Gone with the Boat (2023) Movie Script
According to grandma,
in our village,
every family used to have their own boat.
If one day all the boats are gone
will our home be gone with them?
That's it, brother.
That's all of dad's stuff.
There isn't anything else.
It can't be!
What about the watch
and gold rings I bought him?
You care about his things now
but where were you before he died?
Go look for yourself.
Dad had a hard life on this boat.
It's no wonder he got sick.
All alone in here.
A sad way to die.
It's not our fault.
He wouldn't come live with us.
Right.
Not our fault.
We're barely getting by as it is.
Brother.
We have to sell the boat. You know that.
We need the money.
Not before the mourning is over.
This boat was his home.
I mean, we're paying these old biddies
to chant this nonsense all night.
What the hell for?
Doesn't do shit.
Show some respect for your father
or he'll be back to teach you a lesson.
What the hell? Who is this?
Talk about respect.
Your kids have you working here all night
for your 100 yuan!
You think I need your money?
I'm just here hanging with my sisters.
Here you are.
Get a nice wine for
your American son-in-law.
Oh, yes, thank you.
The oil too, don't forget.
I'll put it here.
Mind how you go.
Time to go home.
Come on, let's be off.
Take care.
Watch your step.
Careful.
Don't slip.
Guohua!
Hey!
I need a kilo of shrimp.
Okay, okay.
You have guests tonight.
Jenny's coming home for dinner.
Mom.
Mom.
Hey.
You're so late.
You don't answer your phone.
The traffic was terrible.
Susan.
Grandma.
Grandma.
Hey, Sweetie.
What's for dinner, grandma?
You didn't eat yet?
No.
I didn't make anything.
Oh sure. I can smell it from here.
Mom.
Come in.
Ok, let's eat.
Susan.
Thanks, grandma.
Ryan.
Eat.
Mom, you put too much salt again.
Fish is supposed to be salty.
We need salt in our blood.
If not, they put it in you with an IV.
Grandma. They don't do that anymore.
Really?
I didn't know that.
That's why we need you go to school.
Right.
Wait.
I have something special
for our wine lover here.
Oh, no, mom you shouldn't.
We have to drive back to Shanghai tonight.
What? Why?
I've made up the rooms for you.
It's already late. What's the rush?
Ryan.
We have an important meeting tomorrow.
I can't drink.
I don't have an important meeting tomorrow.
I'll drink it.
That's enough!
Jenny.
Nice to see you again.
Hello, auntie.
Grandma.
Hello, sweetie.
Come, come, sit here.
The daughter is good.
The son is useless.
Well,
Qing's work keeps him running around
all over the place.
I've eaten already. I'm full.
Please, eat.
You've taken such good care of my mom.
What?
Jin.
You can't drink wine
when you've been chanting sutras.
No one has to know if you keep quiet.
Besides, it's different
if the person dies happy.
You just like to indulge yourself.
They paid you to exercise some restraint.
You know I don't like you doing that.
We give you enough money.
I'm in this house all day
with no one to talk to.
Jenny, if you and Qing came home more often
your mom wouldn't need to do these things.
You know? Since you left
this old house gets very lonely.
What was that?
Maybe it's a rat.
It's just a tile falling off the roof.
I'll get Changhua to fix it tomorrow.
This rickety old house.
It's falling down around our ears.
You should build a new one.
No one lives in these old houses anymore.
They're all being torn down.
Tear this one down too, then,
and I'll live with you.
You can feed me everyday.
That would be great.
Don't forget that.
I won't.
These foreigners are strange.
Who puts a pecan in a wedding ring?
I told you
it's a fossil.
Tao told me he had to
shave his head to play a monk.
Do you think we can see it on your phone?
There's nothing to see.
Quitting school just
to play a corpse on TV.
Everyone will laugh.
Let them laugh.
Lots of boys from the
village quit school early.
They go to work in a factory
and they're fine.
Don't speak badly about Tao.
You're going to need him when you're old.
Take it.
We can't eat all this.
It'll only get thrown away.
Ryan likes it.
Susan likes it too.
I grew this pumpkin
myself, it's very sweet.
It's their favorite.
Take everything.
Do we have to do this every time?
It's all good food.
But it'll be wasted.
It'll be wasted here anyway.
We have all of this at home.
Just take it.
Come on.
Take it.
Here.
Susan, you take it.
We have to go now, grandma.
Ok.
Ryan.
Take these pickled eggs.
I made them myself.
Much better than you get in the market.
This is too much. We rarely cook at home.
I've divided them equally.
One for you, one for Qing.
And one for me.
Shall I slaughter you a chicken?
Oh, no, no.
You shouldn't be rushing off like this.
Mom.
Why do you always throw out
grandma's pickled eggs?
She doesn't use enough salt.
They will upset your stomach.
Why don't you tell her that?
Then she can make them better next time.
Hi, Mom.
Hi?
Yes, I know, just keep it for me.
I will pick it up next time.
Ah?
I said I know.
I'll pick it up next time.
Hello? Yes, I know that.
I'll get it next time.
Mom?
Mom,
can you hear me?
Mom!
What's wrong?
Mom, talk to me!
Mom!
Okay, finish up, we're shooting.
Put it in here.
Get a move on!
Here.
Just put it there.
Come on, quick! Hurry up!!
Clear the set.
Quickly now.
Scene 66. Shot 8. Take 9.
Action.
Get your QR codes ready
if you want to get paid.
Set the correct amount.
Received 100 yuan.
Ok.
Thank you, Manager Zhang.
Good job.
Don't try to pull any tricks.
Nothing gets past me.
Okay, Next.
Tao.
The monks yesterday were a disaster.
Only you bothered to shave your head.
I put in a good word with the director.
He wants you on his next movie.
One month's work, starting tomorrow.
Here.
For real?
The bus leaves in morning.
Be at the gate, 6 a.m..
That's the license plate number there.
Let me buy you dinner, to say thanks.
Keep your money. Just don't let me down.
Hi, grandma?
Tao. Please don't hang up. It's mom.
May I have your attention please?
Today, we have eight temples to visit.
We are 30 mins behind schedule.
So, please stay within
our group once we're there.
I'm afraid surgery is not an option
in your mother's case.
The tumor has spread to areas of her brain
which control memory and motor function.
We can't even attempt it.
My suggestion is to wait
for the biopsy results.
Then we can evaluate which chemo therapy
options will best control
your mother's condition.
Dr Gao.
Are you saying
we just leave it and let it grow?
I'm not saying that.
We need a strategic
approach based on the facts.
We are willing to try anything.
I don't know about your
financial circumstances
but these costs can quickly
spiral out of control.
The ICU alone costs
around 40,000 yuan per day.
No matter how much money you spend
the outcome
is far from certain.
Think carefully.
Think very carefully about it.
Doctor.
In your opinion, how
much time does my mom have?
At the end of the day,
there is very little we can do.
Mom.
Finally. You decide to show up.
This is poison.
That's so gross.
Disgusting.
You make me want to puke.
Uncle, do you know what cancer is?
It is a cell that goes bad.
It doesn't want to die,
so it just keeps growing
until it becomes a tumor
which takes up all the space
that the good cells need.
Why do you study these things?
Do you want to be a doctor?
Our brains have 80 billion neurons,
all connected together.
If something breaks in there
the medicines can't fix it.
You don't need to worry
about that right now.
You just need to be happy.
My mom says
to get the life you really want.
You have to work harder than everyone else.
She said grandpa was good at school
but because of the time he lived
he had to settle for being a carpenter.
He worked day and night to
send you and mom to school.
So you could choose the life you wanted.
You're doing it wrong.
You have to calculate
what's in the bracket first.
I taught you that when you were a kid.
That may be what he said
but when I wanted to
be a carpenter like him
he did not allow it.
What's stopping you now?
It's been too long.
You can't go back in time.
That's what I admire about brother Tao.
Ok, cut.
Take a break.
What's the right answer?
A, B, C, or D?
Yeah.
I think it might be C.
Resentment to words
his unrealistic demands.
Good.
I think there is a lot of reasons in
the text that might support your answer.
So thanks for that.
But does anyone else have any other ideas
about the correct answer.
Yeah.
Sir.
How is life in America?
Where in America?
New York.
Life in New York is great
but if you bury your head in your phone
you'll miss it all.
If America is so great
why come here to make your money?
Ok.
Maybe now we can get back to study, okay?
Let's look at the second question.
Which choice provides the best evidence for
the answer to the previous questions?
Now it's about looking
at the content of the text
to justify your answer in question no.1.
Ryan.
I can spend more time with you
after things settle down
and I don't need to be here everyday.
This is such a great place.
You've done an amazing job.
Your father would be
so happy to see all this.
Hey!
Hey.
Mom, are you feeling better?
Shouldn't you be in class?
Oh. Did they all run out on you?
The class is over.
Don't take it personally.
Kids will always be kids.
Nothing to feel bad about.
It's alright. I am used to it by now.
Have you seen the whole place yet?
Yes, but I can always see it again.
I'll take you around
later for another look.
Okay.
Do you have a second?
Excuse us a moment.
Stay here and rest.
We have some business to go over.
Sure, go ahead.
Mom, wait here. Don't go wandering off.
I know, I know.
It took so much to get this license.
How can we go back to
working for someone else?
The reality of our situation
is not what we imagined.
We're losing money every month.
This month has been much better.
If we can keep this up
we'll have the loans
paid off by end of year.
This month, of course.
This is the peak month of the year.
What happens next month?
You should at least consider their offer.
They have a lot of capital.
Unlike us.
If they decide to go after us
we have no chance.
We can't let them intimidate us.
Don't lose faith.
There are many organizations
just like us in Shanghai.
And they do okay.
When do we have time
for each other anymore?
When did I last get to
watch a game of baseball?
Now it's nothing but work, work, work.
No more going on dates.
No more going to the movies.
I wish life could be that simple.
But the world doesn't work that way.
We have responsibilities.
I've been struggling for 15 years
just to get where I am now.
You like to say we're
changing people's lives,
but we can't even change our own.
These students, some in their 30s,
some in their 40s.
They can't even write an
application letter in English.
They have to pay us 5000 yuan
to do it for them.
How are they supposed to
go abroad and find work?
I am just a teacher.
I can't handle running a business.
I have no idea what you
do out there everyday.
Everyday, people come here asking for you.
It's all too much.
Now your mom is sick,
it's too much for you to handle too.
What's too much?
What can't I handle?
Why put yourself through this?
We just have to face it and deal with it!
Just let them buy me out.
All you ever needed from
me was my face anyway.
Hi, Jenny.
Lu.
I've been looking for you.
What's the matter?
My mom.
Hello, auntie.
Hello.
Is there any news on that thing?
I know you're worried, I'm worried too.
But I need to take my mom to hospital now.
I'll call you tonight.
Ok?
Can we just talk here?
Alright.
Okay.
Just a moment.
I know how you feel.
We're all in the same boat.
It was me who first sounded the alarm.
I told everyone about it.
I heard that Manager Jiang
is still fighting for it.
He's long gone.
I can't even find anyone to sue.
Don't believe everything you hear.
Lu.
Jenny, you still have your business.
You got us all into this.
We all believed in you.
Now I have nothing left.
We all made money on it at one time.
What would you have me do?
Please, Jenny.
Help me out, this one last time.
Just until I get through this.
I won't bother you again. I promise.
This one?
No.
What about this one?
Yes, yes, that's it.
Great. I can watch them all tonight.
Your TV is better than mine.
Yours goes
all the way through
with no commercials in between.
Susan.
Enough homework.
You need to rest your eyes.
Watch some TV with grandma.
Haven't you seen this already, grandma?
Yes, that's why I'm watching it again.
So I know what the hell is going on.
You guys go ahead and eat.
I have my show to watch.
We agreed, two months
in the States every year.
Can't we do it in the winter?
How about one month, then?
You can be the one to tell mom.
What about just two weeks?
Susan.
Susan, come here a minute.
Coming.
What is it?
Sit.
Grandma is very sick.
I can't go with you and your dad
to the United States.
Do you want to stay here
with me after your exams?
Or go to America with your dad?
I promised my American grandma
I would go and see her.
Correct your mistakes and get to bed.
We'll be back before you know it.
Anything else?
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Mom.
What are you doing out here?
Where is Qing?
Qing went to buy food.
I'm going home.
Mom, you can't be out here.
The doctor didn't discharge you yet.
I don't care, he's not my dad.
Come on, let's go back.
They can't cure me.
I don't have the time for this.
Let's just wait for Qing.
No, no.
Calm down, let's get you back to bed.
What's the problem here?
Please don't go.
Why aren't you in bed?
Let's go back to your room.
Let go of me.
Please, try to stay calm.
Who are you to stop me?
Why won't you let me go?
You are not ready to be released.
I am your doctor.
I know about these things.
You need to listen to me.
Calm down.
I want to go home. I want to go home.
What are you talking about?
It's not a conscious decision.
She just doesn't want to spend the money.
Have you read the report?
Do you see any progress?
Anything at all?
I don't see why
she has to stay here and suffer like this.
This is just for now.
I have found a hospital in LA.
They're developing a new drug.
It specifically targets mom's condition.
They're conducting trials right now.
And the risks?
I've signed mom up.
We have to do something.
But what about the risks?
There is risk in everything.
Mom is not thinking straight right now.
She's like a child.
What are we supposed to do?
We have to be the adults here
and make her understand.
Understand what?
Do you understand her more than
she understands herself?
We have to talk it out with her
and find out what she truly wants.
She just wants to run away and play.
Okay, fine.
Is this any time for playing around?
Qing!
Live your own life in
whatever way you choose
but right now you need to get
your head out of the clouds.
We're not in some movie here.
This is real life, and real life is harsh.
This is urgent.
Look at the other patients in here.
Some are in their 90s and
still fighting for their lives.
No matter what it takes,
no matter how painful.
Mom is only 72 years
old, she can do the same.
She wants to go home.
She wants to run away.
You're running away too.
Running away from what?
Look.
Think about it.
Can we not just drop all this?
Give up and quit is what you mean.
I was the one to answer her call
when she collapsed, right?
What if I hadn't been there?
Did you ever think of that?
What do you expect me to do?
I can't live back here,
and neither can you.
And mom won't live anywhere else.
She is suffering in here
for nothing.
What do you know?
You don't know that. Are you a doctor?
Did you go to medical school?
Our older brother, Hua, was always so sick.
From before I was born.
It didn't stop him studying or
helping dad at work.
Then in the end he died
without anyone really knowing why.
Things are different now.
Medical science has moved on.
They have more tools, more treatments
to treat mom's condition.
I can search for new drugs online.
We can beat this, we can find a way.
There's so much more we can do.
How can you just give up without a fight?
Brother Hua would
support me if he were here.
Brother Hua was brother Hua.
I am me.
Don't ask me to be brother Hua.
You're using mom to make up
for what happened to him.
Don't speak.
So what?
So what?
Shut up.
You're a little piece of shit.
You're crazy.
Jenny bought me this watch.
See how fancy it is?
How's the ice cream?
Good.
I bet Jenny never bought you ice cream.
That's why I have you.
Try some.
I'll have some of this.
You want to dip?
No, I like it this way.
You don't make as much money as your sister
but I never worry about you.
I worry she might end
up alone, with nothing.
She doesn't sleep with Ryan anymore.
I don't know how long that can last.
You two need to take care of each other.
What's the name of this Bodhisattva?
That's a Terracotta Warrior.
Terracotta Warrior.
I don't know.
Some say you go into the
underworld when you die.
Some say you go up to heaven.
But others say there's
nothing up there at all.
I saw Bodhisattva
in the sky outside the aeroplane.
Jenny said they were only clouds
but I don't think so.
They were sitting around having a meeting.
Which would you prefer?
I think nothing at all is better.
If I don't exist
I won't have to worry about you lot.
Double Sevens.
Double Nines.
King, King!
Anyone?
Pass.
Go ahead!
Last card.
You're not getting any younger.
No wife, no kids.
Who will take care of you when you are old?
How can I help but worry?
Find a wife and start a family.
So this old woman can die in peace.
You hear me?
It's 3 a.m., time to sleep.
This house will die without people.
Don't let that happen.
I wouldn't speak this way with you normally
but I am dying.
So don't be annoyed with me.
I'm not annoyed.
Good.
Be a good boy and do as I say
or I'll put you across my knee!
Listen. Uncle Ayong has
a daughter, Fang RONG.
She's a real looker.
Say something.
You're embarrassing your guest.
I'm not embarrassed, Auntie.
But I think Qing might be.
I'm full.
Leave that, let me.
Ok, you do it.
I'll stay and chat with auntie.
Thank you for cooking dinner.
It was delicious.
Qing did the cooking.
Really?
You'd never know.
It was a takeaway.
Stop it.
It used to be all
mulberry trees around here.
Do you get many customers?
We're full on the weekends.
Congratulations.
Business woman of the year!
Cut it out.
Pan took his family
trekking in Tibet last summer.
They like to get out in
the world, just like you
but they are a family
and children need to go to school.
So, a place like this
gets them out into nature,
only half an hour by car.
What's not good about that?
It's good. Very good.
I have 10 blog ideas for you already.
Here's your steak.
You should write them for me.
I'm opening another site in the mountains.
I could use someone like you.
Maybe you didn't make
your fortune in the city
but you gained a unique perspective
and people need that unique perspective.
Why don't you hire a nurse for your mom,
work here during the day
and spend the evenings with your mom.
Make the best use of your time.
The best use of my time right now
is to be with my mom.
You do have a nice place here
but I'm tired of working with tourists.
Tourists crowding out those ancient sites
ruins them for me.
The places I really love I keep to myself.
Those are the places
you should share the most.
Crowds of tourists boost the local economy
and encourage the locals to stay.
To really love something
and hide it from the
world seems selfish to me.
I'm not stopping you
from boosting the local economy.
I just need a sanctuary to be at peace.
That must be why you moved to Beijing.
Beijing is temporary. A stop along the way.
I don't keep a place of my own there.
I rented a flat for a year
but I was only there 3 months.
Everything I own is now in a suitcase.
I just need a place to shower and crash.
That's exhausting.
You never really get to rest like that.
What you seek is not of this world.
No one thinks like that.
People just want to enjoy life
and post their photos to get likes.
When I first came back from the city
I did not fit in.
But now I see, as I create changes here
I am being changed too.
If you're still thinking what to do next
why not give it a go back here?
Mom, if you don't want to,
we don't have to go to Shanghai.
There's a hospital in America.
They specialize in treating your problem.
Over there
you won't need any surgery.
It's all done through an IV.
Go to America?
That would be interesting.
No, no. I can't go.
If I die in America, or on the plane
my soul will never find its way back home.
Think about it,
if they cure you
you could live to be 100 years old.
You'll see Qing get married,
Tao get married,
Susan get married,
and all those grandchildren,
great grandchildren.
Four generations, all in one house.
What fortune.
Do you think this old house could take it?
We'll build a bigger one.
Invite the whole village.
Uncle Wang too, and you can drink wine.
Jenny, I know you want the best for me.
I couldn't wish for a better daughter.
But my mind is made up.
Everyone has their own cave.
Everyone has their own destiny.
I married your father here.
I raised all of you here, also.
I saw your dad off from here.
My home is here.
On this very spot.
Make the people bigger.
You'll look bigger if you sit up straight.
That's better.
Sit straight, mom.
You got the house in there too.
This is good.
Look at the camera.
Count to three.
One.
Two.
Wait.
I'll get your dad.
You should be here for this.
Same again.
Look that way.
Count to three.
Okay.
One.
Two.
Three.
Imagine the junk in here.
It's dead weight.
It'll be the old girl's dowry.
Packed with gold bars.
She'll get no sleep without it.
Make sure she takes her medication on time.
Send me her EKG report every day.
Ok.
She may start seeing and hearing things
and detecting strange odors.
And she may have difficulty breathing.
So keep her on the oxygen.
If her breathing becomes more difficult
use the oxygen mask as well.
Don't let her stray far from home.
If you need anything, give me a call.
Thank you.
We used to be family, after all.
It's the least I can do.
I'm never far away.
Call me anytime.
This is used?
It works just fine.
I can't persuade Tao to come home.
I went to see him.
He's working very hard.
He's just like you.
Once his mind is set on something
nothing can stop him.
You couldn't have folded it?
I'll do it later.
What a mess.
Come and visit us when you get a chance.
Sure.
My wife is a good cook.
Great.
I've been really busy lately.
There's been no time.
Alright.
I'll leave you to it.
Take care, brother in law.
Drive safe.
Bye for now.
Thanks again.
Go get mom.
She's not with you?
Mom?
Mom?
Auntie, can I just confirm with you
this money is for your own use?
Or did someone ask you for it?
No, no, it's for me. I have things to do.
And what is that, exactly?
My own personal business.
An old woman's business.
Understand?
I understand. Here you are. Take care.
Thank you.
Doesn't look too bad.
Move yourself.
Move. Out the way.
Help me with this.
Okay, kids. Pay attention.
This 30,000 yuan receipt
is for my funeral expenses.
I want a simple funeral.
Now, this may go against the custom
but I want Hua to be moved next to me.
I can't watch over my child
if he is so far away.
If this money is not enough
you have to cover the difference.
Here's 20,000 yuan for
Tao's wedding when it comes.
"Dear Jin, I received your letter.
It must be hard taking
care of Jenny and Qing
and working on the farm
with no one to help you.
I wish I had better news.
Hua's cough is not getting better.
The doctor says to keep taking the medicine
for a couple more months.
By then, the work on the old house
will be finished.
Hua shows a lot of
interest in my carpentry.
At night, I teach him to read and write
but during the day it's all woodwork.
He's such a bright boy
and skillful too.
God bless this child.
Let him recover.
He has so much ahead of him.
We took a trip to the west lake.
It's so beautiful there.
I didn't know when we'd get another chance
so I wanted to take him
on a boat trip around the lake.
Hua said: "we have our own boat
so why pay someone else to use their boat?"
He would be happier taking
a cargo boat on the canal.
For him, they are not only beautiful,
but also useful.
Seeing this good sense and
wisdom in him gives me hope.
I'm sure we can overcome
any obstacle in this life.
Try not to worry.
Say hello to my parents for me.
Evening, Sept 23rd."
Easy.
Let it slide.
Hold it.
This boat carried your mom here
on her wedding day.
It was a glorious day.
It was me who banged the
gong to welcome her in.
I know. Mom used to tell us all the time
how glamorous she felt.
The owner of the textile factory
sent two new tables
and two quilts as wedding gifts.
Qing cried the most as a child.
Especially when he was three.
I couldn't get any sleep.
I had to go stay with
my friend Xin for a month.
Your dad wrote an incantation
and I put it on the gate:
"Dear Lord of Heaven, dear Lord of Earth,
Our baby lies squalling through the night.
Pray, read this spell as you pass by.
That he be still till the morning time."
That was a difficult year.
Worrying about you at school
worrying about Qing's health
Jenny.
Hi.
Mom, Ling has come to see you.
Hello, Auntie.
It's Ling, Qing's classmate. We met before.
Oh, Ling. It's been a long time.
Are you still single?
They're getting married, mom.
Well...
Jenny!
You two are together?
Qing and I are only...
When's the big day, Qing?
Mom, we're just friends.
Okay. Fine.
Young people do as they please.
My old ways are no good anymore.
Married, divorced, suit yourselves.
Mom, please.
You're not well.
And a good thing too
if not
I'd never see any of you.
Excuse me? Do you have this?
Jenny! When did you get back?
Mei!
How long have you been back?
It's been a few years now.
I had no idea.
Yeah.
Do you have this medication?
For you?
For my mom.
Right. I remember. She bought this before.
I'll have a look.
It's not very common.
I heard you started your own school.
It's not been doing so well lately.
We might have to close.
What would you do then?
I don't know. I'd have to think about it.
You're so smart, you'll
come up with something.
You can always teach English.
I've forgotten all mine.
I was going to send my
son to an English class,
but the cost of tuition is too high.
He'd only goof off anyway.
It would have been a waste of money.
Schools like ours are also struggling.
How much is it?
Yeah, and rents are scary high.
When do you go back to Shanghai?
I'll be staying here for a while,
to be with my mom.
Let's get together.
Sure.
Let's call Xin. I haven't seen her in ages.
What?
You don't know?
Xin passed away.
When did this happen?
Last year,
from uremia.
I started a fund raising campaign for her.
I tried to get our old
classmates to visit her,
but no one came.
They all have their own businesses
and they said visiting dying person
brings bad luck.
I wanted to call you,
but I didn't have your number.
You could have asked my mom.
I was back here every month to see her.
Actually, your mom came to see Xin.
I did ask her for your number.
She said you're busy and
it's better not to bother you.
How much is it?
48 yuan.
Auntie Lu, what brings you here?
Mom isn't here. Come on in.
I'll get you some water.
You didn't bring Jiayi with you?
I finished the puzzle she gave me.
She told me you've moved home.
Sit down.
Sit down.
Some people from the bank
were here the other day.
Looks like we'll be moving too.
Did my mom tell you about it?
I'm too scared to ask her.
Auntie Lu, are you okay?
Have some water.
Jiayi wants you to come
for dinner this weekend.
Ok.
Alright.
That's all. I should be on my way.
The mileage might seem high
but it's mostly in the city.
Can you come up a bit?
That's too low.
Yes, I want to sell it.
Okay.
Okay.
Mom, uncle Wang is here to see you.
Sister.
Uncle Wang is here.
Look who's here.
Sister, I'm here to see you.
Why you didn't call
and tell me you were sick?
If Jenny hadn't told me
I would never have known.
Who is this big boss man?
Sister, are you trying to tease me?
It's brother Wang Wang.
Wang Wang.
Yes.
Why do you look so old?
I am 70 years old now.
I'm not a young man anymore.
You are 707?
You never come to see me.
I don't recognize you anymore.
You don't come to see me either.
You are a man of high standing.
I didn't want to bring you down.
If you had not left me back then
you would be a lady of
high standing now, too.
Nonsense.
Utter nonsense.
The one who is adopted
can never be an equal.
If I didn't leave when I did
who knows how much more
I would have suffered?
Jenny.
Your mom never did beat around the bush.
You're here today,
you don't need to be here when I die.
Sister. How can you say such a thing?
Today, I have come to take you out to play.
Out to play?
Jenny.
Bring me my gold.
Ok.
I should look my best for the occasion.
Of course.
Slowly.
Careful.
Slowly.
Jenny, do you remember the time
you all came out to visit me?
When I was a kid, it
was just a normal thing
to spend everyday on a boat like this.
But during that visit
I remember your dad.
He was so in love with boats.
He spent the whole day talking about them.
Describing all the different parts.
He said one day he would build a big one,
all by himself.
Your mom had a difficult life.
Not knowing her parents.
She probably holds me to blame.
But I was just a kid and
didn't know about these things.
How was I to know my adopted sister
was also to be my wife?
Mom.
Sister.
Stay in your seat, Uncle.
It's alright. Don't panic.
Mom, it's ok.
How's the oxygen?
Oxygen's fine.
We are going back.
Stop the boat. Stop!
Mom, we're going home.
We have to keep going.
It's alright.
We're going now, mom.
The boat is small,
the waves are high, do not be afraid.
Row, row, row the boat,
gently keep on rowing.
Through the village,
under the stone bridge.
Row, row to the sea, row, to the island.
The boat is small, the waves are high,
do not be afraid.
Row, row, row the boat,
gently keep on rowing.
Row, row, the boat.
Number 67.
Li Ah-Xiao.
I'll let him know.
What about Yang Weihua?
Qing.
Should we invite him?
Auntie.
I don't even know who he is.
We should ask my sister.
What does she have to say about it?
Your sister is married and moved out.
You are the man here.
If this funeral is a success
the honor should come to you.
Uncle, that's not fair on Jenny.
She contributes the most to this family.
She's entitled to be a
part of these decisions.
Jenny.
Is mom okay?
She's ok.
Jenny.
Your mom could leave us at any moment.
It's just a matter of time.
It's important we have everything ready.
Thank you all for your concern,
but mom has made it clear what she wants.
What is it that she wants?
Who will make the arrangements?
Jenny, this is the final opportunity
to honor your mother.
We old ones have all made our own plans.
Who doesn't hope for a good send-off?
We're only trying to help you here.
The chef, the musicians, the monks,
the decorations.
The bus to the crematorium
and women to chant the sutras,
all must be arranged.
The musicians start from 4 pm
and play until the next day.
None of that is necessary, auntie.
Mom doesn't want those things.
Then what does she want?
She doesn't want a big show.
She doesn't like all that noise and drama.
Not having even a single trumpet play
is just too pitiful.
Everyone will laugh at you.
Let them laugh.
This is our family's business, not theirs.
We all feel a part of your family.
And to have your uncle here is a blessing.
Not by blood.
What did you say?
I only said what's true.
When were you ever around?
You have no say in these matters.
Who do you think you are?
Some Shanghai big shot?
I watched you growing up.
Easy, uncle. Don't pay attention.
It's not just Shanghai,
she's an American big shot too.
We've become too old.
Qing.
After your mom is gone
this house will be empty.
I know someone in the village who needs it
for his silk scarf business.
I think you should sell him the house.
You can make some money.
None of you will come back here to live.
If you wanted to rent it out
you could,
but you won't get much for it.
It's better to sell it.
Hi, grandma.
Tao, don't hang up, it's mom.
Mom, I...
Son,
Grandma really misses you.
I miss you too.
Please come home.
Grandma understands.
You have your whole future
to do whatever you want.
But grandma only has this moment.
She wants to see you
before she is gone forever.
If you don't come back,
you'll regret it for the rest of your life.
Time to rest, grandma.
Brother Tao will be here tomorrow.
Tao.
Tao.
Yes. Brother Tao. He's on his way.
He'll be here tomorrow.
Who told you.
Tao will be back tomorrow?
Grandma won't remember tomorrow.
Let her be happy for now.
I see.
You've learned how to lie.
Help!
Help!
The money is gone!
Mom, what is it?
What's wrong, Jenny?
Mom fell out of bed.
Let's get you up.
Come, quick.
What are you looking for?
My money.
You gave us your money.
We have it, don't you remember?
The money to buy the medicine for my son.
Get the money, it's upstairs.
Okay, Okay.
It's coming. We found the money.
Easy, easy.
That money was for my baby's medicine.
The money is coming, mom.
It's Jenny. I'm Jenny.
I'm getting it for you now.
Mom, here's the money.
Here! Mom, your money.
Money, my money.
Mom.
Mom, mom, mom.
It's okay now.
We have money now.
We have money now.
We will have food to eat.
Mom.
Money.
Why don't you turn on the light?
Tape.
When did you make that?
A few days ago.
You forgot the tung oil.
Haven't had the chance yet.
I remember dad applying tung oil
on his boat every year
and complaining how expensive it is,
but without it, the wood would rot
and the boat would leak.
If he had let me be a carpenter...
If he had let you be a carpenter
you would have never left the province.
Dad put all of his hopes
for brother Hua onto us.
He hoped we would succeed.
I think we're doing okay.
It's enough.
Good enough.
Do you think
if brother Hua
hadn't gotten sick,
they would still have had me?
Of course.
I always wanted a little brother.
Sister.
Yes?
Thank you.
On my 18th birthday,
grandma bought me a motorcycle.
She said you are a man, now.
Your parents' home is no longer your home.
Grandma's home is not your home either.
Grandma didn't have a home
but the hardship of
life finally brought her
to where she belonged.
She would miss the old days
when we were all together,
but each of us must follow our own path.
Now we have cars people
don't need their boats.
Your home may be right under your feet.
Or it may be somewhere far, far away.
You have to leave home to find it.
Grandma.
Grandma.
in our village,
every family used to have their own boat.
If one day all the boats are gone
will our home be gone with them?
That's it, brother.
That's all of dad's stuff.
There isn't anything else.
It can't be!
What about the watch
and gold rings I bought him?
You care about his things now
but where were you before he died?
Go look for yourself.
Dad had a hard life on this boat.
It's no wonder he got sick.
All alone in here.
A sad way to die.
It's not our fault.
He wouldn't come live with us.
Right.
Not our fault.
We're barely getting by as it is.
Brother.
We have to sell the boat. You know that.
We need the money.
Not before the mourning is over.
This boat was his home.
I mean, we're paying these old biddies
to chant this nonsense all night.
What the hell for?
Doesn't do shit.
Show some respect for your father
or he'll be back to teach you a lesson.
What the hell? Who is this?
Talk about respect.
Your kids have you working here all night
for your 100 yuan!
You think I need your money?
I'm just here hanging with my sisters.
Here you are.
Get a nice wine for
your American son-in-law.
Oh, yes, thank you.
The oil too, don't forget.
I'll put it here.
Mind how you go.
Time to go home.
Come on, let's be off.
Take care.
Watch your step.
Careful.
Don't slip.
Guohua!
Hey!
I need a kilo of shrimp.
Okay, okay.
You have guests tonight.
Jenny's coming home for dinner.
Mom.
Mom.
Hey.
You're so late.
You don't answer your phone.
The traffic was terrible.
Susan.
Grandma.
Grandma.
Hey, Sweetie.
What's for dinner, grandma?
You didn't eat yet?
No.
I didn't make anything.
Oh sure. I can smell it from here.
Mom.
Come in.
Ok, let's eat.
Susan.
Thanks, grandma.
Ryan.
Eat.
Mom, you put too much salt again.
Fish is supposed to be salty.
We need salt in our blood.
If not, they put it in you with an IV.
Grandma. They don't do that anymore.
Really?
I didn't know that.
That's why we need you go to school.
Right.
Wait.
I have something special
for our wine lover here.
Oh, no, mom you shouldn't.
We have to drive back to Shanghai tonight.
What? Why?
I've made up the rooms for you.
It's already late. What's the rush?
Ryan.
We have an important meeting tomorrow.
I can't drink.
I don't have an important meeting tomorrow.
I'll drink it.
That's enough!
Jenny.
Nice to see you again.
Hello, auntie.
Grandma.
Hello, sweetie.
Come, come, sit here.
The daughter is good.
The son is useless.
Well,
Qing's work keeps him running around
all over the place.
I've eaten already. I'm full.
Please, eat.
You've taken such good care of my mom.
What?
Jin.
You can't drink wine
when you've been chanting sutras.
No one has to know if you keep quiet.
Besides, it's different
if the person dies happy.
You just like to indulge yourself.
They paid you to exercise some restraint.
You know I don't like you doing that.
We give you enough money.
I'm in this house all day
with no one to talk to.
Jenny, if you and Qing came home more often
your mom wouldn't need to do these things.
You know? Since you left
this old house gets very lonely.
What was that?
Maybe it's a rat.
It's just a tile falling off the roof.
I'll get Changhua to fix it tomorrow.
This rickety old house.
It's falling down around our ears.
You should build a new one.
No one lives in these old houses anymore.
They're all being torn down.
Tear this one down too, then,
and I'll live with you.
You can feed me everyday.
That would be great.
Don't forget that.
I won't.
These foreigners are strange.
Who puts a pecan in a wedding ring?
I told you
it's a fossil.
Tao told me he had to
shave his head to play a monk.
Do you think we can see it on your phone?
There's nothing to see.
Quitting school just
to play a corpse on TV.
Everyone will laugh.
Let them laugh.
Lots of boys from the
village quit school early.
They go to work in a factory
and they're fine.
Don't speak badly about Tao.
You're going to need him when you're old.
Take it.
We can't eat all this.
It'll only get thrown away.
Ryan likes it.
Susan likes it too.
I grew this pumpkin
myself, it's very sweet.
It's their favorite.
Take everything.
Do we have to do this every time?
It's all good food.
But it'll be wasted.
It'll be wasted here anyway.
We have all of this at home.
Just take it.
Come on.
Take it.
Here.
Susan, you take it.
We have to go now, grandma.
Ok.
Ryan.
Take these pickled eggs.
I made them myself.
Much better than you get in the market.
This is too much. We rarely cook at home.
I've divided them equally.
One for you, one for Qing.
And one for me.
Shall I slaughter you a chicken?
Oh, no, no.
You shouldn't be rushing off like this.
Mom.
Why do you always throw out
grandma's pickled eggs?
She doesn't use enough salt.
They will upset your stomach.
Why don't you tell her that?
Then she can make them better next time.
Hi, Mom.
Hi?
Yes, I know, just keep it for me.
I will pick it up next time.
Ah?
I said I know.
I'll pick it up next time.
Hello? Yes, I know that.
I'll get it next time.
Mom?
Mom,
can you hear me?
Mom!
What's wrong?
Mom, talk to me!
Mom!
Okay, finish up, we're shooting.
Put it in here.
Get a move on!
Here.
Just put it there.
Come on, quick! Hurry up!!
Clear the set.
Quickly now.
Scene 66. Shot 8. Take 9.
Action.
Get your QR codes ready
if you want to get paid.
Set the correct amount.
Received 100 yuan.
Ok.
Thank you, Manager Zhang.
Good job.
Don't try to pull any tricks.
Nothing gets past me.
Okay, Next.
Tao.
The monks yesterday were a disaster.
Only you bothered to shave your head.
I put in a good word with the director.
He wants you on his next movie.
One month's work, starting tomorrow.
Here.
For real?
The bus leaves in morning.
Be at the gate, 6 a.m..
That's the license plate number there.
Let me buy you dinner, to say thanks.
Keep your money. Just don't let me down.
Hi, grandma?
Tao. Please don't hang up. It's mom.
May I have your attention please?
Today, we have eight temples to visit.
We are 30 mins behind schedule.
So, please stay within
our group once we're there.
I'm afraid surgery is not an option
in your mother's case.
The tumor has spread to areas of her brain
which control memory and motor function.
We can't even attempt it.
My suggestion is to wait
for the biopsy results.
Then we can evaluate which chemo therapy
options will best control
your mother's condition.
Dr Gao.
Are you saying
we just leave it and let it grow?
I'm not saying that.
We need a strategic
approach based on the facts.
We are willing to try anything.
I don't know about your
financial circumstances
but these costs can quickly
spiral out of control.
The ICU alone costs
around 40,000 yuan per day.
No matter how much money you spend
the outcome
is far from certain.
Think carefully.
Think very carefully about it.
Doctor.
In your opinion, how
much time does my mom have?
At the end of the day,
there is very little we can do.
Mom.
Finally. You decide to show up.
This is poison.
That's so gross.
Disgusting.
You make me want to puke.
Uncle, do you know what cancer is?
It is a cell that goes bad.
It doesn't want to die,
so it just keeps growing
until it becomes a tumor
which takes up all the space
that the good cells need.
Why do you study these things?
Do you want to be a doctor?
Our brains have 80 billion neurons,
all connected together.
If something breaks in there
the medicines can't fix it.
You don't need to worry
about that right now.
You just need to be happy.
My mom says
to get the life you really want.
You have to work harder than everyone else.
She said grandpa was good at school
but because of the time he lived
he had to settle for being a carpenter.
He worked day and night to
send you and mom to school.
So you could choose the life you wanted.
You're doing it wrong.
You have to calculate
what's in the bracket first.
I taught you that when you were a kid.
That may be what he said
but when I wanted to
be a carpenter like him
he did not allow it.
What's stopping you now?
It's been too long.
You can't go back in time.
That's what I admire about brother Tao.
Ok, cut.
Take a break.
What's the right answer?
A, B, C, or D?
Yeah.
I think it might be C.
Resentment to words
his unrealistic demands.
Good.
I think there is a lot of reasons in
the text that might support your answer.
So thanks for that.
But does anyone else have any other ideas
about the correct answer.
Yeah.
Sir.
How is life in America?
Where in America?
New York.
Life in New York is great
but if you bury your head in your phone
you'll miss it all.
If America is so great
why come here to make your money?
Ok.
Maybe now we can get back to study, okay?
Let's look at the second question.
Which choice provides the best evidence for
the answer to the previous questions?
Now it's about looking
at the content of the text
to justify your answer in question no.1.
Ryan.
I can spend more time with you
after things settle down
and I don't need to be here everyday.
This is such a great place.
You've done an amazing job.
Your father would be
so happy to see all this.
Hey!
Hey.
Mom, are you feeling better?
Shouldn't you be in class?
Oh. Did they all run out on you?
The class is over.
Don't take it personally.
Kids will always be kids.
Nothing to feel bad about.
It's alright. I am used to it by now.
Have you seen the whole place yet?
Yes, but I can always see it again.
I'll take you around
later for another look.
Okay.
Do you have a second?
Excuse us a moment.
Stay here and rest.
We have some business to go over.
Sure, go ahead.
Mom, wait here. Don't go wandering off.
I know, I know.
It took so much to get this license.
How can we go back to
working for someone else?
The reality of our situation
is not what we imagined.
We're losing money every month.
This month has been much better.
If we can keep this up
we'll have the loans
paid off by end of year.
This month, of course.
This is the peak month of the year.
What happens next month?
You should at least consider their offer.
They have a lot of capital.
Unlike us.
If they decide to go after us
we have no chance.
We can't let them intimidate us.
Don't lose faith.
There are many organizations
just like us in Shanghai.
And they do okay.
When do we have time
for each other anymore?
When did I last get to
watch a game of baseball?
Now it's nothing but work, work, work.
No more going on dates.
No more going to the movies.
I wish life could be that simple.
But the world doesn't work that way.
We have responsibilities.
I've been struggling for 15 years
just to get where I am now.
You like to say we're
changing people's lives,
but we can't even change our own.
These students, some in their 30s,
some in their 40s.
They can't even write an
application letter in English.
They have to pay us 5000 yuan
to do it for them.
How are they supposed to
go abroad and find work?
I am just a teacher.
I can't handle running a business.
I have no idea what you
do out there everyday.
Everyday, people come here asking for you.
It's all too much.
Now your mom is sick,
it's too much for you to handle too.
What's too much?
What can't I handle?
Why put yourself through this?
We just have to face it and deal with it!
Just let them buy me out.
All you ever needed from
me was my face anyway.
Hi, Jenny.
Lu.
I've been looking for you.
What's the matter?
My mom.
Hello, auntie.
Hello.
Is there any news on that thing?
I know you're worried, I'm worried too.
But I need to take my mom to hospital now.
I'll call you tonight.
Ok?
Can we just talk here?
Alright.
Okay.
Just a moment.
I know how you feel.
We're all in the same boat.
It was me who first sounded the alarm.
I told everyone about it.
I heard that Manager Jiang
is still fighting for it.
He's long gone.
I can't even find anyone to sue.
Don't believe everything you hear.
Lu.
Jenny, you still have your business.
You got us all into this.
We all believed in you.
Now I have nothing left.
We all made money on it at one time.
What would you have me do?
Please, Jenny.
Help me out, this one last time.
Just until I get through this.
I won't bother you again. I promise.
This one?
No.
What about this one?
Yes, yes, that's it.
Great. I can watch them all tonight.
Your TV is better than mine.
Yours goes
all the way through
with no commercials in between.
Susan.
Enough homework.
You need to rest your eyes.
Watch some TV with grandma.
Haven't you seen this already, grandma?
Yes, that's why I'm watching it again.
So I know what the hell is going on.
You guys go ahead and eat.
I have my show to watch.
We agreed, two months
in the States every year.
Can't we do it in the winter?
How about one month, then?
You can be the one to tell mom.
What about just two weeks?
Susan.
Susan, come here a minute.
Coming.
What is it?
Sit.
Grandma is very sick.
I can't go with you and your dad
to the United States.
Do you want to stay here
with me after your exams?
Or go to America with your dad?
I promised my American grandma
I would go and see her.
Correct your mistakes and get to bed.
We'll be back before you know it.
Anything else?
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Mom.
What are you doing out here?
Where is Qing?
Qing went to buy food.
I'm going home.
Mom, you can't be out here.
The doctor didn't discharge you yet.
I don't care, he's not my dad.
Come on, let's go back.
They can't cure me.
I don't have the time for this.
Let's just wait for Qing.
No, no.
Calm down, let's get you back to bed.
What's the problem here?
Please don't go.
Why aren't you in bed?
Let's go back to your room.
Let go of me.
Please, try to stay calm.
Who are you to stop me?
Why won't you let me go?
You are not ready to be released.
I am your doctor.
I know about these things.
You need to listen to me.
Calm down.
I want to go home. I want to go home.
What are you talking about?
It's not a conscious decision.
She just doesn't want to spend the money.
Have you read the report?
Do you see any progress?
Anything at all?
I don't see why
she has to stay here and suffer like this.
This is just for now.
I have found a hospital in LA.
They're developing a new drug.
It specifically targets mom's condition.
They're conducting trials right now.
And the risks?
I've signed mom up.
We have to do something.
But what about the risks?
There is risk in everything.
Mom is not thinking straight right now.
She's like a child.
What are we supposed to do?
We have to be the adults here
and make her understand.
Understand what?
Do you understand her more than
she understands herself?
We have to talk it out with her
and find out what she truly wants.
She just wants to run away and play.
Okay, fine.
Is this any time for playing around?
Qing!
Live your own life in
whatever way you choose
but right now you need to get
your head out of the clouds.
We're not in some movie here.
This is real life, and real life is harsh.
This is urgent.
Look at the other patients in here.
Some are in their 90s and
still fighting for their lives.
No matter what it takes,
no matter how painful.
Mom is only 72 years
old, she can do the same.
She wants to go home.
She wants to run away.
You're running away too.
Running away from what?
Look.
Think about it.
Can we not just drop all this?
Give up and quit is what you mean.
I was the one to answer her call
when she collapsed, right?
What if I hadn't been there?
Did you ever think of that?
What do you expect me to do?
I can't live back here,
and neither can you.
And mom won't live anywhere else.
She is suffering in here
for nothing.
What do you know?
You don't know that. Are you a doctor?
Did you go to medical school?
Our older brother, Hua, was always so sick.
From before I was born.
It didn't stop him studying or
helping dad at work.
Then in the end he died
without anyone really knowing why.
Things are different now.
Medical science has moved on.
They have more tools, more treatments
to treat mom's condition.
I can search for new drugs online.
We can beat this, we can find a way.
There's so much more we can do.
How can you just give up without a fight?
Brother Hua would
support me if he were here.
Brother Hua was brother Hua.
I am me.
Don't ask me to be brother Hua.
You're using mom to make up
for what happened to him.
Don't speak.
So what?
So what?
Shut up.
You're a little piece of shit.
You're crazy.
Jenny bought me this watch.
See how fancy it is?
How's the ice cream?
Good.
I bet Jenny never bought you ice cream.
That's why I have you.
Try some.
I'll have some of this.
You want to dip?
No, I like it this way.
You don't make as much money as your sister
but I never worry about you.
I worry she might end
up alone, with nothing.
She doesn't sleep with Ryan anymore.
I don't know how long that can last.
You two need to take care of each other.
What's the name of this Bodhisattva?
That's a Terracotta Warrior.
Terracotta Warrior.
I don't know.
Some say you go into the
underworld when you die.
Some say you go up to heaven.
But others say there's
nothing up there at all.
I saw Bodhisattva
in the sky outside the aeroplane.
Jenny said they were only clouds
but I don't think so.
They were sitting around having a meeting.
Which would you prefer?
I think nothing at all is better.
If I don't exist
I won't have to worry about you lot.
Double Sevens.
Double Nines.
King, King!
Anyone?
Pass.
Go ahead!
Last card.
You're not getting any younger.
No wife, no kids.
Who will take care of you when you are old?
How can I help but worry?
Find a wife and start a family.
So this old woman can die in peace.
You hear me?
It's 3 a.m., time to sleep.
This house will die without people.
Don't let that happen.
I wouldn't speak this way with you normally
but I am dying.
So don't be annoyed with me.
I'm not annoyed.
Good.
Be a good boy and do as I say
or I'll put you across my knee!
Listen. Uncle Ayong has
a daughter, Fang RONG.
She's a real looker.
Say something.
You're embarrassing your guest.
I'm not embarrassed, Auntie.
But I think Qing might be.
I'm full.
Leave that, let me.
Ok, you do it.
I'll stay and chat with auntie.
Thank you for cooking dinner.
It was delicious.
Qing did the cooking.
Really?
You'd never know.
It was a takeaway.
Stop it.
It used to be all
mulberry trees around here.
Do you get many customers?
We're full on the weekends.
Congratulations.
Business woman of the year!
Cut it out.
Pan took his family
trekking in Tibet last summer.
They like to get out in
the world, just like you
but they are a family
and children need to go to school.
So, a place like this
gets them out into nature,
only half an hour by car.
What's not good about that?
It's good. Very good.
I have 10 blog ideas for you already.
Here's your steak.
You should write them for me.
I'm opening another site in the mountains.
I could use someone like you.
Maybe you didn't make
your fortune in the city
but you gained a unique perspective
and people need that unique perspective.
Why don't you hire a nurse for your mom,
work here during the day
and spend the evenings with your mom.
Make the best use of your time.
The best use of my time right now
is to be with my mom.
You do have a nice place here
but I'm tired of working with tourists.
Tourists crowding out those ancient sites
ruins them for me.
The places I really love I keep to myself.
Those are the places
you should share the most.
Crowds of tourists boost the local economy
and encourage the locals to stay.
To really love something
and hide it from the
world seems selfish to me.
I'm not stopping you
from boosting the local economy.
I just need a sanctuary to be at peace.
That must be why you moved to Beijing.
Beijing is temporary. A stop along the way.
I don't keep a place of my own there.
I rented a flat for a year
but I was only there 3 months.
Everything I own is now in a suitcase.
I just need a place to shower and crash.
That's exhausting.
You never really get to rest like that.
What you seek is not of this world.
No one thinks like that.
People just want to enjoy life
and post their photos to get likes.
When I first came back from the city
I did not fit in.
But now I see, as I create changes here
I am being changed too.
If you're still thinking what to do next
why not give it a go back here?
Mom, if you don't want to,
we don't have to go to Shanghai.
There's a hospital in America.
They specialize in treating your problem.
Over there
you won't need any surgery.
It's all done through an IV.
Go to America?
That would be interesting.
No, no. I can't go.
If I die in America, or on the plane
my soul will never find its way back home.
Think about it,
if they cure you
you could live to be 100 years old.
You'll see Qing get married,
Tao get married,
Susan get married,
and all those grandchildren,
great grandchildren.
Four generations, all in one house.
What fortune.
Do you think this old house could take it?
We'll build a bigger one.
Invite the whole village.
Uncle Wang too, and you can drink wine.
Jenny, I know you want the best for me.
I couldn't wish for a better daughter.
But my mind is made up.
Everyone has their own cave.
Everyone has their own destiny.
I married your father here.
I raised all of you here, also.
I saw your dad off from here.
My home is here.
On this very spot.
Make the people bigger.
You'll look bigger if you sit up straight.
That's better.
Sit straight, mom.
You got the house in there too.
This is good.
Look at the camera.
Count to three.
One.
Two.
Wait.
I'll get your dad.
You should be here for this.
Same again.
Look that way.
Count to three.
Okay.
One.
Two.
Three.
Imagine the junk in here.
It's dead weight.
It'll be the old girl's dowry.
Packed with gold bars.
She'll get no sleep without it.
Make sure she takes her medication on time.
Send me her EKG report every day.
Ok.
She may start seeing and hearing things
and detecting strange odors.
And she may have difficulty breathing.
So keep her on the oxygen.
If her breathing becomes more difficult
use the oxygen mask as well.
Don't let her stray far from home.
If you need anything, give me a call.
Thank you.
We used to be family, after all.
It's the least I can do.
I'm never far away.
Call me anytime.
This is used?
It works just fine.
I can't persuade Tao to come home.
I went to see him.
He's working very hard.
He's just like you.
Once his mind is set on something
nothing can stop him.
You couldn't have folded it?
I'll do it later.
What a mess.
Come and visit us when you get a chance.
Sure.
My wife is a good cook.
Great.
I've been really busy lately.
There's been no time.
Alright.
I'll leave you to it.
Take care, brother in law.
Drive safe.
Bye for now.
Thanks again.
Go get mom.
She's not with you?
Mom?
Mom?
Auntie, can I just confirm with you
this money is for your own use?
Or did someone ask you for it?
No, no, it's for me. I have things to do.
And what is that, exactly?
My own personal business.
An old woman's business.
Understand?
I understand. Here you are. Take care.
Thank you.
Doesn't look too bad.
Move yourself.
Move. Out the way.
Help me with this.
Okay, kids. Pay attention.
This 30,000 yuan receipt
is for my funeral expenses.
I want a simple funeral.
Now, this may go against the custom
but I want Hua to be moved next to me.
I can't watch over my child
if he is so far away.
If this money is not enough
you have to cover the difference.
Here's 20,000 yuan for
Tao's wedding when it comes.
"Dear Jin, I received your letter.
It must be hard taking
care of Jenny and Qing
and working on the farm
with no one to help you.
I wish I had better news.
Hua's cough is not getting better.
The doctor says to keep taking the medicine
for a couple more months.
By then, the work on the old house
will be finished.
Hua shows a lot of
interest in my carpentry.
At night, I teach him to read and write
but during the day it's all woodwork.
He's such a bright boy
and skillful too.
God bless this child.
Let him recover.
He has so much ahead of him.
We took a trip to the west lake.
It's so beautiful there.
I didn't know when we'd get another chance
so I wanted to take him
on a boat trip around the lake.
Hua said: "we have our own boat
so why pay someone else to use their boat?"
He would be happier taking
a cargo boat on the canal.
For him, they are not only beautiful,
but also useful.
Seeing this good sense and
wisdom in him gives me hope.
I'm sure we can overcome
any obstacle in this life.
Try not to worry.
Say hello to my parents for me.
Evening, Sept 23rd."
Easy.
Let it slide.
Hold it.
This boat carried your mom here
on her wedding day.
It was a glorious day.
It was me who banged the
gong to welcome her in.
I know. Mom used to tell us all the time
how glamorous she felt.
The owner of the textile factory
sent two new tables
and two quilts as wedding gifts.
Qing cried the most as a child.
Especially when he was three.
I couldn't get any sleep.
I had to go stay with
my friend Xin for a month.
Your dad wrote an incantation
and I put it on the gate:
"Dear Lord of Heaven, dear Lord of Earth,
Our baby lies squalling through the night.
Pray, read this spell as you pass by.
That he be still till the morning time."
That was a difficult year.
Worrying about you at school
worrying about Qing's health
Jenny.
Hi.
Mom, Ling has come to see you.
Hello, Auntie.
It's Ling, Qing's classmate. We met before.
Oh, Ling. It's been a long time.
Are you still single?
They're getting married, mom.
Well...
Jenny!
You two are together?
Qing and I are only...
When's the big day, Qing?
Mom, we're just friends.
Okay. Fine.
Young people do as they please.
My old ways are no good anymore.
Married, divorced, suit yourselves.
Mom, please.
You're not well.
And a good thing too
if not
I'd never see any of you.
Excuse me? Do you have this?
Jenny! When did you get back?
Mei!
How long have you been back?
It's been a few years now.
I had no idea.
Yeah.
Do you have this medication?
For you?
For my mom.
Right. I remember. She bought this before.
I'll have a look.
It's not very common.
I heard you started your own school.
It's not been doing so well lately.
We might have to close.
What would you do then?
I don't know. I'd have to think about it.
You're so smart, you'll
come up with something.
You can always teach English.
I've forgotten all mine.
I was going to send my
son to an English class,
but the cost of tuition is too high.
He'd only goof off anyway.
It would have been a waste of money.
Schools like ours are also struggling.
How much is it?
Yeah, and rents are scary high.
When do you go back to Shanghai?
I'll be staying here for a while,
to be with my mom.
Let's get together.
Sure.
Let's call Xin. I haven't seen her in ages.
What?
You don't know?
Xin passed away.
When did this happen?
Last year,
from uremia.
I started a fund raising campaign for her.
I tried to get our old
classmates to visit her,
but no one came.
They all have their own businesses
and they said visiting dying person
brings bad luck.
I wanted to call you,
but I didn't have your number.
You could have asked my mom.
I was back here every month to see her.
Actually, your mom came to see Xin.
I did ask her for your number.
She said you're busy and
it's better not to bother you.
How much is it?
48 yuan.
Auntie Lu, what brings you here?
Mom isn't here. Come on in.
I'll get you some water.
You didn't bring Jiayi with you?
I finished the puzzle she gave me.
She told me you've moved home.
Sit down.
Sit down.
Some people from the bank
were here the other day.
Looks like we'll be moving too.
Did my mom tell you about it?
I'm too scared to ask her.
Auntie Lu, are you okay?
Have some water.
Jiayi wants you to come
for dinner this weekend.
Ok.
Alright.
That's all. I should be on my way.
The mileage might seem high
but it's mostly in the city.
Can you come up a bit?
That's too low.
Yes, I want to sell it.
Okay.
Okay.
Mom, uncle Wang is here to see you.
Sister.
Uncle Wang is here.
Look who's here.
Sister, I'm here to see you.
Why you didn't call
and tell me you were sick?
If Jenny hadn't told me
I would never have known.
Who is this big boss man?
Sister, are you trying to tease me?
It's brother Wang Wang.
Wang Wang.
Yes.
Why do you look so old?
I am 70 years old now.
I'm not a young man anymore.
You are 707?
You never come to see me.
I don't recognize you anymore.
You don't come to see me either.
You are a man of high standing.
I didn't want to bring you down.
If you had not left me back then
you would be a lady of
high standing now, too.
Nonsense.
Utter nonsense.
The one who is adopted
can never be an equal.
If I didn't leave when I did
who knows how much more
I would have suffered?
Jenny.
Your mom never did beat around the bush.
You're here today,
you don't need to be here when I die.
Sister. How can you say such a thing?
Today, I have come to take you out to play.
Out to play?
Jenny.
Bring me my gold.
Ok.
I should look my best for the occasion.
Of course.
Slowly.
Careful.
Slowly.
Jenny, do you remember the time
you all came out to visit me?
When I was a kid, it
was just a normal thing
to spend everyday on a boat like this.
But during that visit
I remember your dad.
He was so in love with boats.
He spent the whole day talking about them.
Describing all the different parts.
He said one day he would build a big one,
all by himself.
Your mom had a difficult life.
Not knowing her parents.
She probably holds me to blame.
But I was just a kid and
didn't know about these things.
How was I to know my adopted sister
was also to be my wife?
Mom.
Sister.
Stay in your seat, Uncle.
It's alright. Don't panic.
Mom, it's ok.
How's the oxygen?
Oxygen's fine.
We are going back.
Stop the boat. Stop!
Mom, we're going home.
We have to keep going.
It's alright.
We're going now, mom.
The boat is small,
the waves are high, do not be afraid.
Row, row, row the boat,
gently keep on rowing.
Through the village,
under the stone bridge.
Row, row to the sea, row, to the island.
The boat is small, the waves are high,
do not be afraid.
Row, row, row the boat,
gently keep on rowing.
Row, row, the boat.
Number 67.
Li Ah-Xiao.
I'll let him know.
What about Yang Weihua?
Qing.
Should we invite him?
Auntie.
I don't even know who he is.
We should ask my sister.
What does she have to say about it?
Your sister is married and moved out.
You are the man here.
If this funeral is a success
the honor should come to you.
Uncle, that's not fair on Jenny.
She contributes the most to this family.
She's entitled to be a
part of these decisions.
Jenny.
Is mom okay?
She's ok.
Jenny.
Your mom could leave us at any moment.
It's just a matter of time.
It's important we have everything ready.
Thank you all for your concern,
but mom has made it clear what she wants.
What is it that she wants?
Who will make the arrangements?
Jenny, this is the final opportunity
to honor your mother.
We old ones have all made our own plans.
Who doesn't hope for a good send-off?
We're only trying to help you here.
The chef, the musicians, the monks,
the decorations.
The bus to the crematorium
and women to chant the sutras,
all must be arranged.
The musicians start from 4 pm
and play until the next day.
None of that is necessary, auntie.
Mom doesn't want those things.
Then what does she want?
She doesn't want a big show.
She doesn't like all that noise and drama.
Not having even a single trumpet play
is just too pitiful.
Everyone will laugh at you.
Let them laugh.
This is our family's business, not theirs.
We all feel a part of your family.
And to have your uncle here is a blessing.
Not by blood.
What did you say?
I only said what's true.
When were you ever around?
You have no say in these matters.
Who do you think you are?
Some Shanghai big shot?
I watched you growing up.
Easy, uncle. Don't pay attention.
It's not just Shanghai,
she's an American big shot too.
We've become too old.
Qing.
After your mom is gone
this house will be empty.
I know someone in the village who needs it
for his silk scarf business.
I think you should sell him the house.
You can make some money.
None of you will come back here to live.
If you wanted to rent it out
you could,
but you won't get much for it.
It's better to sell it.
Hi, grandma.
Tao, don't hang up, it's mom.
Mom, I...
Son,
Grandma really misses you.
I miss you too.
Please come home.
Grandma understands.
You have your whole future
to do whatever you want.
But grandma only has this moment.
She wants to see you
before she is gone forever.
If you don't come back,
you'll regret it for the rest of your life.
Time to rest, grandma.
Brother Tao will be here tomorrow.
Tao.
Tao.
Yes. Brother Tao. He's on his way.
He'll be here tomorrow.
Who told you.
Tao will be back tomorrow?
Grandma won't remember tomorrow.
Let her be happy for now.
I see.
You've learned how to lie.
Help!
Help!
The money is gone!
Mom, what is it?
What's wrong, Jenny?
Mom fell out of bed.
Let's get you up.
Come, quick.
What are you looking for?
My money.
You gave us your money.
We have it, don't you remember?
The money to buy the medicine for my son.
Get the money, it's upstairs.
Okay, Okay.
It's coming. We found the money.
Easy, easy.
That money was for my baby's medicine.
The money is coming, mom.
It's Jenny. I'm Jenny.
I'm getting it for you now.
Mom, here's the money.
Here! Mom, your money.
Money, my money.
Mom.
Mom, mom, mom.
It's okay now.
We have money now.
We have money now.
We will have food to eat.
Mom.
Money.
Why don't you turn on the light?
Tape.
When did you make that?
A few days ago.
You forgot the tung oil.
Haven't had the chance yet.
I remember dad applying tung oil
on his boat every year
and complaining how expensive it is,
but without it, the wood would rot
and the boat would leak.
If he had let me be a carpenter...
If he had let you be a carpenter
you would have never left the province.
Dad put all of his hopes
for brother Hua onto us.
He hoped we would succeed.
I think we're doing okay.
It's enough.
Good enough.
Do you think
if brother Hua
hadn't gotten sick,
they would still have had me?
Of course.
I always wanted a little brother.
Sister.
Yes?
Thank you.
On my 18th birthday,
grandma bought me a motorcycle.
She said you are a man, now.
Your parents' home is no longer your home.
Grandma's home is not your home either.
Grandma didn't have a home
but the hardship of
life finally brought her
to where she belonged.
She would miss the old days
when we were all together,
but each of us must follow our own path.
Now we have cars people
don't need their boats.
Your home may be right under your feet.
Or it may be somewhere far, far away.
You have to leave home to find it.
Grandma.
Grandma.