The cinematic tale unfolds through a series of vivid vignettes set against the colorful backdrop of China, inspired by real events that have left their mark on the nation. One storyline follows San'er, who sets out on a solo expedition across the picturesque landscapes of rural Shanxi with his motorbike as a steadfast companion. His journey is abruptly interrupted when he encounters three unscrupulous men attempting to steal from him. Undeterred, San'er reveals a pistol, taking decisive action to defend himself and expertly dispatches the would-be thieves.
In another thread of the narrative, we meet Dahai, who rises as the unofficial champion for laborers at a privatized coal mine situated in a small, struggling village. Fueled by his discontent over the bleak contrast between the villagers' dire poverty and the lavish lifestyles of the local officials—pillars of corruption sustained by deceit and fraud—he embarks on a mission to seek justice. Throughout his journey, Dahai faces both support and hostility from the community as his determination intensifies.
The climax of Dahai's quest leads to a dramatic confrontation with the mine's owners, the Jiaos, who respond to his pleas with mockery and dismissal. The villagers watch in despair as one of the Jiaos' henchmen brutally assaults Dahai, leaving him hospitalized. In a shocking attempt to silence him, the Jiaos' representatives approach his bedside, offering him silence through monetary compensation.
As he recuperates, Dahai pays a visit to his sister, renewing his vow for retribution against those who've caused his village great suffering. His path soon grows darker as he hunts for written confessions from the village accountant and his wife, who meet him with disdain. Consumed by rage, Dahai exacts a brutal revenge, shooting several who contributed to his pain, including the village chief and Mr. Jiao. As law enforcement closes in, he stands amidst the carnage, claiming a sinister victory.
This segment draws inspiration from the chilling true story of Hu Wenhai and his infamous actions in 2001.
Meanwhile, San'er returns to Chongqing for the Chinese New Year celebrations, coinciding with his mother's important birthday. As he prepares for the festivities, the origins of his newfound wealth begin to surface. His estranged wife questions the source of his affluence, while San'er finds fleeting joy in celebrating with his son during a midnight fireworks display. As the celebrations mellow, San'er purchases bus tickets to seemingly arbitrary locations, skillfully dodging his wife's scrutiny.
The grim reality behind San'er's riches gradually unfolds as he makes his way to town, methodically executing a couple and stealing from a bystander. San'er then departs Chongqing, leaving the audience to grapple with the unsettling remnants of his mental state.
The arc of Xiaoyu intertwines with San'er's story, her tumultuous affair with a married man named Youliang spiraling towards an ultimatum: he must choose to divorce his wife within six months or lose her forever. As their chaotic relationship unfurls, Xiaoyu faces increasing turmoil in her life. A chance encounter at the spa leads to a violent confrontation with Youliang's wife and her hired enforcers, plunging Xiaoyu into a chaotic series of events that culminates in her witnessing the brutality inflicted upon a co-worker by corrupt officials demanding exorbitant tolls.
As the night darkens, Xiaoyu herself becomes a target during an encounter with the same authorities, enduring a harrowing and violent experience. The breaking point arrives when they require her to barter sexual favors for their clemency. In an act of defiance and desperation, she retaliates against one official using a fruit knife abandoned by Youliang. Staggered by the ramifications of her actions, she reaches out to emergency services, confessing to her crime.
Inspired by the Deng Yujiao incident which reverberated throughout China in 2009, Xiaoyu's poignant journey leads her back to her hometown in Shanxi, where she finds herself before an old factory now overseen by the inscrutable Mrs. Jiao. Her past and present collide as she steps into an interview room, now tinged with unease and anticipation. Amidst this tension, she encounters a moving public opera performance that captivates her and resonates deeply within.
On stage, an eloquent opera performer poses a thought-provoking question to the audience: > "Do you understand your sin?" This query hangs heavily in the air, urging those present to confront their inner ethical dilemmas. As Xiaoyu watches, spellbound by the depth of the performance, she feels an uncanny bond with the profound question, igniting a contemplative fire within her soul.
