An Elephant Sitting Still

In Shijiazhuang, gang member Yu Cheng shares an unusual story about an elephant within a circus in Manzhouli. His recounting occurs while he is in bed with a woman, creating a moment of intimacy before chaos ensues.

The serene moment is shattered when the woman's husband unexpectedly arrives home. Overwhelmed by the scene he witnesses, he tragically leaps from the window, marking a horrific turn in the narrative.

Wang Jin, an elderly man, faces mounting pressure as he lives with his family. Due to rising costs in caring for his granddaughter, he is forced to leave his apartment for a nursing home, which weighs heavily on him.

Wei Bu starts his day jolted awake by his father's abusive outbursts regarding their messy home. This harsh reality drives him to seek solace with his friend Li Kai as they ponder their own troubles.

Wei and Li express their concerns over the school bully, Yu Shuai, who also happens to be Yu Cheng's younger brother. Tension mounts when Li is wrongly accused of theft by Yu Shuai, leading him to seek vengeance.

In response to the threat posed by Yu Shuai, Li takes the drastic step of stealing a pistol from his father for self-defense. This act illustrates the deepening conflict and desperation faced by the characters.

Wei's situation worsens when he learns from the vice-dean that their school will be closing, forcing everyone to move to an inferior institution. The news spurs a confrontational attitude in Wei towards Yu Shuai.

In a blind rage, Wei shoves Yu Shuai down a staircase in retaliation for humiliation. The consequences of this action create a ripple effect throughout the narrative, impacting all characters involved.

Wang Jin faces a distressing situation when a stray dog attacks his pet. Seeking justice, he confronts the dog's owners, but their hostility only deepens his sense of despair and frustration.

Wei learns of his grandmother's death, amplifying his emotional turmoil. In an attempt to cope, he tries to sell his pool cue, only to encounter Wang once again, revealing their shared burdens.

Their encounter escalates when they are confronted by the vengeful owner of the lost dog. The incident erupts into violence, demonstrating the chaotic intertwining of their lives amidst personal crises.

Wei confesses to Huang his desire to escape to Manzhouli, but she mocks his ambitions, doubting his abilities. Meanwhile, their interactions hint at the larger societal struggles surrounding them.

As tensions rise, Li confesses to his act of stealing Yu Shuai's phone. This incident contains crucial evidence against the dean, intertwining their fates in unexpected ways.

In a dramatic twist of fate, Li shoots Yu Cheng before tragically turning the gun on himself. This shocking act serves as a poignant turning point in the narrative, leading to deeper repercussions.

Ultimately, Wei, Wang, and Huang end up at the train station only to discover their tickets have been voided. In a spontaneous moment, they board a bus toward their dreams, leaving behind their troubled lives.

As night falls, the trio disembarks by the roadside near Manzhouli. While joyfully kicking a shuttlecock, they hear the distant roar of an elephant, symbolizing the adventures awaiting them.