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Xiao Wu (Chinese: 小武), also known as Pickpocket, is a 1997 Chinese drama and the first directed by Jia Zhangke. Starring Wang Hongwei in the titular role along with Hao Hongjian and Zuo Baitao, it was filmed in Fenyang, Jia's hometown, in 16 mm.

Xiao Wu
Theatrical release poster
Chinese	小武
Mandarin	Xiǎo Wǔ
Directed by	Jia Zhangke
Written by	Jia Zhangke
Produced by	Li Kit Ming Jia Zhangke
Starring	Wang Hongwei Hao Hongjian
Cinematography	Nelson Yu Lik-wai
Edited by	Yu Xiaoling
Distributed by	Hu Tong Communications
Release dates	Berlin: February 18, 1998 (1998-02-18)
Running time	111 minutes
Country	China
Languages	Jin Mandarin

Synopsis

In a small, dirty, poor provincial town looking to crack down on crime in 1997, and under the backdrop of the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong, Xiao Wu is one of a group of pickpockets, most of whom have moved on to become small traders and legal or semi-legal. One of them, formerly a close friend, is getting married and decides not to invite Xiao Wu, a reminder of the past. He drifts around, discontent with life, but makes no effort to change. He acquires a girlfriend, a prostitute who takes a liking to him, but she drops him when she finds someone better. He visits his poor-peasant family but ends up arguing with his parents and saying he won't ever return. Finally he gets arrested and is left handcuffed in the middle of the street with a disapproving crowd watching him.

Production history

While a student in the mid-1990s, Jia Zhangke remained a relative unknown at China's prestigious Beijing Film Academy. While still in school, Jia directed the short film Xiao Shan Going Home which he was eventually able to screen abroad, winning the top prize at the 1997 Hong Kong Independent Short Film & Video Awards[1]

This success brought Jia into contact with cinematographer Yu Lik-wai and producer Li Kit Ming.[1] With their support, Jia was able to begin work on Xiao Wu, which would become his first feature film. Xiao Wu was shot on a mere 400,000 RMB budget (or about $50,000 US).[1]

Reception

Xiao Wu was praised by the American filmmaker Martin Scorsese, a noted fan of Jia's works.[2]

Awards and nominations

• Berlin International Film Festival, Forum section, 1997
  • NETPAC Award
  • Wolfgang Staudte Award
• Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema, 1999
  • Official selection
• Nantes Three Continents Festival, 1998
  • Golden Montgolfiere (Tied with Wandâfuru raifu)
• Pusan International Film Festival, 1998
  • New Currents Award
• San Francisco International Film Festival, 1999
  • SKYY Prize
• Vancouver International Film Festival 1998
  • Dragons and Tigers Award

Notes

External links

• Xiao Wu at IMDb
• Xiao Wu at AllMovie
• Xiao Wu at the Chinese Movie Database
• Xiao Wu at Rotten Tomatoes

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