Xiao Wu (Pickpocket, 1997)

Part of Jia Zhangke: A Journey Through Time

One of cinema’s great debuts, this film by the generation-defining Chinese auteur Jia Zhangke is a searing first expression of his signature theme: the disillusionment of people left behind by a society modernizing at whiplash speed. Shot on 16 mm with nonprofessional actors and without state approval, Xiao Wu enfolds its critique within a subtly ironic study of a cocky, aimless pickpocket (Wang Hongwei) who, as those around him advance thanks to the opportunities of the new market economy, finds himself increasingly alienated. A budding relationship with a brothel worker (Hao Hongjian) seems to offer him a sense of meaning—but is it as illusory as the promises of capitalism? Already a master of the slow-burn long takes, minimalist framing, and meaningful silences that would become his trademarks, Jia fashions a quietly shattering portrait of humanitycaught in the jaws of globalization.

Xiao Wu (Pickpocket) plays on Sunday, October 8 at 3:20p. Make it a double feature and see also Jia Zhangke’s Still Life at 12:50p for $24.

Co-presented by Bay Area Chinese Culture Salon