Ash Is Purest White
dir. Jia Zhangke · 2018
Being alive means navigating the complexities of love and loyalty, even in the face of betrayal and hardship.
"Ash Is Purest White" is a poignant exploration of love, loyalty, and the moral complexities of life in the Chinese underworld. Through its stark visual poetry and contemplative storytelling, it invites the audience to reflect on the passage of time and the lengths one goes to for love.
Set in China's underworld, this tale of love and betrayal follows a dancer who fired a gun to protect her mobster boyfriend during a fight. On release from prison 5 years later, she sets out to find him.
Talking points
- the struggles of loyalty in relationships
- the nature of redemption
- the impact of crime on personal identity
- the evolution of contemporary Chinese society
