One Second

In 1969, the man known as 'the fugitive' finds himself imprisoned in a remote labor reform camp in northwestern China. His imprisonment follows a clash with a rebel faction leader during the Cultural Revolution, marking the beginning of a tumultuous period in his life.

Following his arrest, the fugitive's wife files for divorce, and his daughter cuts off all contact with him. This personal turmoil adds to the struggle faced during the oppressive political climate of the time.

In 1975, the fugitive receives devastating news about his 14-year-old daughter, who has died in an accident while participating in a school labor activity. The tragedy is documented in Issue No. 22 of the News Bulletin, intensifying his sense of loss.

Overwhelmed by sorrow and desperation, the fugitive decides to escape from the labor camp. His goal is to attend a rural screening to see the footage that might feature his daughter one last time, propelling him into a daring journey.

At a nearby farm division, Liu and her younger brother face dire circumstances after their mother passes away and their father abandons them. They strive to survive amidst hardship, highlighting the plight of orphans during this tumultuous era.

In an attempt to replace a burned lampshade, Liu steals a reel of the film Heroic Sons and Daughters. However, the fugitive witnesses the theft and retrieves the reel, only for it to be stolen again, intertwining their fates.

The projectionist, Fan, feeling threatened after a reel is damaged, blames the deliveryman and takes extreme measures to salvage the film. He mobilizes villagers to clean and dry it, revealing his control over film screenings in the community.

The fugitive, determined to see the reel featuring his daughter, confronts Fan at knifepoint. This tense exchange underscores his desperation, and eventually, he is allowed to witness the film being screened.

During the screening, the fugitive catches a fleeting glimpse of his daughter in the film. Overcome by emotions, he pleads for the clip to be replayed, lifting the veil of grief but also bringing forth the harsh realities he faces.

When security officers arrive after receiving a tip-off, they mistakenly identify Liu as the fugitive's accomplice. In an act of violence, they detain her, showcasing the chaos and misjudgments prevalent during the era.

Realizing the mistake, the fugitive rushes back to defend Liu, leading to both of them being tied up together. Their predicament brings them closer as they connect over shared sorrow and loss.

Fan screens Heroic Sons and Daughters again, and the powerful imagery of a father-daughter reunion moves even the guards to tears. In this moment of raw emotion, Liu reveals her longing for her own father, solidifying the bond between her and the fugitive.

The following morning, as the fugitive is being escorted back to the camp, Fan discreetly offers him two frames of film that depict his daughter. This small act of kindness holds significant emotional weight amidst the turmoil.

As the guards discover the hidden frames, they carelessly discard them in the sand, symbolizing the loss of hope. The fugitive, witnessing this tragic moment, shouts in anguish while Liu desperately retrieves the discarded frames.