In 1975 during the Chinese Cultural Revolution, journalist Fu Bin takes a new job as a newspaper reporter. His coworker Li, who is also an old friend, tells him that reporters have not lasted long in their positions there because of the dangerous political climate. Almost immediately, Li and Fu Bin are called by the local party boss, Song, to write a newspaper story condemning the Professor, an elderly surgeon who for political reasons is now reduced to cleaning toilets. Song and his henchmen humiliate the Professor in front of the reporters. Fu Bin is horrified by what he witnesses and finds that he cannot in good conscience write what Song demands. Fu Bin attempts to seek advice from his former journalism professor, but finds the man has become an alcoholic. The journalism professor offers him some words by Lu Xun: a parable about truthtellers being punished and liars being rewarded — under those circumstances, the only proper thing a person can do when asked for an opinion is to laugh. Fu Bin decides to meet with Song and uncovers Song’s hypocrisies, for example, Song pretends to champion the common people while in fact he revels in his nouveau rich lifestyle. Most egregious of all, Song relies on the surgeon-turned-janitor to carry out a crucial surgery. Fu Bin is tormented by dreams in which Song is depicted as a imperial figure with craven subordinates. Fu Bin finally feels emboldened to write a newspaper story criticizing Song, but ultimately burns it after an argument with his wife, who pleads with him to do the politically expedient thing so that their family may remain safe. With the newspaper deadline looming, Fu Bin hits on the idea of asking for sick leave. He secures a fake doctor’s note and takes it to his editor’s office. While waiting in the editor’s office, Fu Bin and Li discover a stack of letters to the editor, all of which are critical of Song. Fu Bin’s excited comments after reading the letters are overheard by Song and the chief editor. Li quickly denounces Fu Bin, betraying their friendship in order to remain safe. Fu Bin is arrested, and saying goodbye to his wife and daughter, promises that he will be back soon. The film ends with Fu Bin’s release from prison, presumably just after the Gang of Four are overthrown, and he is reunited with his family. —IMDb
