Xiao Wu

Xiao Wu (Chinese: 小武), also known as The Pickpocket, is a 1997 Chinese movie directed by Jia Zhangke.

Xiao Wu
Theatrical release poster
Chinese小武
MandarinXiǎo Wǔ
Directed byJia Zhangke
Produced byLi Kit Ming
Jia Zhangke
Written byJia Zhangke
StarringWang Hongwei
Hao Hongjian
CinematographyNelson Yu Lik-wai
Edited byYu Xiaoling
Distributed byHu Tong Communications
Release date
Berlin:
  • February 18, 1998 (1998-02-18)
Running time
111 minutes
CountryChina
LanguageJin
Mandarin

The film was the directorial debut of Jia Zhangke, one of the major figures of the so-called Sixth Generation of Chinese cinema and stars Wang Hongwei in the titular role along with Hao Hongjian and Zuo Baitao. Xiao Wu was filmed in the city of Fenyang in 16 mm.

Synopsis

The film is set in 1997, with the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong being mentioned in the background. The place is a small provincial town, dirty and poor. Xiao Wu is one of a group of pickpockets, most of whom have moved on to become small traders and legal or semi-legal. One of them, formerly a close friend, is getting married and decides not to invite Xiao Wu, a reminder of the past. He drifts around, discontent with this, but makes no effort to change. He acquires a girlfriend, a prostitute who takes a liking to him, but she drops him when she finds someone better. He visits his poor-peasant family but ends up quarrelling with his parents and saying he won't ever come back. Finally he gets arrested and we last see him handcuffed in the middle of the street with a disapproving crowd watching him. There is a big crack-down on crime, something mentioned at the start of the film, so his fate is likely to be harsh.

Production history

While a student in the mid-1990s, Jia Zhangke remained a relative unknown at China's prestigious Beijing Film Academy. While still in school, Jia directed the short film Xiao Shan Going Home which he was eventually able to screen abroad, winning the top prize at the 1997 Hong Kong Independent Short Film & Video Awards[1]

This success brought Jia into contact with cinematographer Yu Lik-wai and producer Li Kit Ming.[1] With their support, Jia was able to begin work on Xiao Wu, which would become his first feature film. Xiao Wu was shot on a mere 400,000 RMB budget (or about $50,000 US).[1]

Reception

Xiao Wu was praised by the American filmmaker Martin Scorsese, a noted fan of Jia's works.[2]

Awards and nominations

Notes
  1. Lee, Kevin. "Jia Zhangke". Senses of Cinema. Archived from the original on 2007-09-12. Retrieved 2007-09-22.
  2. "Ties to China go beyond The Departed". www.chinadaily.com.cn. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
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