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The True Story of Ah Q poster

The True Story of Ah Q

阿Q正传

1981 · 2h 5m · Drama · China

Based on the 1921 novella of the same name by one of China's most well-known modern writers, Lu Xun (Lu Hsun), the True Story of Ah Q is set during the 1911 revolution. Ah Q is a lowly peasant who wants to rise above his class, or at least get out of his grinding poverty. At first he thinks the way to do it is by marrying into a better station in life; later, he joins the revolution as he feels that is the only way he and others like him can transcend poverty. In this film version of Lu Xun's story, the character of Ah Q might benefit from a more rounded humanity to make him appealing to those not familiar with the harsh environment in China before the 1911 revolution.

Directed by
Cen Fan
Written by
Chen Baichen
Based on the novel by
Lu Xun
Starring
Yan Shunkai, Li Wei, Yikang Jin, Wang Suya
6.1Smart score

The TMDB rating, pulled toward the movie average (6.03) as if it had 82 extra average votes. Few votes means more pull.

TMDB6.8

15 TMDB votes · IMDb page

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Not available to stream, rent or buy in United States.

Streaming data by JustWatch, via TMDB. Links open the JustWatch listing for United States.

Style & content

black humor

Keywords from TMDB.

Connected through the crew

Two Stage Sisters1964 · Cinematographer Chen Zhenxiang

Browse lists

Best Drama Movies of the 1980sBest Drama Movies of All Time