Devils on the Doorstep (2000)

Jiang Wen directs, co-writes, produces, and stars in this Chinese black comedy. Wen is arguably more recognized for his acting than his directing, having been in critically praised films like "Red Sorghum," "Black Snow," and "The Soong Sisters." His first feature film as a filmmaker was the drama "In the Heat of the Sun," which won Best Picture at the Golden Horse Film Awards in 1994.

"Devils on the Doorstep" was shot in black and white and takes place during the latter years of the Second Sino-Japanese War. It depicts the story of a Chinese farmer who is forced by a mystery individual to look after two captives from the Japanese Army.

The film initially looks to be an anti-Japanese film (which there have been many in the history of Chinese cinema), but as it progresses, it becomes clear that the film is actually criticizing a typical attitude in Chinese art and film. "I believe the film shows this widespread human psychological habit of blaming others for calamities that goes beyond Chineseness," Jiang Wen famously stated.

Detailed information:

Directed by: Jiang Wen

Starring: Jiang Wen, Kagawa Teruyuki, Yuan Ding, Jiang Hongbo

Release date: 12 May 2000

Running time: 139 minutes