Veteran director Zhang Yimou (Raise the Red Lantern, Not One Less) brings us a story of youthful passion amid the turmoil of the Cultural Revolution of 1970s China.

With her father a political prisoner, trainee teacher Jing is sent to a provincial village as part of her 're-education'. There she meets Sun, a smart, handsome geology student - the attraction between them is immediate and unmistakable.

But their budding romance is dangerously at odds with the social mores and political paranoia of the world around them, and Jing is faced with an impossible choice between love and duty.

Based on a best-selling novel by Chinese author Aimi, who adapted the tale from a true story, Under the Hawthorn Tree is a moving tale of star-crossed romance against a backdrop of social upheaval and political turmoil.

MIFF recommends: Age 14+
Some adult themes and sensitive content

D Zhang Yimou P Zhang Weiping, Hugo Shong, Cao Huayi, Bill Kong S Yin Lichuan, Gu Xiaobai, A Mei WS Edko Films L Mandarin w/English subtitles TD 35mm/2010