Xiao Wu

Directed by Jia Zhang Ke

One of the most interesting films to come out of China in recent years, XIAO WU tracks the life of the likeable, eponymous petty thief and pickpocket as he tries to scratch out a living in the new China. But times are getting harder and trouble appears from all sides: his best friend’s dumped him in exchange for becoming a ‘model entrepreneur’, his family is falling apart, and the cops have decided to clean up the streets. Using a brilliantly selected cast of non-professionals, the film seems to start as social realism but instead offers “an unexpectedly exalting experience”. (London Film Festival)

Duration:
107 minutes

Country of origin:
China and Hong Kong

Year of production:
1997