Watch Tuya's Marriage

Tuya's Marriage is a 2006 Chinese film directed by Wang Quan'an. It is a heart-warming story of a woman named Tuya who is struggling to support her family while dealing with the challenges that come with being a single mother. Set in the arid grasslands of Inner Mongolia, Tuya's Marriage portrays the hard lives of the local people who rely on the land and their herd animals for survival. Tuya (played by Nan Yu) stands out as one of the most industrious and determined women in the community, taking on the workload of a man and providing for her two children.

The film opens with Tuya tending to her sheep and cooking for her family with the help of her siblings. However, things take a turn for the worse when Tuya injures her back while herding her sheep. It's a grave situation as Tuya is the sole breadwinner of the family, and with her being out of action, they face a precarious future of poverty and despair.

Soon enough, Tuya's brother and sister, as well as friends and neighbors, suggest that she remarries so that she can have someone to take over the burden of supporting the family. Initially, Tuya is dismissive of the idea - she doesn't want to be dependent on anyone, let alone get married again. But as the situation grows increasingly dire, she relents and agrees to find a new husband.

Tuya's suitors, however, bring their own challenges. They want her to divorce her current husband (who has left her to fend for herself) and marry them. But Tuya doesn't want to abandon her estranged husband and is also reluctant to remarry. When she meets Ba'toer (played by Ba'toer), a former classmate who left the grasslands to work in the city, she sees a way out of her situation. Ba'toer is wealthy and has a good job, but he is also disabled, which leads Tuya to make a difficult decision. She has to choose between love and survival.

Throughout the film, Tuya's Marriage presents a refreshingly honest portrayal of life in rural China, covering themes such as poverty, gender inequality, and family dynamics. The performances by the cast, especially Nan Yu (who won Best Actress at the 2007 Berlin International Film Festival), are excellent. The film's use of natural landscapes, authentic costumes, and the Mongolian language all work together to create a sense of place and authenticity that draws viewers into the story.

Another striking aspect of Tuya's Marriage is its portrayal of love, which is approached in a very nuanced and realistic manner. The viewer sees how Tuya's love for her family guides her decisions and how she navigates the complicated terrain of romantic love. The film's exploration of love and marriage in the context of Mongolian culture is fascinating and thought-provoking.

Overall, Tuya's Marriage is a compelling and engaging film that delves deep into the personal struggles and conflicts of its characters while illuminating wider societal issues. Its characters are sympathetic and well-rounded, and the story delivers an emotional punch without being melodramatic. This film is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of life in marginalized communities.