A pioneering study of the genesis of the Fifth Generation of Chinese filmmakers, who emerged in the 1980s with films of startling originality. Through an analysis of this generation and its films, Clark brings several decades of transformation in Chinese society into vivid relief. The book focuses on the making and meaning of films such as Judou, Raise the Red Lantern, and Farewell My Concubine. Clark also draws heavily on interviews with directors, including Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige and Tian Zhuangzhuang, as well as other less well-known figures.