A harrowing tale of a woman yearning for freedom in poor and rural China. It is a very meditative work, more powerful than Raise the Red Lantern, and full of raw emotion (check especially the guy who plays the father, the movie's strongest actor) and simple in terms of storytelling. It also showcases the side of China I never really saw so vividly displayed, the musical side. The movie is touching to the point of tears.
Amidst all the pain is at least one hilarious moment which involves bed-wetting.