Set against the backdrop of the late Cultural Revolution in Southwest China (1975–1976), this compelling film tells the story of an 11-year-old boy named Wang Han. The narrative immerses viewers in the troubling social and cultural climate of the era, showcasing the harsh realities faced by intellectuals who were relocated to remote areas as part of the Third Front Construction. It also highlights the consequences of factional violence from the revolution and the rigid power dynamics ingrained in Mao-era society. Central themes of innocence, unresolved emotions, and the specter of death play a significant role throughout the plot.
Wang Han finds himself in a unique position after being selected by his teacher to lead the school’s morning exercises. Eager to present himself well, he requests a white shirt from his mother. Although she hesitates at first due to financial constraints, she ultimately sacrifices a year's worth of fabric coupons to sew the shirt he covets. For Wang Han, this shirt becomes a symbol of pride and responsibility, which he values greatly.
During a carefree moment by the river with friends, calamity strikes when Wang Han loses his precious shirt to the water. As he bravely endeavors to retrieve it, he unexpectedly encounters Xie Jueqiang, a wounded fugitive murderer. Xie commandeers the shirt to use it as a makeshift bandage for his bleeding injuries and escapes into the forest. Consumed with the desire to get his shirt back, Wang Han reluctantly offers his assistance to Xie, who demands that he help him find herbs for his wound while also enforcing a promise of secrecy about his whereabouts. Xie guarantees that he will replace the shirt, but Wang Han feels compelled to hide the truth from his mother regarding the shirt's fate, fabricating a story that it was merely lost in the river.
In an effort to regain his standing with his friends, Wang Han ultimately discloses Xie’s location. One of his peers informs their teacher, prompting a police investigation in the forest that sadly does not lead to Xie’s capture. Xie later gets apprehended after setting a fire, resulting in a death sentence for both murder and arson. In a poignant twist, prior to his execution, Xie arranges for a white shirt to be sent to Wang Han from prison, fulfilling his earlier promise to the boy.
As the film draws to a close, the powerful imagery of Wang Han and his friends gathered to listen to a broadcast announcing the public execution of criminals creates a haunting atmosphere. When they rush towards the execution site, a dramatic pause occurs as Wang Han stops short upon hearing Xie's name mentioned, evoking a mix of emotions that encapsulates the tragic unfolding of their lives amidst a tumultuous period in history.
