Stolen Happiness

Set in China during the tumultuous Cultural Revolution, this film tells the story of a devoted wife who spends 18 years painstakingly replicating her husband's favorite wristwatch. She does this while he is imprisoned and presumed dead, clinging to the hope of his return and preserving their shared memories. Upon his eventual release, the husband struggles to reconnect with the wife and the life that has passed him by, forcing them both to confront the profound impact of their separation and the passage of time.

Stolen Happiness received widespread critical acclaim for its emotional depth, stunning performances, and poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and memory against the backdrop of historical upheaval. Critics praised Zhang Yimou's sensitive direction and the powerful portrayal of enduring devotion.

• A deeply moving and beautifully crafted film about enduring love and sacrifice.

• Gong Li delivers a career-defining performance as a woman of immense resilience.

• The film masterfully captures the personal impact of historical events.

Google audience: Audiences were deeply touched by the film's emotional narrative, with many highlighting the power of the central love story and Gong Li's performance. The film's ability to evoke empathy and reflect on the passage of time was frequently praised.

Nominated for the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. Gong Li received Best Actress awards at several international film festivals.

The film was originally titled 'To Live', but was changed to 'Stolen Happiness' for its international release to better reflect its themes of sacrifice and enduring love.