11 Flowers

Wang Han, an 11-year-old boy, is selected by his teacher to lead the school's morning exercises. This moment marks a significant point in Wang's journey, as he feels a sense of responsibility and pride in taking on this role.

Determined to perform well, Wang Han asks his mother to make him a special white shirt for the occasion. His mother, initially hesitant due to the cost, eventually sacrifices a year's worth of fabric coupons to craft the shirt, symbolizing her love and support.

While playing by the river with his friends, Wang Han loses the treasured shirt in the water. As he dives in to retrieve it, he encounters Xie Jueqiang, a fugitive murderer, which sets off a chain of dramatic events.

Wang Han meets Xie Jueqiang, who is wounded and desperate. Xie takes the shirt to stop his bleeding, which complicates Wang's situation and leads him into an unexpected alliance with the fugitive.

In the forest, Xie threatens Wang Han to keep his location a secret and demands help in finding herbs to treat his wound. This encounter deepens the tension as Wang is torn between fear and empathy.

To cover for the lost shirt, Wang Han lies to his mother about its whereabouts, claiming it was lost to the river. This lie leads to growing internal conflict for Wang, highlighting themes of innocence and deception.

To reconcile with his friends after feeling guilty, Wang Han reveals Xie's hiding place. This decision leads to a series of consequences that he did not fully anticipate, showcasing the repercussions of betrayal.

The revelation of Xie's whereabouts prompts the teacher to alert the police, leading to a search in the forest. However, despite their efforts, the police are unable to capture Xie, underscoring the challenges of law enforcement during this turbulent period.

After a series of events, Xie is eventually caught following a desperate act of setting a fire. He faces severe consequences for his actions, leading to a future that will impact Wang Han deeply.

Xie is sentenced to death for murder and arson, a harsh fate that reflects the brutal realities of the era. His impending execution sends ripples through the community, profoundly affecting Wang Han's emotional landscape.

Before his execution, Xie keeps his promise to Wang Han by arranging for a white shirt to be sent to him from prison. This gesture serves as a poignant reminder of their complicated relationship.

As the film nears its climax, Wang Han and his friends listen to a broadcast announcing the public execution of criminals. The chilling announcement underscores the harsh reality of life during the Cultural Revolution.

Wang Han's emotional turmoil reaches its peak as he runs towards the execution site, only to stop abruptly upon hearing Xie’s name. This moment encapsulates his internal struggle between childhood innocence and the harsh realities of adult decisions.