Return to Dust: A Tender and Moving Portrait of Rural China

Return to Dust is a tender and moving portrait of rural China, following the story of two lonely, middle-aged people who find love and happiness in the midst of adversity.

Beautifully shot and with nuanced performances, Return to Dust is a must-see for fans of slow cinema and rural dramas.

But what really makes Return to Dust special is its warm and compassionate tone.

The film is a celebration of the simple things in life, and it shows how even the most ordinary people can find love and happiness in the midst of adversity.

This movie is also a reminder of the importance of community.

It shows how even the most isolated communities can provide a sense of belonging and connection.

Return to Dust is a must-see film for anyone who loves slow cinema, rural dramas, or simply well-made films with heart.

Buy the Return to Dust DVD on Amazon today!

Return to Dust

Film Movement
Not Rated
Release Date 11/14/23

Synopsis

Set in 2010 in the small, rural village in Gaotai, two lonely, middle-aged people—Cao, a timid woman suffering from chronic illness and a disability, and Ma, an unassuming farmer with little to his name—are pushed into an arranged marriage by their respective families.

Cast aside as burdens, Cao and Ma’s relationship is tepid at first but warms as the two spend their days fixing up an abandoned house on their small patch of land.

Invigorated by a shared purpose and the all-consuming nature of farm work, the couple’s bond grows.

However, in the dwindling rural communities of the Gansu province surrounding them, local farmers are being incentivized by local government to demolish their homes and uproot toward the cities.

With their livelihood disappearing, the couple attempt to build a new life together with continued patience and determination toward their home and one another.

And in the face of much adversity, an unexpected bond begins to blossom, as both Ma and Cao, uniting with Earth’s cycles, create a haven for themselves in which they can thrive.

Director

Li Ruijun

Cast

Wu Renlin
Hai Qing

Genre

Drama
Romance

Language

Mandarin with English subtitles

Official Trailer: Return to Dust

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Return to Dust DVD

Return to Dust: A Tender and Moving Portrait of Rural China