'Mang Shan', or as it is being distributed outside mainland China as 'Blind Mountain', is a tale of a barbaric practice that is still going on in China, as well as other parts of Asia:the kidnapping of young women & being sold as prospective brides,under the guise that they are being taken to a new job. This is the story of one young college educated woman who is taken to the far north of China,drugged, and abandoned to the mercy (or lack of)of a much older man. What follows is truly difficult to watch at times. Despite several attempts to escape, she is brought back to the farm where she tends to the pigs, as well as other chores. The local Mayor is no help,as is the postman, who gives her letters home back to her no good bastard of a husband. Word is that this film,although not outright banned by the Chinese government (big surprise in itself),was subject to some heavy cuts,as to render it viewable to the Chinese public (kind of like what happened to Ang Lee's 'Lust,Caution'). This is a difficult,but very well written, directed & acted out film of perseverance. Apparently,most of the cast are non professional,giving this grim film an even more realistic feel. Due to it's spotty distribution in the U.S.,finding a screening may be a hike, but is well worth it.
Review of Blind Mountain
