Xiao Wu – Pick Pocket (1997)

Directed by: Jia Zhang Ke | 110 minutes | drama, romance, crime, history | Actors: Hong Wei Wang, Hao Hongjian, Zuo Baitao, Ma Jinrei, Liu Junying, Liang Yonghao, An Qunyan, Jiang Dongdong, Zhao Long, Wang Reiren, Jinfeng Gao, Li Renzhu, Wu Juan, Ji Jinshu, Ren Zhaorui

‘Xiao Wu’, the debut film by the young and committed Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke, initially seems to be little more than a nice, but not very compelling story about a petty thief who struggles to keep his head above water. But the story, the central character, and the theme slowly but surely grab the viewer and involve them in the film both intellectually and emotionally. As a result, when the closing titles roll by, this viewer is truly concerned for the fate of Xiao Wu (Hong Wei Wang), as well as his many compatriots who have ended up in a similar situation.

Because, although ‘Xiao Wu’ as a film bears the name of the main character and is indeed an intimate portrait of this man, this personal story is used to expose a general problem or social situation that many Chinese from that period had to deal with. . The communist, Maoist era has come to an end and the market economy has arrived. Other criminals are now trying to cover up their illegal activities by supposedly making it part of their “trade” or “enterprise”, such as his friend and former colleague, who now looks down on him, and money from Xiao Wu – as a wedding present. – doesn’t take it because it would be dirty money. But Xiao Wu himself cannot hide under false labels. He was and is a pickpocket, who knows nothing else to do, but has to watch out for the new, strict crime policy.

‘Xiao Wu’, filmed in Fenyang, where the director grew up, comes across as very authentic. The film is very similar to the style of neo-realism, with its use of real locations, non-professional actors, long takes and documentary-style camera work, and its focus on social change and malaise. It is the ideal style for Zhangke’s engaged narration. Although it is a criminal, as a viewer you still have to deal with Xiao Wu. He should of course look for an honest job, but the hypocrisy with which he is suddenly ostracized, and the obstacles he encounters when he really seems to be able to face another life, ensure that this character does arouse sympathy. The expression of his feelings of love for Mei Mei (Hao Hongjian), a girl from the local karaoke bar plays a big role in this. It is touching how he becomes more and more thawed in her presence and becomes charmed by this woman, although he shows this mainly through his actions – such as fetching a hot water bottle when she is sick – than by showing his feelings through words or facial expressions. He also does not dare to sing in her presence for a long time, but alone in the bathhouse. When he finally dares to do this, together with her in the karaoke bar, it has great meaning. He even has plans to marry her. But unfortunately not everything goes as hoped. Even with his parents he finds no comfort – his mother bluntly tells him she never wanted to give birth to him – and he turns out to be really dependent on his old lifestyle again. A lifestyle that he will not be able to get away with in the new China.