Watch The Orphan of Anyang

The Orphan of Anyang is a 2001 Chinese movie directed by Wang Chao. The film is a drama that mainly deals with the story of a young couple who lives on the outskirts of the city of Anyang in China. The couple namely, Li Qiuming (Tianhao Liu) and his wife Xiao-Yun (Huo Siyan) live in a small room on a construction site where they work daily in order to make ends meet.

The plot of the movie revolves around the couple's interaction with a young orphan boy named Xiaoping (Fuwen Miao) they found in a garbage dump. The child who was left alone and abandoned by his parents becomes an integral part of the couple's life. Despite facing financial difficulty, the couple decides to take the child in their care, and thus begins their journey of experiencing parenthood.

Although there are several movies that explore the theme of adoption or fostering, what sets this movie apart is its depiction of the rawness of human emotions associated with it. The Orphan of Anyang presents an unfiltered portrayal of the couple's struggles and how they confront themselves with their own inability to provide the best for the child they choose to call their own.

Throughout the duration of the film, we witness the couple's intimate, yet challenging, relationship with Xiaoping. Their bond with the child initially only provides solace to their own bleak lives but slowly becomes the most crucial aspect of their being, bringing out the best in them.

One of the pivotal moments in the movie is when the couple learns the truth about Xiaoping's past. The revelation puts their relationship and their family in jeopardy. The film is an excellent commentary on China's flawed system that allows children to be abandoned without any consequence.

The cinematography of the film is worth mentioning. The filmmakers make use of a handheld camera to capture the eccentricity of the raw surroundings, thereby augmenting the sense of realism in the movie. The framing of certain scenes shows the contrast between the lives of the couple and the busy city behind them, which makes for a visually pleasant experience. The upbeat background score works as a great contrast to the depressing situations, making the movie easier to watch while digesting serious themes.

The performances of the lead actors in the movie are also noteworthy. Tianhao Liu delivers an impressive performance as Li Qiuming, showing his character's vulnerability and strength with ease. Huo Siyan, as his wife Xiao-Yun, does an excellent job of portraying a character that grows emotionally throughout the movie.

Fuwen Miao, who plays the role of Xiaoping, delivers a convincing and endearing performance as the young orphan boy. Miao portrays his character's emotions with depth and sensitivity, adding a layer of complexity to his character's experience.

Overall, The Orphan of Anyang is a powerful movie that showcases the stark reality of abandoned children in China, their adoptive parents' struggles, and the system's failings. The film's poignant portrayal of the characters and their relationships make it an excellent commentary on the human experience. It is not just a heartwarming tale of adoption, but also a journey that raises questions about society's responsibility toward its youth. The movie successfully manages to capture the hope in the midst of despair, making it a must-watch for people who appreciate a well-told story with well-fleshed out characters.