Movie spotlight
During the Japanese occupation of China, two prisoners are dumped in a peasant's home in a small town. The owner is bullied into keeping the prisoners until the next New Year, at which time they will be collected. The village leaders convene to interrogate the prisoners. The townspeople then struggle to accommodate the prisoners. One is a bellicose Japanese nationalist, the other a nervous translator. Will the townspeople manage to keep the prisoners until the New Year?
Set in 1941 during the Second Sino-Japanese War, the film follows a peasant named Ma Dasan who lives in a small village. His life is disrupted when a mysterious stranger, nicknamed 'Cowardly', arrives with a heavy bag, only to reveal it contains a Japanese soldier and a collaborator. Ma Dasan is tasked with guarding them and their fate, leading to increasingly dangerous and darkly comedic situations as he tries to navigate his obligations and the escalating conflict.
Devils on the Doorstep was highly acclaimed by critics for its unique blend of dark humor and anti-war sentiment, though its controversial depiction of Japanese soldiers and its political undertones led to its banning in China. It is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Chinese cinema, lauded for its bold storytelling and performances.
A darkly comedic and poignant anti-war statement.
Jiang Wen's masterful direction and performances bring a unique blend of humor and tragedy.
A bold and controversial film that resonates with its powerful themes.
Google audience: Audiences praise the film for its innovative storytelling, powerful anti-war message delivered through dark humor, and exceptional performances. Many highlight its unique style and thought-provoking nature.
Winner of the Grand Prix at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival. Nominated for the Palme d'Or.
Despite its critical acclaim and international awards, the film was banned in China for many years due to its perceived negative portrayal of the Chinese people during the war and its sympathetic portrayal of Japanese soldiers.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources
A fantastic anti-war narrative by Jiang Wen that clocks in at 140 minutes and is so well-paced that it feels like half that time. The comedic overtone that permeates the movie serves to provide comic relief and underscore the strong anti-wa...