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Ghost Town (Fei Cheng) is a 2008 Chinese drama film directed by Zhao Dayong. The movie follows the story of a man named Yang Jinsheng, played by actor Chen Jianbin, as he returns to his hometown in Southwest China after years of living and working in the city. The film depicts the social and cultural changes that have occurred in the town during his absence, and the impact those transformations have had on its people.

The film starts with Jinsheng arriving at his childhood home, now occupied by his elderly father who has no memory of him. Upon his return, Jinsheng reunites with childhood friends and acquaintances, and it soon becomes clear that the town has undergone a significant transformation since he left. The town's once-thriving coal mines have shut down, and its residents have to adapt to a new lifestyle. Many have left for better opportunities, while others chose to struggle and stay behind.

Jinsheng's friend A Ming (played by Naren Hua), who has stayed in the town, is now the de facto leader of a group of poor farmers who work the land outside the village. A Ming's daughter A Qing (played by Jing An) is one of the few remaining children in the town, as most have left for the city with their parents. A Qing becomes fascinated with Jinsheng and enjoys spending time with him, even though he is a stranger to her.

The film explores the complexities of rural life in modern-day China, particularly the growing gap between urban and rural areas. Through the interactions between Jinsheng and the other characters in the film, viewers get an intimate glimpse into the harsh realities of a changing China, where urbanization and economic development have come at the cost of leaving many rural areas behind.

One of the most striking aspects of Ghost Town is its visual language. The film was shot in a style that combines naturalism and lyricism to create a unique visual mood that captures the beauty and desolation of the town. The use of handheld cameras and long, uninterrupted takes gives the film a sense of intimacy and immediacy that draws viewers into the lives of its characters.

The performances of the actors are also worth noting, particularly Chen Jianbin's portrayal of Jinsheng. He manages to convey a sense of nostalgia and regret for the past while struggling to come to terms with the changes that have occurred in the town. Naren Hua's performance as A Ming is also noteworthy, as he manages to capture the resilience and stubbornness of the town's inhabitants.

Despite being a relatively slow-paced film, Ghost Town is a moving and thought-provoking work of art that provides insight into the complex realities of contemporary China. It touches on themes of tradition vs. modernization, belonging, loss, and the struggle to maintain cultural identity in rapidly changing times. It is a poignant reminder of the consequences of progress and the need for preserving and celebrating the unique cultural and social heritage of rural communities.

Ghost Town is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 49 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.