Original subtitles

My hometown is right by a river.

When I was a kid I used to walk by the river...

Because the school was on the other side.

In Hong Kong, there's a harbour too.

People cross it every day to go to work.

You can take a ferry or cars there

...any time of the year.

Not like in my hometown.

In the summer, we can take the boat...

but when winter comes,

...we can only take cars or walk.

Here is my dad. He doesn�t work anymore.

He brings wine & cigarettes from Hong Kong

...to the mainland to sell, and sometimes the other way around.

mother said he had a good business before.

He made lots of money.

He was able to buy our big house in Shenzhen.

The one in Mong Kok is rented.

Our house in Shenzhen is three stories high.

A room for father & mother.

One for my sister and me.

There is a garden, and a terrace on the roof.

We can see for miles on the roof.

Have you seen father?

I'm in Lo Wu. I don�t see him.

He's not there?

He�s not here.

Who are you looking for?

I waited for you for a long time at the station.

All right.

- Mom, dad�s here! - So he's home

Man, are those string beans washed?

Are they washed?

Go wash them. I'm going to cook them.

Wash them clean.

I don�t have any connections.

Why don�t we all sneak down?

If they catch you, they'll send you back.

Without any connections, it's going to be difficult.

We'll give them more money, take them out to eat.

That takes a lot of money.

You can�t even afford it.

I know someone who will pay up to a thousand for it.

You really want the girls to go there?

Yes.

Dear companions, our school is proud to present the 90's Lei Feng.

It is about our own student Choi Ji-fan.

On her way to school

she saw an old woman almost hit by a car.

Risking her own life, she rushed forward...

to help the old woman.

Unfortunately she was hit by the car.

We should all follow her example

Like Lei Feng, we should try to be the new generation of socialists.

It was always my parents� dream to go to Hong Kong.

My younger sister and I also dreamt about it.

It will mean our whole family can be together.

Dad wouldn�t have to travel back and forth.

Between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, then back again.

Now we could go to the cinema to watch movies,

learn English in school,

and play at Ocean Park.

We would go to the mountain to see Hong Kong at night.

We can save

and help him to build his house.

All right, if that�s what you want.

We'll feel better if we have a place.

If you want to help him build it, then do it.

I don�t want to eat.

Eat it!

Any fruits?

I brought back oranges from the restaurant.

You stole them?

- Oh no. - There are lots at the restaurant.

- Let�s go to Ocean Park, tomorrow? - Yes

Does that sound good?

We'll go on Sunday.

Would you like that?

Are your paying?

- Are you paying? - Since you�re young, it�s free.

Your sister has to pay.

Me & Mom have to pay.

Hey, can I use your toilet?

Yan, you OK?

You left used toilet paper in the bin.

That smell doesn't make you sick?

It doesn�t bother you?

You�re eating around it, too!

In Silver City. A young person. Alright.

Silver City, What�s so funny?

No problem. 10 minutes.

Yes Boss?

Victoria Hotel?

She'll be there in 5 minutes.

Yan!

Yan!

Get to work!

Yiu, take Yan to the Victoria Hotel.

What?

How long have you been in HK?

A little more than a month.

I�m going to go shopping.

Don�t spend too much.

I'll get some pork & some fish?

I gotta go to work.

Just vegetables, no pork.

I'll bring back some from the restaurant.

Just vegetables.

The visa...

Remember to go to the immigration Office.

Fan's visa's been expired for two months.

See if it can be extended.

Don�t forget.

Did you get the social welfare book stamped?

Yes.

Yan, you got a customer.

Now?

Yes, get to work.

Room 3.

Come in.

Hello, boss.

Where are you from?

Sichuan.

Sichuan?

Is the water cold?

No, it's just right.

Feels good.

Then give me a bigger tip.

Didn�t we agree on 3 months?

Only a few more weeks left.

You want to do business.

You have to come back soon.

Yes, say hello to dad and mom for me.

Listen to me.

I'll talk to you soon.

Fan, you're so pretty...marry me when you�re older.

Fan, don't look!

The prostitute and that punk are coming.

Where is this kid from?

He looks like a thug.

Little girl, what're you eating?

That girl with him looks like a whore, too.

Fan, don�t talk to him.

Asshole, what are you looking at?

Don�t try anything here.

Leave.

- What is it you want? - Get the hell out!

Fan, be careful when you play around here.

There are a lot a bad people around here, understand?

Be careful.

Come in.

Hello, boss.

Me, the boss?

Just kidding

Are you ready to get started?

Let�s shower first.

Boss, do you like this?

Yes, very much.

Feels good, eh?

Then give me a big tip.

All these tattoos! They look cool.

They do?

Is that a horse?

You want a tattoo? I'll take you.

It�s not expensive.

The dragon has long wings.

We are all the children of the dragon.

Some people are tattooed all over their body.

This is nothing.

Does it hurt getting one?

When I got them, not now though.

Doesn�t this feel great?

Yes, it�s good.

I hope you pay me well.

It depends on how good you are, later.

Where are you from?

From Hunan.

Hunan?

Let�s get the other side.

Sand nigger!

What?

You think you�re tough?

Who are you? I don�t know you.

Remember me from the alley?

What? I don�t know you.

I am gonna fucking kill you. Wait!

You're not happy?

This makes several days that I haven�t worked.

There�s no reason to worry.

I need money, you know!

Is your family on your back for money?

My daughter has to go to school. That costs a few thousand.

A few thousand?

That much, huh?

- I can lend some to you - That�s OK, thank you though

My family�s going to call again at 8:30.

What can you do though, I've only been here a few days.

I�m not sure if I can really make that few thousand.

Hello.

What did you buy?

A Hong Kong calendar.

Of Hong Kong?

Can we see it?

Go for it.

It�s beautiful.

It�s a beautiful calendar.

Let me see.

This is nice. Have you been there?

No. I don�t need it if I�ve already been there.

- What�s this? - Hunan Cigarettes.

Hunan?

- Where are you from? - The Northeast.

The Northeast?

You�re from Hunan?

What do you smoke there?

Red River.

"If love doesn�t deliver

...smoke a Red River!"

These are Hunan's best cigarettes.

Really? What are they called?

White Sand.

White Sand?

Looks pretty.

I have to work, when would I have time to go?

I'm here in the day, and wait at the restaurant at night.

Go on your day off.

You can�t make enough money.

You'd make less money.

That�s the way it is, that�s why we�re here.

How long you been here?

A little more than a month.

We've been here just a few days.

Oh yeah?

When does your visa expire?

3 months.

- How many guys a day? - Two.

Sometimes three.

It was like that when I first started.

Same with me.

But your business is good now?

Hong Kong men are so cheap.

- Oh yeah? - Very cheap.

Really petty.

They have more money than you think.

Shit! I only make $200. (US$25).

- $200? - Yes

It pisses me off!

I get more.

You get more?

You�re prettier & younger than us.

How old are you?

I�m 26 going on 27.

And you?

- 29. - We're almost the same age.

I�m younger...21.

You're 21?

You're young!

Refer some of your customers to us.

Alright.

I saw some girls the same age as her in Pujian.

They made a lot, too.

- 20 customers. - Yes.

- And even more. - More?

Some younger ones than me make even more.

We'll they�re young.

We'll have to refer customers to each other and vice-versa.

We�re in the same boat.

We're all from the mainland. We gotta stick together.

Let me see your hands.

Maybe it�s from showering too much.

How many showers per customer?

Twice for each customer.

Don�t be silly. One is enough.

Shower once before

...and leave after you�re done.

You only shower once?

When I first came to HK,

I showered twice just like you.

My hands still peel.

Twice is too much.

You need to leave as soon as you�re done.

Take a shower with your next customer.

Otherwise, for 20 customers a day,

that�s 40 showers.

It�s me "Funky" What? Bounced again!

I hate showers.

My feet still peel too.

Look, my hands, too.

That�s just the way it is, in our profession.

I used to have beautiful hands. But now...

Three TIMES!

It bounced THREE TIMES! What�s going on?

Put yourself in my place.

How can you treat me like that?

You want my friends to pay you a visit?

What was that?

This is the last one.

That�s it!

Yao, follow four eyes up to "Funky".

Take the medicine.

Don�t eat anymore fatty meat.

You want to see a doctor?

No.

Take two.

Thank you.

Little girl!

Get the police, someone�s hurt.

No.

No?

What happened?

- This persons hurt, call the police. - A wounded person?

I don�t know what happened.

- He's hurt badly. - Right.

Call the cops!

You call them!

Me? I can�t.

- Why not. - Please call them for me.

You saw him first.

You were with him. You go get help.

I can�t. Help me. Call please!

You do it!

- You call! - No, you call!

You don�t call, I don�t call, nobody calls.

Forget it, let�s not call.

We saw nothing. Let�s go.

OK then, nobody calls.

The poor guy�s hurt badly.

Forget it!

She�s not calling, I�m not calling.

Did he get hit by this thing?

Yan, time for work!

I gotta run.

See you later.

"Silver Lake," Shanghai Street.

Waiter, iced lemon tea!

At once.

Here ya go.

Lend me a knife.

For what?

To open a durian.

It smells.

Something smells bad.

Is it a dead rat?

No, it�s that thing.

Who left that there? That�s so dirty.

Dad!

Time to eat!

Yiu, finished resting?

No, but brother B says he needs help.

- What�s that smell? - It stinks.

Fin, did you step in shit?

It really stinks.

Are you stinking up the place?

No! It�s probably you.

Girl, did you see the person that hit me with the durian?

Durian? What is that?

The spiky thing that knocked me out.

No.

Are you sure?

And you?

Go in. Room #1.

Come in.

What are you watching?

A movie.

How is it?

It�s okay.

What�s your name, Honey?

Call me Dung-Dung.

You are very beautiful.

Be patient.

Why?

Lets take a shower first.

I�ll get the water running.

All right, you first.

Boss,

you have very long hair.

Ah really? It�s not that long.

What do you do?

Chauffeur.

- Chauffeur? - Yes.

Does it feel good?

Yes.

It will get even better.

Really? We'll see.

Boss, what would you like?

You decide.

I�ll do whatever you like.

Dung-Dung.

It feels good.

Is it alright?

Do it again, please.

Boss, no.

It�s tiring.

You just have to bend over.

Boss, you don�t understand.

Mong Kok, is a big place.

I run back and forth, it�s really exhausting.

I�m tired.

You serious?

Yes.

Please, bend over.

Dung-dung, smart girl.

Ooh, that�s it girl, that�s it.

You're so good, boss.

I don�t think so.

That was so fast, how could it be good?

That was fun Dung-Dung, I�ll see you in a couple of days.

Okay. Thank you.

You�re welcome.

- Let�s take a shower. - You go first.

Hello, boss.

Hello.

Where are you from?

I�m from here.

- I don�t believe it. - Yeah.

You don�t look like a local.

You�re kidding, boss.

You think you�re beautiful?

What do you think?

That�s enough. Where are you from?

Xinjiang.

Xingjiang?

How many customers do you have a day?

That depends.

Sometimes more than others.

What? Got rejected?

You should put some makeup on.

Yes..."Golden Shanghai"

Yes, yes, yes Three right away.

Okay okay.

Yan!

Yi, Jane! Get to work! "Golden Shanghai".

police are coming! Let�s go!

Fan, run!

Police! Run!

Don�t move!

What're you doing?

Just passing by.

Who�s that girl?

No idea, officer.

What�re you doing here?

Just passing through!

ID card!

You know that girl?

No.

Are you sure?

She was with you?

No, she wasn�t with me, she walked by herself.

What is your profession?

Unemployed.

Unemployed? What are you doing here?

Just passing by.

In an alley?

Take us in there.

- What're you doing here? - Visiting a friend.

Visiting? Then why�d you run when you saw the police.

ID card.

I don�t have one.

You're from the mainland?

What�s that? Give it here.

Here it is!

You�re a prostitute? Got a lotta business?.

You said she wasn�t with you.

Whatever you say!.

When will you leave?

When does the visa expire?

Hey, when will she leave?

In a few days.

Few days?

I want her gone in a few days!

If I see her again I�ll come after you, understood?

I bought you the king of all fruits for your birthday.

- Have you seen one on the mainland? - I don't think so.

But I think I saw one in the alley.

I know it�s called a durian.

King of all fruits, that thing? It�s so prickly.

It�s imported from the United States.

Have you seen or eaten one?

You can eat it? I saw a guy hit by this thing.

Looks like a porcupine.

It�s true that it looks like one.

That looks like a pineapple.

Litchi is the real king of all fruits. Not that thing!

How does it open? You know how to open it?

And you, do you know?

I don�t know. You want to open it?

You say you�ve eaten it, but you can�t even open it.

Yes I have, but I never opened one.

You sure it�s like that, father?

Maybe pry it open.

I�ve seen people at the market cut it down the middle.

Try using the hammer, father.

A hammer will ruin it.

Poke it right here.

Here?

- Use a toothpick. - A toothpick?

If you ate it, you must know how to open it!

I ate it, but someone opened it for me.

I should have bought an open one.

You bought this because you're cheap.

On the contrary, it�s expensive.

It cost more than 100 kuai.

That�s expensive?

15 kuai a pound.

They charge by the pound.

Are you going to open it or not?

That's it, opened!

It smells father, what kind of king of fruits is that?

Its also called the "pear of America."

That stinks.

The smell is making me dizzy.

- That smells nice. - It stinks!

Dad, your king of fruits smells bad.

Eat!

I don�t want it.

- It's edible? - Of course.

It smells like shit.

It�s not shit, it tastes good.

It�s shit.

That really stinks.

Father, why did you bring this here?

It's good for you.

It�s better than ginseng.

I don�t want to eat it.

It�s more nutritious than chicken soup.

You should�ve just bought a birthday cake.

It smells so bad.

Eat more!

That is the meat, not the pit.

Eat all of it.

- Everyone have some. - No!

It's gross�how do we eat it?

Eat it like this! No, you eat it!

Don�t be silly. It's nutritious.

Take a piece.

It smells!

You�re silly, it�s really good.

I won�t eat any of it!

I�ll eat first.

It's so very sweet.

Eat!

I feel light-headed, it stinks.

It stinks when you smell it.

But tastes great when you eat it!

Eat!

Smells bad either way.

It�s very delicious.

Eat!

No, you eat it.

You want some?

Try a piece.

Fan, it�s your birthday.

Just try a little piece.

Smells awful.

- Father got it for you, so eat it. - Just try it.

Man, you want some?

Try it!

- I don�t want it. - Give this piece to Fan.

You eat it.

Father loves you and he got you the King of fruits.

Take a big bite, it�s your birthday.

Isn�t it sweet?

- Yan, time for work at the "STAR-INN". - Now?

Yes.

Come on, hurry up!

I'll be there.

What�s your name?

Yan.

Room #3.

Hello, boss.

Where are you from?

Shanghai.

Let�s shower first.

Aren�t you the one who wanted to call the cops?

You've come to help wash dishes?

Lots of dishes everyday?

Yes, we wash everyday. It�s hard work.

It�s hard work.

The same thing everyday.

It�s tough making money in Hong Kong.

You have work?

No.

I see.

I came to help you.

I'll be leaving soon.

This is my address in China.

Write me if you have the time.

Okay?

Write me.

Mu Dan River.

Mu Dan River?

That's right.

It�s very far, Mu Dan River.

t heard that it�s cold there. It even snows.

My friendship with Fan...

began in this alley.

I only found out much later...

that she and I were the same.

We both held a 3 month travelling visa.

We came from the same place,

Shenzhen,

We both had the same amount of time here.

The only difference...

is Fan will stay here after 3 months.

She�d rather live here illegally.

Whereas I must leave at the end of 3 months.

Why do you have to go to school? Why do you have to go to work?

Why do you have to eat?

Why do you have to go to sleep?

Please don�t ask me why.

I don�t want to reply.

Why do I have to drink?

Why do I have to sing?

Why do I have to laugh?

Why do I make love?

Please don�t ask me why.

I�m not qualified to reply.

Why do you keep asking me why?

Why don�t I answer you why?

If you want to know why...

I do whatever I like.

Why does she have to be silent?

Why does she have to be helpless?

Why does she have to be angry?

Why does she have to cry?

Please don�t ask me why.

I�m simply unhappy.

I�ve been in Hong Kong for 3 months.

I didn�t go anywhere.

We were supposed to have 4 days off a month.

But if we worked those 4 days,

we�d get a bonus.

Besides the bonus,

we'd get a free one day pass to Ocean Park.

But it seemed I wasn�t fortunate enough...

...nor was Fan.

This is my last day in Hong Kong.

Today,

I had 38 customers.

They say that was a record for 6 months� work.

I wonder if I could be in the Guinness Book of World Records.

That day when I laid down to rest,

I was dead tired.

That whole sleep was like a clock going backwards.

From day to night, then from night to day.

I don�t know how long I slept...

but when I woke up...

it was my last hour in Hong Kong.

Haven�t left yet?

I'm leaving soon.

- I have some food for you. - No.

Yes!

Well, then go to the Rainbow.

Why does she have to be silent?

Why does she have to be helpless?

Why does she have to be angry?

Why does she have to cry?

Please don�t ask me why.

I�m simply unhappy.

Why does she have to spend money?

Why does she have to make money?

Why does he have to cheat?

Why does he have to lie?

Please don�t ask me why.

I'm not the attentive type.

Why does he want to know what she�s doing?

Why does he keep asking her what she wants?

If you want to know why...

I do whatever I like.

Why?

This place is convenient.

What floor?

Sixth floor.

Sixth floor?!

My God!

It�s right here.

You�re here.

Finally here.

It was difficult to find.

Come in, its nice here.

It�s a little bit high.

Go in, take a look.

This has southern exposure.

The sun rises from the south side, it�s warmer.

She & Xiao Ming spent a lot renovating this place.

Bus #7 stops right in front of the building, very convenient.

The water park is downstairs also.

The heater doesn�t work.

It�s not hot in the day, but at night it�s hot.

Otherwise, we would freeze.

Over here is the living room. It�s quite nice.

There are two windows.

Come take a look.

There are two windows. It�s nice and bright.

The walls are kinda damp.

Because it�s been empty for 6 months.

Aren�t you getting married on May 1st?

- You still need to clean it up a little. - Yes, it will be cleaned.

- You lived here for a year? - Yes.

This is the kitchen.

Does it have the "Phoenix Channel"?

Yes, it has the "Phoenix Channel".

The kitchen is quite big, too. You can put a big table in here.

It's nice here.

What do you think? It�s nice?

I can leave you the refrigerator.

The inside needs to be cleaned up.

- Do we get Channel 5? - Yes.

And all the channels a hotel has.

Over there is the balcony.

You can cook here.

I think that it's nice. And reasonable.

- Does it have CNN? - Yes it has CNN.

How much do we make a month?...

Can you go cheaper?

Let�s say 400.

Okay? We�re friends, let�s leave it at that.

Honestly. I'll give you my best offer.

No!

I would like to have a nice banquet.

Each table should seat eight people.

At least a 12 course meal.

The drinks should be good quality.

I want to get...

a lot of good stuff like...

some beer, and foreign wine.

Some red wine.

Some red wine?

When other people treat us, they go all out.

We can�t lose face.

Yan made some money, we have to make it look good.

It has to look perfect.

Okay okay, you decide.

It�s only 200 kuai a table.

Is that ok?

Alright, do it.

When we�re ready, we'll do it.

You get it ready, I have to work.

Yan, you still going to start a business?

we'll see, I don�t know yet.

You should start a good business.

I told you, I don�t know yet.

You'll make money if you have connections, otherwise you won�t.

Shut your big mouth! You�re always against me.

I'm full.

Please continue.

You�re done?

I�m going to take a shower.

Is it cold outside?

Pretty cold.

- Are there lots of people out? - No.

It�s too big.

It fits you.

This style is pretty.

You don�t need a mirror, it looks good.

Can I get a discount?

You can�t ask for a cheaper price.

If you want it, I'll give it to you for $75, Okay?

Could you take $10 off?

Yes, okay.

Let me have my friend take a look.

It looks stylish and artful.

I'll think about it, thanks for your time.

I'll come back.

How�s business?

Pretty good.

Lots of people?

It�s alright.

- How are you? - Good.

I came to see you. I thought...

of getting a stand too, if there�s business.

Business is good.

Are you sure?

I�ve looked at hundreds of stands... is it profitable?

Why wouldn�t it be?

Lots of immigrants come in and rent the stands.

I'll help you.

Its okay, I got it.

Where do you get your stock?

Shanghai...all from Shanghai.

Shanghai knitting factory?

Shanghai wholesalers.

They have their own stock.

They have so many�

piles of it.

Didn�t you used to order from Xi Liu?

No we always order from Shanghai.

Shanghai goods are there all year round!

You go to Shanghai for stock, and you still make money?

- Yes - Does it cost a lot?

If you buy here, you can�t earn a living.

If you buy here you'll lose money.

Other vendors order here, and lose money.

They all sell the same stuff.

You can make $30 off of this one?

Let me tell you something.

$30 is not common.

It�s usually $10�$20 profit.

Is this Yan?

Yes.

This is Jiang.

The one from Shatjui. You remember me?

How are you? I...

I�m back in the Northeast.

Northeast?

You�re not in Hong Kong?

No, I've been back for 6 months.

Why haven�t you called then?

I�ve been busy.

It�s good to be busy� when will you visit Shenzen?

No idea, I�m not coming back.

You rich now? Our little town not good enough for you?

That�s not true.

Then hurry back! Business is booming.

The girls all left for Chinese New Year.

Hong Kong men are fussy, they can�t live without girls.

Come back to work for 2 weeks. I�ll pay you more.

I...

Think of it as a favour to me.

Help me out.

No, I...

I can�t decide.

Miss, keep your $2000 safe.

Welcome, friends & family.

Our Yan has returned from the South.

She�s lucky to have all of you to look after her.

We've prepared a little banquet for you all.

Eat and drink to your hearts� content.

We�ve prepared some simple dishes and wine.

We hope you enjoy.

Enjoy your meal!

Your auntie is here.

You just came back?

Hello auntie.

Hello.

Next time you go, please take little Li with you.

No problem, Yan will take care of her and get her work.

- How old are you? - 18.

What do you study?

Dance.

Dancing is so nice.

Will you go back?

Take her with you to learn. Little Li is very smart.

We'll talk about it, let�s get a seat first.

Take care, auntie.

No problem, let�s sit.

Don�t worry, Yan will help you if you go.

Yan is family.

Please help her out.

Help her as much as possible.

We�ll talk later.

Have a drink, come!

Little Li is very smart.

You can take her with you.

She studied four years of dance.

So what?

Her social dancing skills are very good.

She�s good in modern dance, I studied traditional dance

...for 8 years so what of it?

My daughter is paying, it�s her hard-earned money.

No discount�$1500 is the cheapest.

No more discounts.

That�s fine, thank you.

She�s a good kid.

Take her with you.

I think you're sick.

To leave the warm south and come back here.

Why�d you come back?

How are you and Xiao Ming?

Fine.

Fine?

I tell you�

You two have been through a lot together.

Why do you want a divorce?

His parents love you, you...

Stop bothering me!

Every girl wanted him, but you got him.

Now you�re throwing it away!

You�re crazy...

Me, what about me?

Let�s stop talking about this.

Did you promise your cousin you�d take her?

No, I have another idea.

I tell you, I quit.

I want to go with you, too.

You have a good job here though!

I�m going to quit it...

I want to see the world with you.

Why? What will you get?

Think of the hardships out there.

It�s hard, but I think we'll be fine together.

We�ll be fine.

I just want to tell you, I'm not going back.

I'm at Li Shuang's place.

No...that....

I know, you don�t have to explain.

It�s fine, it was right to have a banquet.

I still haven�t thought that through.

No, mainly because she�s....

Don�t you think she�s young?

Fine.

We'll talk later.

You�re still awake?

What time is it, who're you talking to?

Go to sleep, its 10 already.

That�s it then.

It was my mother, I told her I�m not going back.

Father, mother!

Yan is here.

Father, happy New Year!

Long time no see.

Come in, is it cold?

Not too bad.

Come in .

A big new TV?

Yes, the other one was too small.

- Is it cold? - Yes.

- Did you lose weight? - Have I?

Get something to eat.

I�ll get some fruits.

Mother it�s OK.

It�s been 2 years already.

Approximately.

- How�re your parents? - Fine, these are from them.

Have an apple.

Father�s health is good.

Mother, I got you a coat.

You shouldn�t have.

You should�ve kept your money.

It�s beautiful.

You like it?

Oh yes.

Have a seat, I�ll start cooking.

It�s OK, don�t worry.

I'll go help her.

Don�t leave.

Sit down.

I don�t want to be a bother.

You were gone for a long time.

Is business good there?

It�s alright.

I make do.

Its not easy.

It�s alright.

Are you going to leave again?

I haven�t decided.

We�ll talk later.

Stay a few more days to see.

How�s the food coming? Need any help?

I'm ok.

Don�t worry, I need to leave soon.

No, you can�t

I'll get some more.

Get some crab and shrimp.

Yan loves them.

I'll go now, I�ll be back.

- Yan, stay and chat OK? - Going out?

Going to get some food.

I�ll be back.

It�s Da Yong, say �hi.�

Hello, Da Yong.

No, I�ve been busy.

I called Li Shuang.

We'll go to the opera school in a few days.

You still want to talk to him?

OK, you decide.

You still got that photo up?

The photo was mother�s idea.

It sits there, it doesn�t take up any space.

That day, we had physical training.

We were tired and didn�t do that much.

Everyone was limping left and right.

It wasn�t that trying.

My mother was there and she went home crying.

She told my father: "No, our child has to leave."

Look over there.

Look at that mat.

Is that the same mat we used?

Why did they board it up!

They split it into two halves.

Look at that mat!

It�s been 10 years.

It�s still there.

It must be all worn out.

Look, there�s the white bench!

I see it.

Xiao Ming used to stretch on that.

The "tiger bench exercise".

We ran to the side and cried.

We were young!

Over here, over here!

Wow! You�re here? We went around once.

Come here, how are you?

What�s up?

Come here, give me your blessings! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Are you doing alright?

Here�s to see the old school.

We were remembering the mirror.

We used to look in that mirror.

How come we�re one short?

Xiao Ming, what are you doing? Come here!

Hurry! Come here!

Xiao Ming, come here!

Come!

Xiao Ming, over here?

Why are you standing over there?

How�s the holiday?

What are you doing?

Shy?

You become timid after marriage.

Why come back here now?

To have a look.

Look at what?

Do you think there are still rats in there?

Does that bar look shorter now?

Yup, hasn�t changed a bit.

Look at the Tiger Bench.

Yan and I were talking about that.

What?

When he got on the bench, we cried.

Don�t you remember? We both cried.

- It�s an old story. - Yeah forget it!

It�s history, forget about it.

These windows weren�t aluminium.

- The windows are different. - These aren�t the same ones?

Look at how broken it is, how could they be the same.

Remember Li Shuang's father fixed them.

A rat!

There are still rats?

My God! Remember the rats stole buns from the cafeteria.

I repaired that mat.

We�ve all repaired that mat!

We did it together right!

Do you remember?

When we were young, we played that game.

Everyone had a bun filled with tofu,

and we'd wait for the trains to come.

Da Yong was so gross�he ate fermented tofu!

He smelled gross. When the train came by�

BANG BANG BANG We threw it at the windows.

You were the worst, you ran right away!

The train�s already going, why run?

He was pretending to be running for his life.

No, that wasn�t me.

That was me.

Anyways, you were in there somewhere.

I remember one time...

the five of us hung around on the tracks.

Zhi Han you remember?

When the train came all of us held you in the middle.

You were crying and snivelling!

Peed your pants, too.

It was fun.

Ten years just flew by!

I think Yan is the best off among the 5 of us.

Really, you have it the best.

Can you be less serious?

That�s just me.

Change the subject!

Anyone want to hear a song?

This is a song from the heart!

I came up with it.

Getting married

lovers star-crossed

you split everything, including money.

Getting divorced

lovers star-crossed,

now you have to pay for sex from now on.

Applause, reactions please.

Good, let me sing.

I�ll sing one, too.

Primitive society is good!

Primitive people run around nude.

Men pursue and women elude.

They come together for something lewd.

Make her scream with enthusiasm,

it will bring on a social orgasm.

Social orgasm

Social orgasm!

Do you know you�re late?

What�s the hurry?

I�ve been waiting out here in the cold!

Let�s go!

Where are we going?

See this big mural on the wall.

Yes.

It�s not like you described, a few hundred dollars for this?

It�s not a problem, I�ll get someone to fix it.

Will that cost more?

Our troops are such a pain. We have to perform during New Year�s.

- When? - A few days.

That�s sick.

It pisses me off!

Come and perform for a bit, come along.

Perform? You�re kidding right.

You can�t do it?

It�s been at least 2 or 3 years...

Then you wasted all those years of training!

That�s different, I just haven�t practiced is all.

Xiao Ming is performing with you?

No, they left already.

They're not on our side, they're not with us.

Driver, turn right.

- isn�t this the dance troop. - We�re going in.

Why are we here?

Just come along.

Come let�s go.

Here!

Why is this place always like this?

It�s so great in the summer.

There�s shade by that tree, and you can have tea over there.

Who would you bring here to have tea?

Don�t worry about it.

What�s in there? There�s a paper cover.

You can renovate the inside.

The door�s locked.

- Can we go in? - No.

Why did they quit here?

There�s another one outside.

Hold on a second.

What is it?

Do they need an organizer?

Do they need an emcee?

A singer?

What about the costume?

Okay that�s fine.

Cousin.

What're you doing here?

Rehearsing for the New Years Show.

A dance show?

When are you going south? I want to go with you.

The South...

I haven�t decided yet.

I may not go back.

Your mother wants you go to the South?

I want to go also.

Hurry up!

I�m coming!

I got some business to attend to.

I will come see your mother.

How is she?

Say �hi� for me.

I�ve gotta go, please continue.

OK, I�m going.

Bye.

That was my cousin.

Yan!

It�s you.

There�s a letter for you.

Give me your marriage papers.

Qin Yan.

Bai Xiao Ming.

Since you're here,

I want you to reconsider one more time.

Okay, you're both young.

We�ve considered it, it�s decided.

Do you have children?

No.

Any trouble with money or property?

It�s all settled.

I�ve worked here 30 years.

I�ve seen lots of marriages and divorces.

I don�t think it�s easy to form a family.

But since you've made the decision�

Yan?

Who is it?

This is Jiang. Decided yet?

Miss, I think you�re upset.

You have anything else to say?

No.

Then I'll stamp it.

That�s it then.

This is yours.

This is yours.

Divorce Certificate

How much?

Thanks.

Is it that one?

Do you have imported ones?

Yes.

Show me the import.

Is this okay?

"Aloe"?

This is from Black Dragon River?

It's a joint venture.

Then it�s Chinese.

Its not 100% Chinese made?

Do you have Shiseido?

No.

- What about CD? - Yes.

Get that one.

Get one for me.

Yan!

You�ve seen a lot of stores, have you decided?

I don�t know what to do yet. How can I decide?

What�s so hard? Do what you did back there.

Miss, you found it?

Got it.

Is this okay?

I want the Famous French brand. C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N.

What�s this?

Dior?

Yes, go get that.

Yan, you and Xiao Ming got together too fast.

Faster than lightning!

He�s shopping around in a nightclub every night.

He seems to like it.

How much can he make?

Anyway, he makes more than a lot of people.

Women are different than men.

You divorce once, and the second is much harder.

Who told you that?

You�re mother, go ask her!

I'm divorced, not widowed and�

You can�t be alone.

So what if I�m alone?

I'm not arguing, I�m going to shower.

Mother!

Do we have rubber gloves?

No. Just use your hands.

No?

How come you didn�t pick up the parcel for so long?

What�s in the box? It stinks.

It smells?

Next time come sooner.

Thanks.

Mother!

What is this thing?

Who gave that to you?

God! What is that?

Someone sent it?

Father have you seen one?

Never seen such a thing.

It looks funny.

It�s pretty heavy.

It�s prickly.

Looks like a landmine?

Where�d this thing come from?

Smells awful, like fermented tofu.

Who sent it to you?

There�s a letter. I'll read it.

"Miss Qin Yan"

"Sister Yan, how are you?"

"This is Fan, remember me?

"I�m the girl who washed dishes in the alley in Hong Kong."

It�s from a friend in Hong Kong.

"Sister Yan, if you receive my package�

"please don�t be scared.

"It�s called a durian."

It�s called a durian.

This is a durian...

Looks like a landmine.

"I�ve learned that it�s the king of all fruits.

"It's a special southeast Asian product."

It�s a fruit�the king of fruits.

This thing smells bad, we can�t eat it.

"Do you remember once��

"you were with the Hong Kong guy��

"walking thru my alley��

"and he got hit by a durian?�

"Actually I saw who hit him on the head.�

"I didn�t know what it was called then.�

"Then on my birthday, my father,�

"bought one as a gift for me.�

"Honestly, it was smelly when I first tasted it..."

Then I got to like it.

The New Year came as usual,

My father bought gifts from Hong Kong.

This year was special. Guess what the gift was?

It was a durian.

You know something...

My parents got in a huge argument over the durian.

Mother said he was stupid to buy it twice.

Father said she didn�t know how to appreciate it.

Isn�t that funny?

I�m sending this Durian from Schenzen�

to the address you gave me.

If you get it, please accept it�

as my New Year�s gift.

Sister Yan, how�s your home?

Mother says you live very far from us.

It�s cold and snows there too, is that right?

Not long after you left�

we were caught by the police.

They said my sister and I had no right to live there.

The next day they made us leave our father.

They sent myself, my sister, and my mother back to our village.

Frankly, it�s better.

Because this is my real home.

Good Luck. Fan.

"The 3 Northern Wolves Troop"

Arise ye workers from your slumbers

What did you bring?

It�s for you to eat.

What�s that smell!

Are you OK?

�for reason in revolt now thunders

and at last ends the �Age of Can�t.�

What are you up to dressed like that?

Servile masses arise, arise!

We'll change the old traditions

and spurn the dust to win the prize.

So comrades, come rally

and let us face the fight.

The Internationale united the human race,

so comrades come rally

and let�s face the fight.

We�ll lie on stage�

and won�t get up �til you applaud.

Thank you.

Crack it.

Harder.

It�s okay.

Chop it up!

Did you cut it?

Wait a sec.

Over here, chop it!

Watch your fingers!

Use all your strength!

This thing�s too hard!

Use all your strength!

With all your strength!!

It�s hard to be a revolutionary!

And stupid too!

Use a big knife!

It was terrible, next time�

There�s no next time.

You know where this comes from?

The South. You�ve been in the North too long.

- Have you seen one? - No.

You see!

It could be imported from somewhere else.

Yan, you like it?

I've never tried it.

Anyways, Southern people love it.

I think I�ve seen it before.

Hey look!

It smells.

Xiao Ming isn�t here tonight.

Having durian doesn�t feel right.

You don�t want to eat it?

I changed my phone number.

Why?

I wanted to, do I have to consult you?

It was a good number.

Don�t want it.

My new number is

If you don�t eat it,

I'll save it for my parents.

Okay?

No, let�s eat it.

We�ll talk after.

We finally got it open, we have to eat it!

Father, mother,

I saved you some durian.

Mother.

Is Yang Xiao Li here?

She went to Shenzhen.

To Shenzhen?

When did she leave?

She just left?

You�re going on tour, why didn�t you call?

You didn�t say a word.

You planned it this way?

You left the same way too!

Let�s not talk about the past.

Have they started checking tickets?

Take care of my parents for me.

Okay call me when you have time.

Take care, bye.

The Goddess's veil opens

to reveal her countenance.

Two benevolent children at her side.

Her willow branch sprinkles a thousand saintly drops,

like I sprinkle these petals on the ground.

My vision fills with light and benevolence.

I ride on the clouds�

on the rainbow�

up to the heavens.

This film was performed by NON-Professional Actors.

Adaptation: pureimpure

My fingers hurt "you owe me"