Watch Beijing Bastards

Beijing Bastards is a 1993 Chinese film that chronicles the lives of a group of young artists and musicians living in Beijing during the early 1990s. The film is a raw and unflinching portrayal of the underground creative scene in Beijing during a time of great social and political change. The film is divided into five chapters, each one focusing on a different character and their struggle to find meaning and purpose in a rapidly changing world. The film's themes touch on many of the key issues facing youth in China at that time, including social alienation, political disillusionment, and cultural displacement.

The first chapter introduces us to a young couple, Yin and Cui, as they navigate life in Beijing. They are both artists, struggling to make a living in a city that is rapidly modernizing and losing touch with its cultural heritage. We see them attend underground music shows and art exhibitions, where they meet other artists who are also struggling to make ends meet.

The second chapter focuses on a young woman named Cao Cao, who is a singer in a popular rock band. She is ambitious and driven, but also deeply disillusioned with the music scene in Beijing. We see her perform in a series of small clubs and bars, where she is constantly struggling to connect with an audience that seems more interested in drinking cheap beer than listening to her music.

The third chapter introduces us to a young filmmaker named Zhang Yuan, who is trying to make a movie about the lives of young people in Beijing. He is constantly facing obstacles from Chinese authorities, who view his unvarnished depiction of life in Beijing as a threat to the regime. Despite this, he remains committed to his craft and is determined to tell his story.

The fourth chapter focuses on a young man named Xiao Bo, who is a metalworker and amateur philosopher. He spends his days working in a factory and his nights drinking with his friends, trying to make sense of the world around him. His views on life and society are often at odds with those around him, and he finds himself increasingly isolated and alone.

The final chapter brings all of these characters together for a shocking and unexpected climax. Through their intersecting stories, the film explores the complexities of life in a rapidly changing China, where traditional values and cultural touchstones are being eroded by globalization and modernity.

Beijing Bastards is a powerful and provocative film that offers a glimpse into a world that is often overlooked by mainstream media. It is a deeply personal and honest portrayal of young people struggling to find their place in a society that is undergoing profound transformation. The film's realistic portrayal of life in China during the 1990s is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of immense social and political pressure.