Director: Huang Jianzhong

Starring: Wang Zhifei  /  Feng Enhé  /  Yao Di  /  Zhang Xilin

Plot Summary:

In 1945, with the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Longquan County was liberated, and all its institutions lay in ruins, awaiting reconstruction. Representatives of the old local power groups once again seized control of county governance, dividing and contesting the spheres of authority and interests in Longquan County with the local officials dispatched by the Kuomintang. Meanwhile, the New Fourth Army’s base also established an office in the county seat. Bai Yanzhou, a progressive intellectual, arrived in Longquan on a mission from the Nationalist government, becoming the focal point of mounting tensions. The various political factions of the Kuomintang engaged in deceitful machinations, imposed exorbitant taxes, and ruthlessly plundered resources, leaving the common people bitterly discontented. In contrast, the New Fourth Army’s local representatives, driven by lofty ideals and always placing the people’s interests first, strove to bring tangible benefits to the populace. Their actions won them the heartfelt admiration of the people of Longquan. At this pivotal moment in history, as both an observer and a participant, Bai Yanzhou felt deep regret, anxiety, and anger at the Kuomintang’s rapid descent into reaction and corruption, while he was profoundly moved by the Communist Party members’ political integrity and noble character. Standing firmly rooted in the soil of the old era, he discerned a glimmer of light ahead and recognized the direction of historical progress. Following the outbreak of the civil war, the people of Longquan chose the Communist Party.