"The Train Home" is not only a documentary, but also a real-life epic captured through the lens. The film, featuring Zhang Changhua and Chen Suqin from Huilong Village, Guang'an District, Sichuan, profoundly reveals the tremendous sacrifices and efforts made by Chinese migrant workers for their families' livelihoods and children's education.
Zhang Changhua and Chen Suqin, an ordinary rural couple, in order to make their family's life better, in order to let their children Zhang Qin and Zhang Yang receive a better education, resolutely left their young children and went to Guangzhou thousands of miles away to work. Their choice represents the hardships and hardships of countless Chinese migrant workers, and also reflects their deep love for their families and children.
During their days in Guangzhou, Zhang Changhua and Chen Suqin worked hard and saved money just to send more money home. However, the long period of separation has led to a gradual estrangement between them and their children. When they finally return to their hometowns to reunite with their families, they find that their children have developed a sense of alienation and indifference to them. This kind of spiritual estrangement makes them feel extremely painful.
Zhang Qin, the heroine in the film, is even more shocking. Like many rebellious teenagers of this age, she dropped out of school without listening to advice and chose the same path as her parents - to work in Guangdong. Her choice is undoubtedly a huge blow to her parents' expectations, but it is also a helpless pursuit of her future life. Zhang Qin's body reflects the plight and confusion of young people in rural China, and also reveals the great impact of social reality on their growth path.
Through the story of Zhang Changhua's family, "The Train Home" allows us to see the reality and dreams of Chinese migrant worker families. They have left their homes for a living, and they are fighting for the future of their children. However, the hardships of life and the realities of society often make their dreams out of reach. But even so, they still persist and work hard, just for that glimmer of hope and a better future.
The film received high praise both nationally and internationally, winning the 2011 Documentary of the Year Award from the Handbook of Young Cinema and the VPRO IDFA Award at the Amsterdam International Documentary Film Festival. These honors are not only a recognition of the film itself, but also a concern and reflection on the reality and dreams of Chinese migrant workers' families.
Longteng New Year film recommendation