Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl

Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl () is a 1998 Chinese film directed by actress Joan Chen based during the 1970s in People's Republic of China, during the Cultural Revolution's Down to the Countryside Movement, instituted by Mao for political reasons. This drama film is the directorial debut of Chen. The film stars Lu Lu () and Lopsang ().

Story

The literal translation of this movie's name is "heaven bath".

Xiu Xiu (), a 15-year-old girl living in the city of Chengdu, moves out to study horses in the countryside from a nomadic Tibetan. She is told that after six months, she will return to take charge of her all-girl cavalry unit. However she quickly discovers that she is not returning. She learns lessons about love and life as she struggles against corruption in the government to return to her family by giving government officials her body for their sexual gratification, and deals with her caretaker, Lao Jin.

Reception

Distribution

Although the U.S. distributor claimed the film was banned in China for sexual and political content, the script was actually approved by the Chinese government. The film was only banned after the filmmakers decided not to wait for permits before shooting in Tibet (such permits are required for a film to receive official approval).

Awards and nominations

Golden Horse Awards

• 1998: won for Best Director (Joan Chen)
• 1998: won for Best Screenplay Adapted from Another...... ...
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