The floor of the Chinese mental institution houses 50 male patients who are there for killing someone, committing a crime against a public official, or have a developmental disability.[4] It is not clearly stated why the men are in the mental institution, adding to the observational approach of the documentary.[2] The documentary film uses handheld camerawork and digital video to capture the relationship between society and individuals.[4] Towards the end of the film, one of the patients is allowed to return to his home village. It creates a contrast to the isolation and atmosphere of the mental institution.[2]
Reception
Slant Magazine said, "Whether in terms of filmmaking or indeed reality itself, it’s hard to think of a more quietly radical proposition than the one Wang is making here: There’s compassion to be found in even the harshest of circumstances; it’s all about knowing where to look."[5]
Festivals
The documentary was shown at the following festivals
