A scene from Yellow Earth. [Photo/Mtime]

Director: Chen Kaige

Country: China

Storyline:

Cuiqiao, a girl from humble origins, is not satisfied with the arranged marriage her father makes for her but is unable to escape what's waiting for her ahead. In a move to let out her desperation, she sings to relieve the pain buried deep inside. Gu Qing, a soldier and an artist, is given the task to search for folklore in the countryside and finds his way to Cuiqiao. Gu tells Cuiqiao how women in cities freely choose who to marry, before returning to his troop with promises to come back for the young girl. Spellbound by the free life in the city, Cuiqiao runs away from her husband on the day of her marriage and drowns in the Yellow River when her boat is knocked over by the turbulent waves. Two months later, Gu returns, and is ambushed by the villagers.