Co-directed by Chen Huai'ai, father of Chen Kaige, this sweeping drama tells of revolutionary seeds that grow to be CPC foundations. College students in the 1930s who choose different paths end up in different camps, some following their hearts and the right road while others grow decadent or even betray their early comrades. The movie is based on a best-seller written by the sister of one of China's biggest female stars, Bai Yang, who failed to secure the female lead for herself. Xie Fang, a novice who got the role, achieved instant fame for infusing innocence with stamina.

By Raymond Zhou