Digging to China
Digging to China

Movie spotlight

Digging to China

1997
Movie
98 min
English

Precocious young Harriet and her older sister Gwen live at their mother's motel in small-town New Hampshire. Harriet dreams of a life beyond her inattentive family and the stultifying town. A mentally disabled man named Ricky comes to stay at the motel, and Harriet finds him kinder and more interesting than anyone she has ever met. After tragedy strikes, Harriet and Ricky cling to each other ever more tightly.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes60%
Director: Gus K. HolwerdaGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

10-year-old Harriet Reynolds is sent to live with her aunt and uncle in a rural town after her mother falls ill. Feeling like an outsider, Harriet struggles to adapt to her new surroundings and finds solace in an imaginary world where she can dig a tunnel to China. Her journey of self-discovery is further complicated by the arrival of a new girl in town and the prejudices she faces.

Critical Reception

Digging to China received a mixed to positive reception, with many critics praising the performances, particularly that of young Evan Rachel Wood, and its heartfelt, albeit sometimes heavy-handed, exploration of childhood isolation and resilience. Some found the narrative a bit simplistic, but it was generally regarded as a touching and thought-provoking independent film.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sensitive portrayal of a child's emotional struggles.

  • Evan Rachel Wood's breakout performance was widely lauded.

  • Some found the story a bit predictable and sentimental.

Google audience: Audience reviews for 'Digging to China' are scarce and not easily aggregated. However, where available, viewers often highlight the film's emotional resonance and the compelling performance of its young lead, appreciating its earnest approach to difficult themes.

Fun Fact

Evan Rachel Wood, who was only nine years old during filming, reportedly impressed the cast and crew with her mature and professional approach to her role.

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