Unknown Pleasures (2003)

Synopsis: China's "birth control generation" is entering their twenties during a promising period of social transition. Coupled with China's entry into the WTO, the eruption of satellite television and... China's "birth control generation" is entering their twenties during a promising period of social transition. Coupled with China's entry into the WTO, the eruption of satellite television and internet accessibility helped Beijing celebrate its successful bid for the 2008 Olympics and new highways are shortening the distance from the provinces to larger cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Canton.

While the entire country is seemingly committed toward following the path of speedy development, state resources aren't as readily available in the provincial cities, allowing the gap between rich and poor to grow steadily and leaving many young people in China unemployed. In the city of Datong, jobless best friends Xiao Ji and Bin Bin are growing restless. With nowhere to turn, the boys spend their time wandering around Datong on motorbikes and hanging out at the pool hall. Sparks fly when Xiao Ji meets the beautiful Qiao Qiao, a dancer for Mongolian King Liquor, and Bin Bin's romance with a young student helps to alleviate his struggle, but without hope love doesn't prevail and desperation sets in. Taking a cue from American crime movies and Monkey King animation, the temptation of easy money becomes too difficult to resist and in a final attempt to break free from life in Datong, Xiao Ji and Bin Bin embark on half-baked plan to rob a bank.

Although Unknown Pleasures is a harrowing account of disillusioned young people living in China, director Jia Zhang-ke (Platform) still finds plenty to laugh about. Beautifully photographed by famed cinematographer Yu Lik-wai, Unknown Pleasures cements Zhang-ke's reputation as one of China's most important filmmakers. -- © New Yorker Films [More]

Starring: Wu Qiong, Zhao Wei Wei, Zhao Tao, Zhou Qing Feng

Starring: Wu Qiong, Zhao Wei Wei, Zhao Tao, Zhou Qing Feng, Wang Hong Wei, Bai Ru, Liu Xi An

Director: Zhang Ke Jia

Director: Zhang Ke Jia
Screenwriter: Zhang Ke Jia
Producer: Shozo Ichiyama, Li Kit Ming
Studio: New Yorker Films

[See More Credits]