Synopsis
In 1923, the Tibetan Norbu becomes a horse thief to earn a living. For his beloved sick son Tashi, Norbu robs the government’s gifts for the monastery with his accomplices, and plans to use the stolen goods to redeem his pledge for Tashi to the monastery. After the robbery is found out, Norbu’s family are banished out of their tribe and they have to lead a vagrant life. As Tashi’s condition gradually deteriorates, Norbu devoutly seeks for Buddha’s blessing, yet fails to save his child. Soon after that, his wife Dolma is pregnant again, but the suffering doesn’t end…
Tian Zhuangzhuang
Tian Zhuangzhuang, Chinese film director and producer, postgraduate supervisor at Beijing Film Academy. Born in Beijing in 1952, he graduated from Beijing Film Academy in 1982. In 1980, during his internship at college, Tian co-directed his first short film Our Corner with his classmates. In 1985, he directed the film The Horse Thief. In 1991, he directed The Last Eunuch and won the 41st Berlin International Film Festival Special Encouragement Award and nomination for the Golden Bear Award. In 1992, he directed The Blue Kite. In 2007, he won the Best Director Award of the 10th Shanghai International Film Festival for the biography film Wu Qingyuan. In 2004, he directed the full-length documentary Tea-Horse Road Series: Delamu. In 2016, he starred in the film Love Education.
Director's statement
Tian Zhuangzhuang, Chinese film director and producer, postgraduate supervisor at Beijing Film Academy. Born in Beijing in 1952, he graduated from Beijing Film Academy in 1982. In 1980, during his internship at college, Tian co-directed his first short film Our Corner with his classmates. In 1985, he directed the film The Horse Thief. In 1991, he directed The Last Eunuch and won the 41st Berlin International Film Festival Special Encouragement Award and nomination for the Golden Bear Award. In 1992, he directed The Blue Kite. In 2007, he won the Best Director Award of the 10th Shanghai International Film Festival for the biography film Wu Qingyuan. In 2004, he directed the full-length documentary Tea-Horse Road Series: Delamu. In 2016, he starred in the film Love Education.
