Xiu Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl

In the late 1970s, a young Tibetan girl named Xiu Xiu is sent down from her village to live with her brother-in-law, a former Red Guard. Her family hopes she will find a better life, but instead, she becomes a domestic servant and is subjected to sexual abuse and exploitation. The film portrays her descent into despair and her eventual tragic fate.

Xiu Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl received critical acclaim for its raw and unflinching portrayal of a young woman's exploitation and descent into tragedy. While praised for its artistic merit and powerful performances, the film also generated controversy and was banned in mainland China due to its sensitive subject matter and perceived criticism of Chinese society.

• Haunting and deeply disturbing depiction of exploitation.

• Features a powerful and heartbreaking performance by Lu Yuanyuan.

• Visually striking, but emotionally challenging and bleak.

Google audience: Viewers found the film to be a profoundly sad and impactful story, with many commending the lead actress's performance. Some noted the film's disturbing nature and the difficult themes it explores, but most agreed it was a significant and thought-provoking piece of cinema.

Won awards at the Tokyo International Film Festival (Best Actress, Best Film) and the Asia Pacific Film Festival (Best Actress). Nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Director Joan Chen faced significant backlash and pressure from Chinese authorities, leading to the film's ban in mainland China and personal repercussions for her career there.