Fridae

Since the 80s, China's 5th-Generation filmmakers like Zhang Yimou (Raise The Red Lantern), Chen Kaige (Farewell to My Concubine) and Tian Zhuangzhuang (The Blue Kite) have brought pride and international renown to Chinese cinema. But like all national cinemas, Chinese cinema needs new blood to keep itself going.

Along with Jia Zhangke (The World), director Zhang Yuan (Mother) has often been cited as one of the leading lights of the 6th-Generation of Chinese filmmakers. His charming new film Little Red Flowers got him into a lot of trouble with the Chinese authorities, but as far as moviegoers and critics are concerned, it certainly seals his reputation as one of China's best.

Little Red Flowers is a sweet, funny and touching drama set in 1950s China about a pesky boy (Dong Bowen) who refuses to obey his kindergarten teachers. Because of his frequent fits and tantrums, he never gets the little red flower stickers that teachers award to smart or well-behaved students. But the boy is undeterred. One night, he even organizes a childish revolution against the head teacher, which results in him being locked up in isolation.

Though the story revolves around children and teachers, the political allegory is unmistakable. The theme of non-conformity and rebellion within a rigid school setting reflects the struggles of Chinese intellectuals against the rigidity of China's Communist government. Thankfully though, these themes are not belabored. Little Red Flowers is first and foremost a humane and entertaining film with a strong script and delightful performances.