Focus 9 to 5
Piercing I
Xiao Zhang and Liu Hong have had each other’s backs since childhood. They are trying to make good money in the city, but it’s 2008 and the global financial crisis hits hard.
Zhang loses his factory job; Liu, a hothead and chain-smoker, always hustles, always fails, but never gives up. In a streak of terrible luck, false accusations pile up against Zhang, and he’s severely beaten, and even suffers police brutality. Now, he just wants to go home and farm like his ancestors did. However, before parting, the two friends must survive a long journey into the night, crossing paths with crooks chasing power and money.
Typically for Liu Jian, the multi-threaded narrative grows darker and darker, with bitter humour and little hope. “Human rights are politics; Comrades, you were tricked into stepping onto the stage of politics,” ZuoXiao ZuZhou’s final song reminds us.
Zhang loses his factory job; Liu, a hothead and chain-smoker, always hustles, always fails, but never gives up. In a streak of terrible luck, false accusations pile up against Zhang, and he’s severely beaten, and even suffers police brutality. Now, he just wants to go home and farm like his ancestors did. However, before parting, the two friends must survive a long journey into the night, crossing paths with crooks chasing power and money.
Typically for Liu Jian, the multi-threaded narrative grows darker and darker, with bitter humour and little hope. “Human rights are politics; Comrades, you were tricked into stepping onto the stage of politics,” ZuoXiao ZuZhou’s final song reminds us.
Info
Duration 74'
Appointments & Tickets
Thu 4.9. • 14:15
Cinema Trafo 3
Sat 6.9. • 12:15
Orient Cinema
Sun 7.9. • 18:30
Cinema Trafo 3
Presenting Partner
Supported by
Curated by
Olga Bobrowska