I just saw Zhang Yimou's "Under the Hawthorn Tree" (2010).
Of course I loved backdrop of Communist Revolution China, but I also loved the main storyline. It was pretty simple overall too, the way it was done. The acting of the main character, Jing, was amazing! It kind of gave you a slice of life of working people and not the regular peasants so it went into things like making envelopes for 1 cent and how to qualify to be a teacher (by going through "re-education," meaning learning from the peasants). I also really liked Jing's mother.
The worst part is that it's based on a real story. Oh GOD. BRB LET ME GO CRY AGAIN.
I think what tugged at me personally is how the main relationship needed to be kept secret at first because of all these rules, the Revolution, and social ideas. Even though the two did spend time together, imagine if they could've spent the time together like a normal couple?
I was also amused at when the mother did something to Jing's nose to make sure she was "whole" XD As in, still a virgin
Man, I love those old-timey things. But I really like that despite the circumstances, Jing and Sun kept their promise and Sun was a good man. (More like GREAT man, oh my GOD. I was feeling between "Aw!" and "This is so frustrating!" the whole time XD)
What's also interesting to me is how the tree was affected by the CCP in the past and in the present. Hmmm... It almost reminds me of Peach Blossom Fan in a way *nerd*
Anyway, I've also been seeing "My 600-lb Life" about obese people's journey to get their gastric bypass surgery and their struggles to lose the weight. I actually really like it. Some cases aren't great, some cases turn out great. It starts off by showing you how they live right now, then them trying to qualify for surgery, and then what happens after if and when they get the surgery. I think it shows you how much of a mental problem it is, as many turn to food for emotional reasons and for comfort and then their families/friends are enablers. Even if they get the surgery it doesn't mean everything is fixed!