

He grabbed all the cash!

At least give me some for shopping.

No problem.

I have to work out my total pay.

Around 30,000 plus.

- So 31,000? - Or a little bit more.

31k left. I took a 2-3k advance.

Just have to avoid gambling.

So, roughly,

what's your total, finally?

Must be... 38,600.

And Xiao Yun?

He got 27,000.

10k down from last year, at least.

Bound to be, you changed shop.

Sixty thousand.

Coming back after New Year?

Not to this shop.

Up at 5 tomorrow, then?

Right, to leave by 9.

Better not oversleep.

- Right. - Too damn early.

- Better make it 4. - Right.

I'll never make it.

Shan! Hey, Shan!

Bring the bags, we need to pack.

- There's a loader over there. - Eh?

Load this stuff up.

I'm not going, he'll take it.

What's the hurry?

I just had some time today.

Leave it at my place, pick it up when you come back.

That's it.

I'll be working somewhere else next year.

I'm not coming with you.

Did I forget the key?

Do we have the key?

Let me check.

Here it is.

Make sure you store the stuff safely!

Xiao Gu! Call Chen Ping!

Hey! Damn, I need the bucket...

That's the place!

Tell him to pull over!

Stop!

Now you can unload!

WORKSHOP AT 80 XISHENG ROAD, ZHILI

- Yu Hua got an order. - Two bundles left, though.

CHEN WENJUAN, 20, from Anqing, Anhui Province

- Hear me? - Two bundles left.

So? I've got enough here, no rush.

- Will your hands survive? - Eh?

- Until New Year. - I may stop before then.

But you guys can get rich.

Uh-oh...

Did it lock-stitch you?

- No, it just grazed me. - You're fast.

How come you didn't cry out?

Most people would yell.

Let yourself go.

Dream on.

It's true, you'll feel better.

I'm telling the truth!

I'm too old to study, anyway.

If you start young and practice, you keep that skill for life.

We wouldn't have to work here, trust me.

never really liked studying.

Keep at it, it'll come naturally.

- I don't think I can. - It's just practice.

What do you think he wants?

Just say it to yourself:

"I'd love to go to your place."

"Sure, let's go to my place."

"Glad to, why not?"

"But should I trust you?"

Is Yu Hua coming to pick you up?

Taking you out for a drink?

He's a generous guy.

So he's inviting you both out?

Ah, Ming Ming...

What kind of girl falls for that?

Moment of truth!

Your sister went home twice for you!

If he's sincere, sure I'll go.

- So you're going. - If he's good to me, why not?

- Be honest, now. - Yeah, come on.

- Everyone loves a spender. - Yeah, it's tough.

Have money, get girl. No money, no life.

Now you're talking, Romeo.

Telling it like it is.

And relax, I'm not after you.

Your nails are very long.

Painful.

But my hand still hurts.

So who will be Yu Hua's date?

Can't trust that guy, he's slippery.

CHEN XUIWANG 45, from Anqing, Anhui Province Father of Chen Wenjuan

No way I'll go.

Forget it, last time he stood me up.

This hand is a nuisance.

You have to keep it dry.

Give me your washing to do.

- I'll wash your clothes. - Whatever.

But can you pay the doctor?

I have to pay?

Don't tease me, you'll be sorry.

It'll cost you at least 500.

Off we go then, to A & E.

We can hitch-hike.

Cheaper than a taxi.

Figure out your pay?

- How much? - 14,000 plus.

Let's hope you make that.

CHEN DINGHUA, 45, from Anqing, Anhui Province Mother of Chen Wenjuan

doubt it, though.

I used to work with these two.

Are they from the old workshop?

- That's not it. - It's Dong Wei.

Let me explain.

It's not that I'm slow.

- It's just that he's faster! - He hardly breaks for supper.

You joker!

Some people can make 14 or 15,000,

some do less, it's no big thing.

- That's right. - Not worth arguing about.

A bit more, a bit less.

Work less, spend less on food and clothes.

Simple as that.

That's a good attitude.

We could have agreed, I'm just saying.

- Some like to work late. - Earn more, spend more, so what.

Up to you, if you want to consume,

or work less and be thrifty.

That's how I see it.

- We can all choose. - Exactly!

- You got that right. - So spend less!

That's the truth!

Why so desperate?

- "Why?" - Turn it off, relax.

Why do you think?

It's unbearable.

CAO DEYIN, 26, from Wangjiang, Anhui Province

- Just cool it. - I have to finish.

- Take a break! - So I can go shopping

Just go, then!

JIN WENLONG, 46, from Anqing, Anhui Province Manager's uncle

Will you let me finish or not?

- Go shopping! - And you'll finish for me?

Don't you worry.

Who works like that?

Dumb kid. Go and play!

I've hardly done anything today.

You think I don't want to work?

Can't you stop?

You want to join him?

It'll take you 10 days!

You'll never get away for New Year!

There's too much work left.

I'll have a word with the boss.

Right. When?

Today.

So no point in rushing, Dong Wei.

- You hear me? - So I just leave these here?

Scram! Get out of here!

- What you say goes? - Scram!

- Move! - Whatever you say.

Go!

Work by yourself, who cares?

Just you here alone.

I'm done.

Oh, you're not working?

I'm packing up here!

Go on, then.

Let him. We still have to work.

Do one bundle, who cares.

Get to it.

- Let's go talk to the boss. - Are you off?

Forget him, let's go.

- Hey! You're really going? - Seems he is.

Come on, let's all go down.

What's up?

Where are you off to?

Finished your chat?

Dong Wei says he wants to stop now!

Cracks me up, how some people work.

Looks like they have an issue.

I can't hear.

What are they saying?

You can work early or late.

Right, that's good, but it has be all together.

Some people just won't stop.

Dong Wei just won't listen.

If he doesn't stop

we'll all quit.

Whatever he does,

that's your problem.

No concern of mine.

I don't want to hear about individuals.

I'll be very clear.

Whoever, you have to deal with it.

You can start at six or seven,

but can you promise to work 3 more days?

If I fire him, will you stay?

Ok, evening overtime.

Boss, it's not just me complaining.

But you mentioned this guy, right?

He won't discuss it seriously.

He wants to earn more for himself.

Bent over his machine all day,

we're all fed up with it.

Nothing personal against him, see?

Fuck, don't film this!

Get to it, guys, go home early.

That's right.

How did it go?

Ten more days.

Including today?

What else?

Or maybe a week.

Or five days?

Leave on the 30th?

Hey, move along!

What's the hold-up?

Don't step on me!

- So do we work nights? - Come on, move!

How many more days?

Simple, we finish what's left and go.

Right, that's what the boss said.

Finish what's left here by New Year's day,

but what if it takes longer?

So no new bundles,

we clear what's left by Dec. 31.

Bullshit, can't be done.

Who said January 1st?

The boss.

- January 1, or later? - By the 1st, he said.

- It could take longer. - He said, up to us.

He means,

let him know if there's a problem.

He said two days or three, or warn him the day before.

We're all working here,

we can say what we think.

Why not tell him right now, two days?

- He has to agree though - He can say no.

One day's notice, get paid the same night.

Easier said than done.

- Well, that's what I say. - Get real.

What? It's simple.

You were all very quiet downstairs.

Well, now we've discussed it

and agreed to leave on Jan 1st.

So if we have work in hand

on the night before, don't take any more.

Even if I have only one left to do?

Oh, come on, be reasonable.

- He means... - It's not fair.

If we follow you, we'll never finish!

Last day is Dec 30.

But she wants to stay and work.

Is that what you want?

No, but if I only had one piece left.

You have to compromise!

Let her work, what's the difference?

But you want to go!

Talk sense!

We say stop, you're still not happy!

We'll tell you what the deal is, ok?

Or you can just stay here and work.

Just ignore her.

So, are we agreed?

CAO XIAO'E, 41, from Anqing, Anhui Province

Yes or no?

Can we tell him now?

Let's be sure we agree.

We have to be united.

One deal for all

Let the men talk, the women just want to work.

What? We're talking about half a year's pay!

This isn't something us women can negotiate.

I'll go home when I'm done! We need a common position.

WANG HUADONG, 30, from Anqing, Anhui Province

Do we have one ready?

"Clear this batch and go!"

- Right. - Finish what's left here.

Hey, can we say, stop on January 1?

How about, we can take new work until 10 am?

Up to you how much you take, but no new work after 10.

I would say, last cut-off point, 11 am.

You finish when you can.

Then you can go, you're free.

You can work at your own speed.

- Last pick-up at 11. - And if I'm not ready?

11 sharp, ready or not.

- And after 11? - You can't take new work.

- Same tonight, we clear. - What?

- Easy, do overtime till 3 am. - Right.

That's ridiculous.

What do you mean?

If we do overtime anyway, why negotiate?

What do you hope to get?

- Why work tonight? - Who wants to work?

Up to you.

Solo workers who finish tonight can pick up new work.

- They have more time. - But they're slower.

Tandem teams are faster.

Solos can't make a 10:45 deadline.

- Tandems do double - They can finish.

But not the solos.

Depends how they're organized.

A solo working freely can do 2 bundles

and refill at 10 am.

Tell me how, I'll start now.

There's always a way.

still have a small bundle.

And I have to cook.

Just cook a bit less!

You going home for the break?

You should go on filming in the workshop.

They're not working now.

They want to stop, make a deal with the boss.

Wen, as long as the boss cuts fabric

and gives us work to do,

we make dungarees and earn money.

It's not just about the money.

Yes it is! It's about the money!

Even when I'm working for family!

Look, the problem is,

do we want to finish by Jan 1st?

You're saying, it's up to each of us.

I say, it's up to you.

Come on, that won't work.

Yeah, just drop the bullshit.

If we can't agree, stop work, now or tomorrow.

Or you all go talk to him.

If you let me deal, half of us could get paid and go home.

- Right. - Work or go, whatever.

That's what I want.

- That's it. - I want another bundle.

So you stay, you go, up to you!

What's all the fuss?

- But if the others have all gone... - Right,

and you want to work tomorrow?

You going to work by yourself?

Better stay in bed.

Some get up at one o'clock.

- Some work all day... - Some start at 7,

or 6:30, or 6...

Or even 5 am. Tiptoe out of the dorm...

Not me, I just come in at 7:30.

Right, why compete? It's crazy.

See, Xiao Hong agrees.

So we leave on Jan 1st.

It's chaos now, each for himself.

- I'm new, I don't get it. - So shut up!

- And there's reworking to do. - First one up tomorrow can do it.

Not me, anyway.

They can work, I won't.

I'm cashing in tomorrow, the boss has my book.

Don't be so selfish, we're all in this together.

Once, the boss even unplugged the machines.

Someone should slap him around a bit.

I was in early, no-one else working.

He came up, didn't seem too happy.

- I just kept quiet. - Ok, let's get back to work.

We were eating, I was thirsty.

Why couldn't you bring your own water bottle?

- I meant to bring it. But did you?

I told you, I was thirsty, I have a right, don't I?

You won't listen.

Maybe, but you should think of others.

You can't just grab someone's water.

I didn't grab it, I asked her.

You should ask politely, not just grab it.

Of course they'd be pissed off.

No, stay, Lin Shao, let's eat.

I set places for dinner, you're here.

- I'll just stand here. - Over there.

FANG LINGPING Elder sister of Lin Shao

I'm fine here.

Here's a piece of garlic.

- I took three bits of chicken. - Plenty left.

This has cooked for two hours.

Started at 2 o'clock.

Who made this?

- Like it? - It's good.

Help yourself.

- Hmm it's spicy. - You ate the head!

It's food, isn't it?

- Gives it taste. - Thanks.

Whatever.

Three bits of chicken, three chilis.

No kidding, it's really good.

Really.

- We had money left over. - And the oil?

We need to buy more.

- Who'll get it? - I will.

So two things still to buy.

The rice is just right.

Look how much I took.

Nearly a full bowl.

Filled right up

Ah Bing makes good rice.

- He's a good cook. - Eh?

What's for dinner?

Bring me something.

Nah, bedtime.

WORKSHOP AT 78 XINGFU ROAD, ZHILI

What a slacker you are.

- Civil servant! - Piss off.

CHEN QINGTAO, 21, from Wangjiang, Anhui Province

Lucky we took you in who knows where you'd be.

Mr Cool here recruited me, how could I refuse?

Lao Li says he's the denim king.

- He can't even do raised seams. - I never said I'm the best!

We'll see soon enough.

Listen to that evil laugh!

HU SIWEN, 21, from Wangjiang, Anhui Province

You can't rush this stuff.

Let's stop, we're the last.

Churn them out, who's checking?

HU WENPING, 22, from Anqing, Anhui Province

My third aunt is going home today,

TAN WEIWEI, 15, from Wangjiang, Anhui Province

and I'm still here working.

Two more days, ok?

I need money to go home for New Year.

Not sure about New Year.

If the boss pays us we can leave tomorrow.

Finish what's left, pick up our money.

We can go straight home, right?

What's left to do here?

We still have to pull out your tops.

- Sooner the better. - Only a few left.

- Clocking off? - What?

- Are you off? - Who says?

Better finish this batch.

No problem.

- How many have you done? - Five.

How many suits ready?

I'll pull these out for you.

Nearly done, linings need more cotton.

How do you pull these out? This way.

- Are these done? - Not yet.

They need finishing.

Are they done? No, I haven't finished any.

Just wait, one left to pull.

- Haven't you even started? - Ok, ready.

Bullshit, look. Corners are tricky

Why so fussy?

They look better this way, fetch a better price

Why carry the dog? Let him run.

People steal dogs.

Keep still, we're nearly there.

There you go.

HU WEIXIA, 18, from Wangjiang, Anhui Province

Here, doggy!

Come on, then!

In you go.

That's it, go.

- Turn the light on. - I'm worn out.

You've run me off my feet!

What's your dog doing in our room? He better not piss in here!

Go on, in there!

- The door's shut. - Worked myself to death.

Look, here!

A little snack.

Qingtao, let's be blood brothers.

- You smoke like a chimney. - I enjoy it.

Expensive.

Waste of money.

All this talk about smoking!

- Waste of money. - Irrelevant.

- Why? - Forget it, ok?

Telling me about smoking all day.

- Morning till night. - Poor baby!

You never stop.

You just let that dog run free?

When you talk, he looks at you.

He dropped it!

Keep the door shut!

I won't work nights, they freeze me out.

What can I say?

won't go tonight, Tang An.

Tang An!

I told him. He cuts more, stop.

I mean it.

I'll stop.

They argue over every item, never stop bickering, it's no fun.

- Can't agree on anything. - Yeah, but.

You talk a lot too,

and it's just your opinion.

Did you hit my dog?

Don't get too close, he'll bite.

Like that Yunnan guy's dog.

Some scary dogs in this building.

Yours is fiercer than a Samoyed.

He's aggressive.

- Fierce - You can have him.

- Why not? - How about a Tibetan mastiff?

- Hard to find. - And expensive.

They bite. And they're hard to train.

My benefactor!

Look at you. You're so strong.

Ok, give me a break now.

- But you're my hero. - Fuck off!

Si Wen, listen to this!

- It's true! - Listen to this guy!

- Wait, next year... - You don't believe me?

Next year, maybe...

The Monk told my fortune, he says we'll work together again.

Not if you hang with the Monk. Drop him, we might consider it.

I'll work with him next year for sure.

- But the Monk... - He doesn't make pants!

What if he goes back to his temple?

Next year, knitwear. No more denim.

I can learn knitwear.

And leave Monk alone in his temple?

- I can take you there. - No thanks.

Today the boss lady said you made the most denims.

You can take some home!

The store-room is full of unsold denims,

all made by Si Wen!

- What the fuck? - Boss lady said, at lunch.

Si Wen makes them that fast.

Unsold denims, all his work.

No. 1 surplus item.

I don't believe it.

- She must be kidding - It's true, they're in the store.

Si Wen makes denims so fast, they don't want him back!

I should have trained on soft fabric.

First job I get is with soft stuff.

Have you been out?

Not this evening

How did the riot start?

Seems it was because of a tax,

that was it.

There was a 200¥ tax

that suddenly went up to 500.

It was a tax on each machine

like the ones downstairs.

That was what started the trouble.

Then a woman from Anhui,

from some village with a river, think,

and she refused to pay the tax.

Anyway, she was pregnant,

and it seems the tax collector

kicked her in the stomach.

She miscarried,

right there on the spot,

and that set things off.

She was from Anqing?

Right, from Qianshan.

Everyone was talking about it, it was unbelievable.

People started gathering,

until Zhili town hall was surrounded

by a huge crowd.

saw some pictures online,

the report said there were

rows of dead bodies on the ground

two long rows of bodies,

their faces covered, clothes wrapped round their heads.

The cops grabbed kids from the crowd,

threw us in tiny cells, like barely a meter square.

Locked us in and beat us.

They'd stop, then start again,

and keep on hitting us until we "confessed."

I got off lightly.

They put me in a cell, asked me where was from.

"I'm from Anhui."

Wrong answer.

He says, you Anhui people did this.

That really pissed me off.

I was so angry, could hardly control myself.

I can still hear that insult.

"You Anhui people."

I said, we're to blame, is that it?

It wasn't just us, there were

people from Henan, other places.

We're from Anhui, so we're guilty?

The Deputy Governor of Anhui showed up,

the Mayors of Anqing and Xuancheng,

even the mayors of our own and neighboring districts.

But we still got beaten up.

In the police station,

I saw one kid, must have been around 20 or so,

who refused to confess to anything.

Really heroic, he was.

He said, I've done nothing wrong, why am here?

But you know, when they get you in there,

all you want to do is get out,

and arguing won't work.

They nearly killed him.

His whole mouth was bleeding,

his arms and legs all swollen.

That guy got a real beating.

Fuck, he couldn't even walk,

he was black and blue all over.

Thing is, I can describe the violence in words,

but if you haven't been there,

you can't possibly imagine.

You see it on TV, sure,

police brutality, and torture,

but this was for real.

When they let me go and went home,

that was in 2011,

I sat outside every day thinking.

I'd never experienced anything like that,

it left deep mental scars.

You watch the news every day, they tell you how great China is.

But after that...

It looks different, it looks pretty dark.

You have no rights! So what's the use of having money?

How old were you?

You're a bit older than me, right?

I was 16 or 17, I suppose.

You were probably just 18.

We were all kids around the same age, living from day to day.

I remember how they beat people.

Locked in a tiny cell.

It's hard to imagine

how they must have beat that kid,

on his whole body.

Lucky they didn't

break all his bones.

Two cops put him on the floor

just started kicking him.

They made me squat. I never squat, so...

after seven hours like that,

when these two riot cops

grabbed my neck,

pushed me down,

my legs were so numb

I just pitched forward

with my face on that police station floor.

Then one of them picks me up,

and knees me in the head,

right here on the temple.

I nearly passed out.

Just lost all feeling, fuck.

I've told the guys here, but they probably can't believe

those cops were so vicious.

A knee blow to the temple,

imagine that.

I could hardly see.

I went home covered in bruises,

all over my body.

I'm still young, my body can take it,

but when I get older, the pains might come back.

Some people think we were just a bunch of rowdy kids

who needed to be taught a lesson.

In fact, what happened was

that place opened our eyes

to the reality of this society.

Something wrong, isn't there?

One kid paid 20,000 to get out.

Quite a price, isn't it?

20,000¥ bail.

You were taking pictures, right? That's why they grabbed you?

Why didn't you run?

Run where? No chance,

there was a huge crowd,

thousands of people,

at least seven rows behind me,

men and women, shoulder to shoulder,

no way to squeeze through.

They were grabbing us at random.

A friend of mine had a page on TenCent,

this was back in 2011.

Around that time,

the police grabbed this young guy,

and his mother protested, saying he was innocent

and had been wrongly arrested.

So they took her in too, and beat them both up.

Someone took a picture.

Blood everywhere, teeth knocked out.

I saw the pictures.

So I consider myself very lucky,

because just after I was arrested

someone set fire to a police van.

If they'd taken me after that

they could easily

have pinned that on me,

set me up for assaulting the police or whatever.

Plenty of kids were framed

and had to do two or three years inside.

Everyone downstairs!

It's time to deal.

Some can stay here,

we don't all need to go.

- You're not coming? - Yes I am.

Lock him in here,

he's no use down there.

Hey, what do you mean?

These haven't changed in three years,

22 and 23.

This one's too low.

22 came later, we aligned it on 23.

In fact, 23 came first,

we cut 23 on August 15th, I remember.

And 22 on October 1st.

It's much too low.

We need to adjust the second one.

It's really too low.

- I'll tell you why they're low. - Yeah, we'd only make 30,000 each!

We were late to market, we had to follow the going rate.

The other shops were ahead of us.

Trust me, you can ask around.

Sure, we realise that.

But they're paying 13 or 14 for the padded jackets.

Even the simplest is at 13 or 14.

You know, you've made them yourself.

late to set a new rate for these this year.

Why not last year's rate?

We agreed the rate with Zheng Feng.

- Look... - Nobody could accept this rate.

We've been with you for some time now,

nearly six months.

- Can't do it this year. - Last year the Mickey Mouse was 8.5,

and this year you're saying 6¥?

Who could accept that?

It's not even close.

Some were at 3¥, but they're much harder this year.

This year's rates are far lower, even lower than last year's.

And they're harder to make.

Last year we made the raincoats, the Mickey Mouse model,

and the same padded jackets.

This Mickey Mouse?

- Right. - The sand-washed one

This one here.

They make the same model at Yimin West Road.

They've set their rate, and we use the same cuts.

- I wouldn't pay you less. - The lining's identical.

Look at these numbers.

- Makes me so angry - Is Qingtao still downstairs?

- Let's get him up here. - Go on.

He didn't look too sure of himself.

I'll talk to him when he comes up.

- Why didn't you speak up? - You were there with us.

Shen Yi was talking.

You said nothing.

Plus 1130,

plus 330,

HU CAIXIN, from Wangjiang, Anhui Province

plus 266.

And here, add 34,000.

We can raise two rates, each by 50c.

That's 860, plus 2610.

Less than the last one?

- See, these two. - Calculate again.

Look, compare these two.

- Similar. - Same as the first time.

- Ok? - We focus on raising the lowest one.

The numbers are right. Any lower, we won't even make 25,000.

- Two of us should take this down. - You and me, let's go.

Go ahead, we'll follow.

- We'll go now. - What?

Come with us.

Two or three, but not just one.

Back here again?

You said, choose an item.

We chose this one.

Boss, you asked me yourself, it was your idea.

You've chosen the highest-run item!

So? How much do you want?

You said choose, I chose.

I know it's no use asking for too much.

You won't accept.

Ok, I think we can agree.

I can offer you 8 on all these five items.

And on these, at least 10 and 9.5.

I'll raise any rate that I can,

but I can't increase this item.

It's 9¥ and that's final.

This one also is fixed,

at the rate you asked for.

This one's up 50c. A few cents on the next one,

and the rest stay as they are.

- They won't finish tonight. - Really?

They're still arguing over a few items,

and the small padded jacket.

- Can't we get 9.5? - Nope, 9¥.

We hoped to make 90k together, it'll be 70.

No-one's making money this year.

Are the denim rates all frozen?

- Finished talking? - Nothing more to discuss.

Do you guys upstairs agree?

They're figuring the totals now.

Bargaining's on hold.

Jing's not saying anything.

The Mickey Mouse isn't settled and the boss has gone,

says he doesn't want to discuss it.

So it's still up in the air.

Now it's up to you.

- He can't give us 4? Only 3.5? - Right.

And only 9.5 for the padded jackets.

That's it. He just wants to pay and close up.

He left before we'd finished.

- We should get 3.5 plus a bit. - Plus nothing, he says.

He won't budge from 3.5, let alone the rest.

You wanted to focus on the high-run model.

And nothing about the others.

I wanted to ask for 10c on the collar items.

We've been at it since 6 am, another whole day for a 10c raise.

And this one...

Shit, it's just like last year. Let's just get paid.

Fuck, not even 21,000.

Plus 667 here...

- Minus this... - Plus 10, plus 600 for travel.

Add it up.

Fuck me, just over 20,000.

20,008 and 60 cents.

Fucking peanuts.

Uh-huh. You've settled? Great.

I'll be there in a minute.

Buy what?

I'll be right over.

Let's go.

Not me, I'm busy.

Don't lose hope. You said he'd agree.

17,000, that sound a lot to you?

It's less than was making in my teens.

was making 40 or 50,000 a year.

If he won't budge, too bad.

I'm thinking, it's still better than last year.

I went into business and lost money.

So I'm doing a bit better.

At least I've got cash to spend Last year I was so broke

I had to haul bricks on a building site

Really hard. I did that for around two months,

hauling those bricks.

This is my girlfriend Yiqun's shop.

They're all still in bed.

Just two people working,

it's a joke.

XIAO WEI, 25, from Xuancheng, Anhui Province

Two workers in such a huge shop,

the boss must be losing money big time.

How much can they produce?

That cousin of mine didn't wait for the negotiation,

She just took her money and split.

Took the boss's first offer

and got on the train.

Lucky that this year

she's in my workshop.

In any other place,

they'd beat the shit out of her.

Just looked out for herself.

Any shop, the way things are now,

she'd get beaten up.

They worked really hard all year,

could have got a few thousand more,

but she just throws it away.

She doesn't care.

We all need more money.

If it wasn't for her,

could have got a thousand more

No problem.

Fang Fang was furious,

and they had a fight.

We ended up spending the night in a police cell.

Nice end to payday,

all of us in the lockup.

Those cells aren't so bad in the daytime,

but at night you can freeze to death,

if they want to keep you there.

I made 50,000 more than that last year.

LIU HUAN, 18, from Wenshan, Yunnan Province

And this year?

What did you make last year?

WORKSHOP AT 85 GUANGZHOU ROAD, ZHILI

You still here, Xiao Wei?

Why go home? Nothing to do there.

And your Ma?

She went home today. But I'll go tonight.

You guys are doing alright.

ZHANG HONGQING, 24, from Wenshan, Yunnan Province

At least you got paid,

you can take a break here.

We're stuck, we can't get our money.

I must admit we've had better luck.

For sure.

Making those short pants is easier,

and no trouble getting paid.

And you got 30,000 each.

In our shop, five of us have to share 80,000.

That's like around 16,000 each

for four months' work!

We did three months.

That's right.

That works out at, what,

10,000 a month?

That's double what we got.

You know what rate we got?

1.7¥ a piece!

Even for the really hard items

that take a day for a few dozen.

How can we live on that?

Five or six of us can only make

100 pieces a day.

1.7 for a really difficult model.

Same rate for all pieces, however hard to make.

And they're big, too,

long pants, large sizes.

5 people sharing 80,000,

after expenses, what's left?

Not much for a season's work.

Send people home with little...

What about travel expenses?

For the train here,

we paid 7 or 800.

So, 1000-plus for a return trip.

- So what's left for you? - Right,

for five of us,

that's over 4,000 for travel.

Plus food and drinks on the way,

the whole trip takes about thirty hours each way!

And we still have debts to pay off back home.

A big loan from the family,

that I have to pay back.

They're waiting for the money back home.

- The creditors - We built a house!

- Just finished it. - Huge debts.

I'm afraid so.

Home loans are repaid monthly, surely?

We built it ourselves.

- You built your own house? - Yes, we spent half a million.

The boss says, take it or leave it.

I'm paying you, and

you'll get what I say you get.

That's it.

That boss of yours

sounds pretty bad.

Yours was the first shop I tried

when I was looking for work.

So I remember her, she didn't seem on the level,

so I passed.

You were right.

- My place. - No.

JIN YIQUN, 25, from Wangjiang, Anhui Province Xiao Wei's girlfriend

We need to charge our phones.

The charger's in the bag.

What day is it?

- Monday, right? - It's Sunday.

- Sunday... - Yup.

Maybe there's a poker game,

"Burn the Golden Flower!"

If they're playing tonight,

I'll go for sure.

My battery was completely dead.

Let's see what's new at the shop.

See what they're saying.

WORKSHOP AT 85 GUANGZHOU ROAD, ZHILI

She's not giving an inch.

Looks like another night waiting here with a blanket.

The boss just sits there playing with her computer.

Hey, it's dark!

LIU GANG, 22, from Wenchan, Yunnan Province Zhang Hongqing's husband

Well, it's night already.

LIU HUAN Younger brother of Liu Gang

The lowest rate in Zhili is 2.50

No-one pays less.

- Even 2.50 would be rock bottom. - She won't budge.

Let's see.

That would give us 102,000.

102,300.

That would be a bit better.

- Much better. - But hey,

can't she even add 50c?

- We could try for 2.3. - Divide by 4.

and one third...

so that would mean

5,900 more for us.

Let's aim for that.

- I should have joined in. - Try with 2.2.

- So make a suggestion! - Try 2.2.

Try that. But no lower, ok!

At 2.2, we get 5,500 more.

Ten cents more gets you 4,000¥.

4,000, you realize?

Some nights I even did overtime, cutting fabric.

Actually 4,400.

Hang on just a minute.

Ok, so she paid up.

Just much less than last year.

What rate did she give you in the end?

1.95.

We made 40,000 less this year.

Here, lock this in your safe.

Put it all together.

usually don't bother to change workshops.

Are you wearing those shoes, Uncle?

YUAN ZHENGFANG, 48, from Wenshan, Yunnan Province Liu Gang's mother

Which shoes?

It's cold, I've added a layer.

- Let's go then. - Yup.

Turn the lights off.

He said wait here.

Can't see a thing.

The driver said to wait here,

and not to move.

offered 10¥ more, he'll take us.

- I made a deal. - He won't come.

- He didn't hear you. - Could be.

He won't take us.

He's not licensed, said he could be fined.

Yeah, so we would pay more.

He said, who are you, Xi Jinping?

No, look, there he is!

Where's he going?

He has to turn around,

he's on his way.

Where's he going to turn?

Can you see?

There'll be a place up ahead.

- How far does he have to go? - Maybe a little way.

He can turn behind that building

Right, he can go around it.

Trouble getting out of bed?

Too early for you?

Hmm?

Am I right?

It was a bit hard.

Well, I managed it.

I was up when your dad called.

You kept saying, it's too early.

I thought you would know the bus times.

Where's your stop, sir?

Si Dui!

- Where? - Si Dui!

- Si Dui stop! - Right.

Be sure not to miss it!

You should get a silver earring.

I don't like to wear silver.

Jade or gold, but not silver.

- No silver for me. - Gold, then.

Hey! This is my stop!

- Not yet, I'll tell you when! - Slow down!

- Are we there yet? - It's just up ahead.

Alright, here we are.

- This is it! - Here we are.

Which way?

LANGXI COUNTY, ANQING DISTRICT, ANHUI

So annoying.

What are you pinching me for?

You stood me up.

Unreliable.

You deserve it.

Didn't you say it was on a main road?

We use bikes to get around,

- Really handy. - Handy my ass,

you're walking me to death.

Lucky it's only drizzle. If it really rains, I'll be soaked.

No you won't, we have umbrellas at home.

HOME OF XIAO WEI

Xiao Wei's father

I'm taller than you, little guy.

I like that.

You're not taller.

I am so, Shorty.

- This way I can bully you. - Huh.

If you were taller, I couldn't bully you.

If it was me, I still wouldn't bully you.

do bully you, though.

These slippers are too big

- Are they? - Yes.

I like them roomy.

How do you know they're too big?

Here they're all size 5 or bigger.

- No choice. - You're kidding me?

You and me have the smallest feet.

My ma's feet are bigger.

Ma!

Ma? Have you made dinner yet?

No, I thought you said

you wanted to cook.

Go on, Xiao Wei. want to taste your cooking.

Looks a bit dodgy to me.

Use a big bowl.

- Bring the soy sauce. - Use the bowls.

- Did you add the soy sauce? - Of course I did.

It needs soy sauce.

That's enough to serve the guests.

You two eat what's left.

The bowl's full.

Go and have a drink, serve the rest later.

Take the food upstairs.

SUN XIAOXIAO Xiao Wei's mother

No bamboo shoots?

No, it doesn't go together.

What are you smiling at?

Oh, can't I smile now?

Great.

Can't even untie a ribbon.

Poor helpless thing.

What would I know about ribbons?

Are we going visiting today?

Let's go upstairs,

have a drink.

No-one around to visit.

I want to know

Are we drunk, are we crazy

I want to know

Aren't we young any more?

I want to know

If they're laughing at me now

I want to know

Why you're looking so sad

I want to know

Does it all end tomorrow?

I want to know

Don't let me be the clown

And those ordinary people

Walking by sad and lonely

Tell me please

Why you cast me aside

Just common desires,

Daily silence and sorrow,

Tell me what makes me strong

I want to know..

MAGUAN COUNTY, WENSHAN DISTRICT, YUNNAN

Home now, little one.

Come to mommy.

Welcome back.

Go for a spin!

HOME OF LIU GANG'S PARENTS

Hey, bring some chopsticks.

None left here.

- How many? - Six pairs.

Here you go.

On the bowls or just here?

Just anywhere, with the bowls.

Settle down, or I'll spank you.

I'm calling them to dinner.

I'll call them now, give them time to get here.

Let's serve the food, we can eat.

Come on baby, dinner time.

They should come to the table and eat.

Where are you all sitting?

Granny, where shall we sit?

Just wait, your ma will tell you.

What's this thing for?

Take that spoon over.

Won't be long now.

Settle down, children.

Shush now.

- Mao Mao! - What a good girl, and so big now!

- Our youngest. - Shui Ming,

come on, Shui Ming.

LIU CHUANG Liu Gang's father

Not for me, Mao Mao!

A bit salty, isn't it?

- Not for me. - Well, for me,

it's a bit salty.

Any crusty rice at the bottom?

Didn't manage.

Who wants crusty rice?

They can eat spicy, right?

They're not fussy!

Don't do that.

See, she bit you!

You're bleeding.

I'm still hungry, Ma.

You hardly ate any rice.

There was nothing to go with it.

Well, I cooked heaps of rice.

Doesn't want kissing!

Hi, on the way home?

Mm, look at those young vegetables.

Maybe we could pick some.

No, these people planted them.

Which is your plot?

The other one.

These are really delicious.

- Here, take this. - Look, that's Ma's patch over there.

Whose are these snowpea sprouts?

Not ours, we can't pick them.

I'd love to eat some today.

Mustn't touch other people's things!

No, no, not for us!

- Bye bye! - She's pulling me!

And that's the neighbor's patch.

This film was shot between 2014 and 2019 in the town of Zhili, a district of Huzhou City in the Zhejian province, China.

Zhili is home to over 18,000 privately-run workshops producing children's clothes, mostly for the domestic market, but some also for export.

The workshop employ around 300,000 migrant workers, chiefly from around Yunnan, Guizhou, Anhui,Henan, and Jiangsu

I would like to warmly thank all the workers, as well as the managers of these workshops,

for letting my film them at work, in their living spaces, or with their families. Thank you for your amazing, lively presence.

And last but not least, a special thank you to all the friends who helped me, in the five years it took to shoot this film.