Xiao Wu

Xiao Wu (Chinese: 小武), also known as Pickpocket, is a 1997 Chinese drama and the first directed by Jia Zhangke. Starring Wang Hongwei in the title role along with Hao Hongjian and Zuo Baitao, it was filmed in Fenyang, Jia's hometown, in 16 mm.

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

Synopsis

In a small, dirty, poor provincial town looking to crack down on crime in 1997, and under the backdrop of the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong, 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 life, 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 arguing with his parents and saying he won't ever return. Finally he gets arrested and is left handcuffed in the middle of the street with a disapproving crowd watching him.

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

In a retrospective review for The New York Times, J. Hoberman notes that "Observational, mainly in medium shot and almost plotless, Xiao Wu has a documentary quality."[2]

Xiao Wu was praised by the American filmmaker Martin Scorsese, a noted fan of Jia's works.[3]

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. Hoberman, J. (2021-07-21). "In 'Xiao Wu,' a Wandering Pickpocket in the People's China". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-07-13.
  3. "Ties to China go beyond The Departed". www.chinadaily.com.cn. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
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