Return to Dust, directed by Li Ruijun, is an exceptional film that has recently gained international recognition. Premiering at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2022, the movie depicts the disappearing rural way of life in China. It is a beautiful example of indie filmmaking, shot on a shoestring budget in Gaotai, a remote and impoverished area where Li Ruijun himself grew up. The film’s authenticity is heightened by the inclusion of the director’s relatives and other locals from the village, such as the male lead played by Wu Renlin, who is Li’s uncle and a lifelong farmer.
The story revolves around two middle-aged peasants, Ma and Guiying, who are forced into an arranged marriage by their families in an attempt to get rid of them. With no other options, the couple retreats to an abandoned area outside of town and begins working a small plot of land. As they work together, Ma shares his extensive knowledge of farming and the cycles of the seasons, revealing a soulful side to both characters. A deep bond forms between them, built on simple acts of kindness and care. However, their idyllic life is threatened by China’s rapid urban development, symbolizing the loss and sorrow that often accompany progress.
Despite its low budget and lack of commercial appeal, Return to Dust resonated with Chinese audiences when it was released in July 2021. Through viral word of mouth, the film became a sleeper hit, earning around $14 million in ticket sales. This success was abruptly halted when the film was pulled from Chinese cinemas and discussion of it was briefly blocked on social media. While no official explanation was provided, it is believed that the film was censored due to its portrayal of rural life and its potential to be interpreted as an implicit critique of China’s modernization efforts.
This censorship occurred during the lead-up to the 20th National Congress of China’s Communist Party, where Xi Jinping was expected to secure a third term as the country’s leader. The propaganda surrounding the event focused on China’s rise as a global power and the eradication of rural poverty, highlighting the government’s preferred narrative of progress. Realistic portrayals of the negative consequences of this progress were not welcome in this context.
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Despite the censorship, Return to Dust received critical acclaim from international audiences. The Hollywood Reporter described it as “an elegiac story, a humanistic metaphor for a vanishing world seen through the prism of a vulnerable couple cruelly written off.” The film’s contemplation of kindness and the restrained portrayal of sorrow left a lasting impact on viewers.
In conclusion, Return to Dust is a powerful film that examines the disappearing rural way of life in China. Its authenticity and rich storytelling make it a standout in the world of indie cinema. The film’s censorship in China reflects the government’s desire to control the narrative surrounding the country’s progress. However, its international acclaim demonstrates the universal appeal of its themes and the impact of its storytelling.
