The Story of Qiu Ju

"The Story of Qiu Ju" (1992) is a Chinese comedy-drama film directed by Zhang Yimou and starring Gong Li as the titular character. The screenplay adapts Chen Yuanbin's novella "The Wan Family's Lawsuit." Set in rural China, the film follows Qiu Ju, a pregnant peasant woman, as she seeks justice after her husband is injured by the village headman. Despite her pregnancy, Qiu Ju travels to the provincial capital and eventually involves a lawyer to pursue legal action against the village chief.

The film received recognition at international film festivals, winning the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival in 1992. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film but did not advance as a nominee. The production took place in northwest Shaanxi province, capturing the daily lives of ordinary Chinese people during the era of Deng Xiaoping.

"The Story of Qiu Ju" has been released on DVD multiple times in the United States and internationally. It holds an 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critical acclaim for its performances and storytelling. Gong Li won several awards for her portrayal of Qiu Ju, including Best Actress at the Golden Rooster Awards and the Hundred Flowers Awards.

The film's success extends beyond its theatrical release, earning accolades from various festivals and critics' associations globally.