As is true in many countries, the handicapped, and particularly the mentally handicapped, represent a serious social liability for their families. As a consequence, some truly awful situations arise concerning their care. As is also true of many countries, the inhumanities which arise from these attitudes is a source of acute national embarrassment, which is why this Chinese docudrama was viewed with great suspicion by authorities and was only allowed a very limited release. In the story, Lian Dan has been caring for her brain-damaged child all alone, ever since her husband left her. The ordinary details and difficulties of her everyday life are lovingly explored; the basically black-and-white film contains color sequences with interviews of women in Lian Dan's situation. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
