Program Note
In the 1980s, Xuebing, a retired sharpshooter, works as a security guard at a rundown state-owned factory in northeastern China. As the factory faces increasing difficulties and fails to pay its employees, theft becomes rampant. Xuebing develops feelings for Xiao Jin, a resilient single mother. One day, Xuebing discovers that Xiao Jin's son has been involved in crimes with local delinquents.
The sense of helplessness in society, layered on top of the loneliness of a man who has put down his lifelong companion, his gun, due to health reasons, drives him back to it. As he crafts his own gun, Xuebing's inseparability from his weapon mirrors that of an artisan with his lifelong tool. As feelings of powerlessness and loss deepen, Xuebing is drawn back to the gun. The title, rich with multiple meanings, will leave a poignant and lingering impression on the audience's hearts. (Martin LEE)