1997, Fengyang. Xiao Wu is a pickpocket. Having never managed to get away from the streets like his friends, he finds himself alone with his troubles. A cop is out to get him and his love affair with local karaoke hostess Mei Mei is going nowhere. He realises it’s time to think about his future.

Exploring the pervasive, entrenched connection between crime and capitalism throughout society, Pickpocket hails from A Touch of Sin and Ash is Purest White director Jia Zhangke, who has gone on to become one of the greatest chroniclers of his country. An auspicious debut from a modern master.