Under the Hawthorn Tree

Set against the backdrop of a turbulent era, Jing Qiu is a bright schoolgirl whose father's political leanings complicate her future. Sent to the countryside for reeducation, she is tasked with helping to write a textbook that will reach rural classrooms. There she meets Lao San, a young soldier whose quiet confidence masks his own doubts about what lies ahead. Their worlds collide across a stubborn class divide and wary elders who see danger in a romance that defies convention. As the political climate tightens, their bond deepens from curiosity to trust, then to something more intimate. The film focuses on small moments of daily life, unglamorous surroundings, and the moral choices that shape a fragile love.

Directed by Zhang Yimou, the film is an adaptation of Ai Mi's novel about love and endurance during political upheaval. Released in 2010, it marks a quiet, intimate turn for the director, contrasting his grand epics with a restrained, character-driven romance that still feels cinematic and precise.

The film marks a tonal shift for Zhang Yimou, moving from sweeping epics toward a quiet, fraught romance set during political upheaval. It foregrounds young Jing Qiu and Lao San and has been noted for its lyrical restraint, naturalistic performances, and the way it prompts conversations about love under oppression.

Critics praised the film for its intimate atmosphere and the performances of Zhou Dongyu and Li Xuejian, bringing tenderness to a tale defined by social barriers and a regime that tests personal ties. Its themes center on memory, sacrifice, and the endurance of affection under hardship.

Box office data for this film is not provided in the available information.