GRADE: 9.5
A small town pickpocket whose friends have moved on to higher trades finds himself bitter and unable to adapt.
Original Title: Xiao Wu
Director: Zhangke Jia
Country of Origin: China, Hong Kong
THOUGHTS:
Excellent drama puts the viewer squarely in the midst of mid-90s China, while focusing on an alienated, desperately lonely petty thief. Its low-budget neorealism only enhances the authenticity and makes the story’s sadness all the more gut-wrenching.