Electric Shadows

Mao Xiaobing is introduced as a water bottle delivery boy in Beijing who has a profound passion for movies. This love for films permeates every aspect of his life, shaping his dreams and aspirations.

While riding his bike, Mao is unexpectedly attacked by Ling-Ling, leaving him severely injured and requiring hospitalization. This shocking event serves as the catalyst for the unfolding story and introduces the character of Ling-Ling.

Following the attack on Mao, Ling-Ling is arrested. However, she remains cryptic during her arrest, only requesting that Mao feed her fish, hinting at a deeper connection between the two.

Upon visiting Ling-Ling's apartment to fulfill her request, Mao discovers a shrine dedicated to the vintage film star, Zhou Xuan. This poignant moment signifies Ling-Ling's obsession with the past and further informs Mao about her complex life.

Mao begins reading through Ling-Ling's diary, which transports the narrative back to Ningxia, where her mother, a radio worker, experiences abandonment. This backstory reveals the harsh realities faced by her mother as she navigates her circumstances.

After relocating to the countryside, Ling-Ling's mother meets Pan, a movie projectionist, whom she eventually marries. This relationship fosters a sense of home for Ling-Ling, contrasting with her earlier experiences of abandonment.

As Ling-Ling grows up, she clings to the belief that her biological father was a star from the era of Zhou Xuan. This perception shapes her identity and complicates her relationships, particularly with her brother Bing-Bing.

Mao reflects on his own troubled upbringing, recalling his abusive father who sent him to live with relatives. This parallel highlights the emotional scars both characters carry from their respective childhoods.

Ling-Ling initially struggles with her relationship with her younger brother, Bing-Bing, viewing him with disgust. However, as the story progresses, she begins to accept him, but their bond becomes tragically short-lived.

A fateful day emerges when Ling-Ling and Bing-Bing attempt to escape their confining home. Bing-Bing's lie about needing her outside leads to a catastrophic accident that leaves Ling-Ling deaf, forever altering her life and perception.

Overwhelmed by grief and guilt following the accident, Ling-Ling runs away from home. This act of desperation reflects her struggle to cope with the weight of her memories and the loss of her brother.

Mao discovers that Ling-Ling's parents have moved closer to him, stirring up painful memories. While grappling with his past, he accidentally knocks over bricks, leading to the tragic death of Ling-Ling's pet puppy, which she had named after her brother.

The tragic death of the puppy rekindles Ling-Ling's painful memories, which culminates in her attacking Mao in a fit of rage. This incident underscores the depth of her emotional turmoil and unresolved grief.

Mao decides to visit Ling-Ling in the mental institution, armed with a piece of her past—a film strip. This gesture symbolizes hope and a desire to help her reconnect with her lost memories and familial bonds.

In a climactic moment, Ling-Ling watches a movie on the same screen that once represented her childhood. Surrounded by echoes of her parents, this emotional experience encapsulates the themes of love, loss, and redemption that permeate the narrative.