Red Cherry

Red Cherry

Year: 1995

Runtime: 120 mins

Language: Chinese

Director: Daying Ye

DramaWar

Based on a true story, this horrifying tale follows two orphaned friends as they struggle to survive during World War II.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Red Cherry yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Red Cherry (1995)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Red Cherry (1995). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early Summer 1941

The film tracks the early months of Operation Barbarossa as Nazi forces push into the Soviet Union. Moscow endures a rapid, chaotic evacuation and civilians scramble to stay alive in a war-torn city. The period is defined by sudden danger, shifting control, and the brutal choices people must make.

Location

Moscow, Belarus (summer camp), Yakovlev Monastery (Nazi headquarters)

The story begins in Moscow at the Ivanov International School before the war arrives. As Nazi forces invade, the city becomes half-evacuated and perilous, forcing students and residents into makeshift survival. A summer camp in Belarus is established as a fragile refuge before occupation washes over the region, and the Yakovlev Monastery later serves as the Nazi HQ where prisoners are exploited.

🗺️ War-torn setting 🎭 Historical drama 🧭 Displacement

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:50

Main Characters – Red Cherry (1995)

Meet the key characters of Red Cherry (1995), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Chuchu (Guo Keyu)

A Chinese student who survives the brutal occupation and endures the tattoo forced upon her by General Von Dietrich. The tattoo becomes a symbol of stigma and a source of enduring trauma, shaping how she is treated by others long after the escape and the regime's collapse.

🎗️ Tattoo survivor 🧭 Displaced

Luo Xiaoman (Xiaoling Xu)

A homeless boy who endures life on the streets of a war-ravaged Moscow. Rejected from enlisting in the Red Army because of his age, he channels his anger into deadly acts against German POWs and ultimately sacrifices himself in a fire set during a riot.

🧭 Orphan 🛡️ Survivor

General Von Dietrich (Vladmill Nizmiroff)

A high-ranking Nazi officer who doubles as a sadistic tattooist, planning to make Chuchu his final 'masterpiece.' His pursuit of power ends with his suicide as the regime collapses, leaving a lasting mark on Chuchu and her story.

🧪 Brutality 🕰️ Power

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:50

Major Themes – Red Cherry (1995)

Explore the central themes of Red Cherry (1995), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ Survival

Against overwhelming odds, the characters endure hunger, danger, and displacement. Xiaoman scavenges and protects an orphaned girl, while Chuchu and her classmates face forced labor and constant threats. The narrative centers on resilience and the will to continue living in a world torn apart by war.

🗡️ Oppression

Captured students are enslaved and subjected to brutality, with Miss Vera murdered for defying the invaders and a plan for execution looming over them. One student uses his Aryan identity to gain a momentary advantage, but fear, deceit, and violence dominate their lives. The escape attempt exposes the depths of cruelty and the costs of rebellion.

🧠 Memory & Trauma

Chuchu's back bears a large Nazi eagle tattoo, a permanent mark that subjects her to stigma and discrimination. The film explores the psychological scars born from captivity, violence, and humiliation, and how memory shapes identity long after the battles end. The narrative culminates in an acknowledgement of real-life stories behind the fictional tale, underscoring the lasting impact of war on individuals.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:50

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Red Cherry

Don't stop at just watching — explore Red Cherry in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Red Cherry is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Red Cherry Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Red Cherry, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Red Cherry Summary

Red Cherry Timeline

Track the full timeline of Red Cherry with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Red Cherry Timeline

Red Cherry Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Red Cherry that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Red Cherry Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Red Cherry

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Red Cherry: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Red Cherry