But Joan Chen's approach is intimate rather than epic, distilling the tragedy of a lost generation into one girl's coming of age. Uprooted to a nomadic existence on the high Tibetan grasslands, the homesick girl is teamed with Lao Jin, a crippled, taciturn herdsman who secretly loves her. When the youth relocation program collapses, Xiu Xiu is left stranded at her isolated outpost. The process of Xiu Xiu's political disillusionment is coupled with the painful spectacle of her physical degradation until the heartbroken Lao Jin is driven to redeem her innocence in a devastating climax on the snowy plains. Membership in the International Film Society entitles community members to purchase tickets to IFS presentations and films sponsored by the University Activities Commission of the Student Senate throughout the year.
Members also receive a newsletter with complete program information.