Back to 1942

The movie opens in the frigid winter of 1942, marking a period of intense struggle during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The harsh conditions serve as a backdrop illustrating the dire circumstances faced by the inhabitants of Henan province.

Master Fan, a wealthy landlord, holds the responsibility for his family's survival amid the ongoing famine. He must navigate the challenges posed by starvation, while also protecting his villagers from external threats.

Tragedy strikes when bandits invade Master Fan's village, leading to chaos and violence. This invasion culminates in the devastating loss of Fan's son, forcing his family to re-evaluate their safety and future.

With the safety of his family in jeopardy, Master Fan decides to flee the village. Accompanied by his daughter, wife, daughter-in-law, and loyal servant Shuanzhu, they embark on a perilous journey seeking refuge.

As they journey westward, Master Fan and his family encounter fellow villager Xialu and his family. Together, they unite their efforts in the quest for survival amidst the growing dangers they face.

The journey becomes more arduous when NRA soldiers seize the little food supplies the fleeing families possess. This act of desperation serves to further highlight the dire situation under which they are struggling to survive.

As the families navigate the harsh landscape, they face relentless bombardments from Japanese aircraft. The constant threat of air raids heightens the tension and fear, complicating their already precarious existence.

Amidst the chaos and suffering, Brother Sim, a preacher of Catholicism, grapples with despair and begins to question the existence of God. His loss of faith reflects the overwhelming impact of starvation on the human spirit during such tumultuous times.

Journalist Theodore H. White arrives in Henan, determined to uncover the real impact of the famine. His investigations reveal a Nationalist Government more inclined toward self-preservation than providing assistance to the starving population.

White's findings bring to light the government’s callousness, including the controversial contemplation by Chiang Kai-shek to surrender Henan. This exposé ignites debates over the government's responsibility and the distribution of relief supplies.

Despite a shift in government policies driven by White's exposé, the distribution of relief supplies reveals corruption and greed. This disappointing reality starkly contrasts with the urgent needs of the suffering populace.

As Master Fan’s family disintegrates under the weight of calamity, desperation drives him to sell his daughter into prostitution in a bid for survival. This heartbreaking choice underscores the depths to which one may sink in times of dire need.

With hope dwindling, Fan seeks peace by embarking on an emotional journey towards the east, yearning for a resolution to his suffering close to his homeland. The journey symbolizes a last desperate attempt to reclaim a sense of normalcy.

During his travels, Master Fan encounters a young girl orphaned by the ravages of war. He decides to take her under his wing, adopting her as his granddaughter, which fosters a tender bond amidst the surrounding devastation.