Name: Qi Gong

Directors: Ding Yinnan, Ding Zhen

Starring: Ma Enran, Zhang Shaogang, Kong Xiangyu, Xie Yunsan, Wang Fuli, Narenhua, Yang Lixin, Cheng Qian, Zhang Weixun, Liu Lin

Release Date: September 10, 2015

Plot Summary:

During the Cultural Revolution, Qi Gong, a calligrapher and painter who had devoted his entire life to education, saw his peaceful existence shattered. Despite having been stripped of his “rightist” label, his distinguished imperial lineage could not shield him from the sweeping ideological reeducation campaigns of that turbulent era. Skilled in calligraphy, he was assigned by Liu Yuchen, the captain of the Red Guards (played by Zhang Weixun), to transcribe large‑character posters. The suspension of all teaching, research, and calligraphic creation plunged Qi Gong into financial hardship, driving him to question his work and even contemplate burning the fruits of a lifetime of study. Yet his wife, who remained by his side despite her own grave illness (played by Wang Fuli), encouraged him to persevere in his vocation. A search by the Red Guards forced him to destroy many precious cultural relics and paintings, and long‑buried memories resurfaced along with them.

In his youth, Qi Gong was deeply influenced by his grandfather’s artistic legacy and developed a passionate devotion to painting. Later, he became a disciple of the renowned calligrapher and painter Pu Xinyu (played by Cheng Qian), devoting himself wholeheartedly to his studies and achieving remarkable success. Though relatives and friends eagerly sought his works, his poor handwriting prevented him from signing them; resolved to improve, Qi Gong threw himself into rigorous calligraphy practice. In middle age, Qi Gong (portrayed by Zhang Shaogang) was mentored by President Chen Yuan of Fu Jen Catholic University (played by Kong Xiangyu), who arranged for him to teach Chinese literature at Fu Jen Middle School. However, due to insufficient academic credentials, he was soon dismissed. With no other options, President Chen once again extended a helping hand, making an exceptional exception to appoint him as a teaching assistant at Fu Jen University. Under President Chen’s careful guidance and nurturing, the bond between teacher and student grew both sincere and moving. Qi Gong came to regard “to learn is to be a teacher; to act is to set an example for the world” as the lifelong ideal that would shape his entire life.

Zhang Baochen (played by Wang Fuli), though illiterate, was always a steadfast supporter of Mr. Qi Gong’s scholarly pursuits and his passionate devotion to calligraphy. In those difficult years, the two lived in abject poverty, often barely able to make ends meet. Even so, Zhang Baochen never uttered a single complaint, continuing as ever to encourage Qi Gong to pursue the work he loved. “When there was no food left at home, Baochen would take a sack of flour and go borrow some from others. If she couldn’t secure any grain, she would even lose the money she had on hand—something she deeply regretted, feeling that she had let her husband down.”

After the launch of the reform and opening-up policy, Mr. Qi Gong emerged as a renowned master both at home and abroad. He remained tirelessly devoted to his artistic pursuits, continuing to dedicate himself to the cause of education. To benefit the younger generation, he established the Liyun Scholarship Fund, using the proceeds from the charitable sale of his calligraphy and paintings. Mr. Qi Gong’s noble character and profound humanitarian spirit are truly worthy of emulation by sages and worthies.