In the realm of international cinema, few directors capture the delicate, whispering beauty of human connection quite like Zhang Yimou. Released in 2010, his romantic drama became a quiet sensation, capturing hearts globally with its restrained and tender narrative. Set against the backdrop of China’s turbulent Cultural Revolution, this film offers a masterclass in quiet storytelling, relying on subtle gestures and unspoken promises rather than overblown histrionics.
Before diving into our full Under the Hawthorn Tree movie review, it is worth clearing up a common point of confusion. The title "Under the Hawthorn Tree" is shared by two completely distinct, highly famous works of art: a 2010 Chinese romantic film based on a real-life romance, and a beloved 1990 Irish historical novel about the Great Famine. This article will primarily focus on reviewing Zhang Yimou's cinematic masterpiece, while also answering your burning questions about both the film and the iconic Irish book to ensure you find exactly what you are looking for.
The Tale of Two Masterpieces: China vs. Ireland
To answer a common question that arises online: Is Under the Hawthorn Tree a book? The answer is yes, twice over! Depending on your region and interest, the title refers to two completely different historical narratives:
- The Chinese Novel and Film (2010): The movie directed by Zhang Yimou is based on the 2007 internet novel Hawthorn Tree Forever by Ai Mi. This story is set in China during the late Cultural Revolution of the 1970s and is written as a romantic tragedy. Many viewers also ask, is Under the Hawthorn Tree a Chinese Drama? While there is a 2012 television drama adaptation of the same story, the 2010 production is a feature-length film, not a multi-episode drama series.
- The Irish Historical Novel (1990): Written by Marita Conlon-McKenna, this is a children's historical novel set during the Great Irish Famine of the 1840s. It follows three siblings fighting for survival. It was adapted into a highly regarded television movie/drama in the late 1990s.
Our Under the Hawthorn Tree movie review focuses primarily on Zhang Yimou’s 2010 film, though we will address the lingering mysteries of the Irish Famine book in our FAQ section below.
Plot Summary: Love Under Political Repression
The film is set in the early 1970s during the latter stage of China's Cultural Revolution. We meet Jing Qiu (played by Zhou Dongyu), an innocent high school student from a politically compromised family. Her father has been labeled a "right-winger" and imprisoned, leaving her mother to perform menial labor to support the family. Jing Qiu is sent to a remote mountain village in Yichang, Hubei Province, for "re-education" through manual work. Her future career as a teacher, and her family's financial survival, depend entirely on her receiving a positive evaluation from the school authorities.
While working in the countryside, Jing Qiu meets Sun (played by Shawn Dou), nicknamed "Lao San" (Old Three). He is a charismatic, handsome young geology prospector from a highly privileged military family. Despite the massive social and political divide between them, and the severe consequences of a forbidden relationship during an era of extreme political paranoia, romance blooms between the two. Their courtship is quiet, secret, and defined by small, innocent gestures. However, their fragile happiness is soon threatened by the unforgiving social landscape and an unexpected tragic turn.
Under the Hawthorn Tree Movie Review: Quiet Masterpiece or Melodramatic Tragedy?
For those accustomed to Zhang Yimou’s high-budget, visually explosive martial arts epics like Hero or House of Flying Daggers, this 2010 release represents a dramatic stylistic shift. The director returns to his artistic roots, reminiscent of his earlier classic The Road Home, opting for a minimalist, deeply intimate approach to storytelling.
The Power of Understatement
What makes this film resonate so deeply is its commitment to understatement. In an era dominated by loud, dramatic romances, the film finds its strength in the quiet spaces. Two hands timidly touching across a river, a shared look, or the simple act of wrapping a scarf become profoundly moving events. Zhang Yimou masterfully highlights the immense weight of the political atmosphere without letting it overshadow the central human connection. The threat of political ruin is ever-present, making every brief encounter between Jing Qiu and Lao San feel incredibly high-stakes.
Zhou Dongyu's Stellar Debut
It is impossible to write a thorough Under the Hawthorn Tree movie review without praising the lead performances. At the time of filming, Zhou Dongyu was a complete newcomer with no prior acting experience, selected out of nearly 10,000 candidates. Her portrayal of Jing Qiu is nothing short of extraordinary. She brings an organic vulnerability, purity, and quiet determination to the role that anchors the entire film. Opposite her, Shawn Dou delivers a wonderfully warm and charming performance as Lao San. His unconditional love and protective nature toward Jing Qiu provide a beautiful warmth to a otherwise bleak social landscape.
Cinematography and Music
The cinematography by Zhao Xiaoding is clean, bright, and pastoral. Rather than relying on heavy color grading or flashy camera movements, the camera captures the natural beauty of the Hubei countryside. The soft, natural lighting reflects the innocence of the young lovers. Accompanying the visuals is a highly evocative, minimalist musical score by Qigang Chen, which relies heavily on piano and gentle strings to guide the audience’s emotions without feeling emotionally manipulative.
Is Under the Hawthorn Tree a Sad Movie?
If you are planning to watch this film, it is highly recommended to keep a box of tissues close by. Is Under the Hawthorn Tree a sad movie? Yes, it is undeniably a tragic tearjerker. The film carries a heavy sense of melancholy even during its happiest scenes, as the audience can sense the impending doom hanging over the young couple. The tragic ending, where Lao San succumbs to leukemia, is handled with extreme emotional restraint, making the final scenes feel incredibly poignant and heartbreaking.
Is Under the Hawthorn Tree a Real Story?
The emotional weight of the narrative is heightened by its origin. Many viewers ask, is Under the Hawthorn Tree real story? Yes, it is. The original novel by Ai Mi was heavily based on the real-life diaries of the protagonist, Jing Qiu. This authenticity shines through in the film's depiction of the "rusticated youth" or "sent-down youth" program, where urban teenagers were sent to rural areas to learn from farmers. The realistic depiction of the hardships, the strict social mores, and the sheer terror of political non-conformity adds a layer of historical weight that fictional romances often lack.
Read more : The Flipped Movie Review: A Timeless, Feel-Good Coming-of-Age Masterpiece
Where to Watch Under the Hawthorn Tree
Finding classic international films can sometimes be a challenge. If you are wondering where to watch Under the Hawthorn Tree, there are a few options depending on your location:
- Streaming Platforms: The movie is occasionally available to stream on platforms like Netflix or Apple TV in select regions. It is also available to stream for free on Bilibili and with ads on Australia's SBS On Demand.
- Free Options: High-quality versions of the film with English subtitles are often uploaded to YouTube by legitimate Chinese movie channels or study archives.
- Physical Media: For cinephiles, purchasing the Blu-ray or DVD remains the best way to experience the film in its original, uncompressed visual glory.
Is Under the Hawthorn Tree for Teenagers?
If you are wondering, is Under the Hawthorn Tree for teenagers? The answer depends on which version you are referring to. For the 2010 Chinese movie, it is highly appropriate for teenagers. It contains no explicit content, focusing instead on a very pure, innocent, and respectful depiction of first love. It also serves as an excellent, engaging educational tool for teenagers studying modern Chinese history.
For the Irish novel by Marita Conlon-McKenna, the book is specifically targeted at older children and teenagers (typically ages 10 to 14). While it deals with heavy themes of starvation and death during the Great Famine, it is written in a gentle, highly engaging style that makes it a staple of the educational curriculum in Ireland.
Read more : In This Corner of the World : A Heart-Wrenching Masterpiece
Why is Under the Hawthorn Tree So Famous?
There are several reasons why is Under the Hawthorn Tree so famous:
- The Rise of Zhou Dongyu: The film launched the career of Zhou Dongyu, who has since grown into one of the most celebrated, award-winning actresses of her generation in Chinese cinema.
- A Return to "Pure Love" (Chun Ai): In a modern, highly consumerist society, the film's depiction of absolute, selfless love, completely free from material desires, struck a massive chord with audiences tired of superficial modern romances.
- Zhang Yimou's Auteur Status: As one of China's premier filmmakers, any release by Zhang Yimou garners massive international film festival attention, helping the movie reach a global audience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Under the Hawthorn Tree a movie?
Yes, Under the Hawthorn Tree is a highly acclaimed 2010 romance film directed by Zhang Yimou. There is also a 1998 television film adaptation of the Irish famine novel of the same name by Marita Conlon-McKenna.
Does Under the Hawthorn Tree have a happy ending?
No. Both the Chinese film and the Irish novel end on bittersweet or deeply tragic notes. In the Chinese film, Lao San tragically dies of leukemia, leaving Jing Qiu to carry on his memory. In the Irish novel, while the three children survive their long journey, they have lost their home, their baby sister, and their parents.
Who died in Under the Hawthorn Tree?
In the 2010 Chinese movie, the male lead Lao San (played by Shawn Dou) dies of leukemia caused by his exposure to chemical materials during geological prospecting. In the Irish novel by Marita Conlon-McKenna, the baby sister Bridget dies of famine fever early in the story, and several other townspeople succumb to starvation and disease.
Is "Under the Hawthorn Tree" a sad story?
Yes, both versions are deeply sad stories. The Chinese film is a tragic tale of forbidden love cut short by terminal illness, while the Irish book is a harrowing historical narrative of survival amidst starvation, disease, and colonial neglect.
What age group is "Under the Hawthorn Tree" for?
The Chinese movie is rated PG and is suitable for teenagers and adults who appreciate slow-paced, emotional dramas. The Irish historical novel is written for children and young adults, typically in the 10 to 14 age bracket.
Is Under the Hawthorn Tree a true story?
Yes, both have roots in reality. The Chinese movie is based on the novel by Ai Mi, which adapted the real-life diaries of the protagonist, Jing Qiu. The Irish novel is a work of historical fiction, but it is deeply researched and accurately represents the devastating realities faced by Irish families during the Great Famine of 1845.
How old is the actress in Under the Hawthorn Tree?
Zhou Dongyu was born on January 31, 1992. She was only 17 years old when she was cast by Zhang Yimou, and 18 years old when the film was officially released in September 2010.
What awards did Under the Hawthorn Tree win?
The film was highly successful on the festival circuit. It won the Outstanding Feature Film award at the Huabiao Awards in China. Zhou Dongyu won several accolades for her debut performance, including Outstanding New Actress at the Huabiao Awards and Best Actress at the Valladolid International Film Festival. The film was also nominated for a Crystal Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Where can I watch Under the Hawthorn Tree movie?
You can watch the 2010 movie on YouTube (often uploaded with English subtitles), Bilibili, Apple TV, SBS On Demand (in Australia), or by purchasing the physical Blu-ray or DVD online.
What happened to the mother in Under the Hawthorn Tree?
In the Irish Famine novel, the mother goes missing after leaving the cottage to search for her husband, who had gone to work on the famine roads. It is strongly implied that she perished from famine fever or exhaustion, as she is never found. In the 2010 Chinese movie, Jing Qiu's mother survives but lives a life of extreme hardship and anxiety, trying desperately to protect her children from political ruin.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Zhang Yimou’s 2010 romance stands as a beautifully crafted piece of art that rewards patient viewers. The film's commitment to emotional restraint, historical authenticity, and pure romance makes it a timeless classic. It bypasses the flashiness of modern cinema to deliver an honest, heart-wrenching, and profoundly human experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Keep reading, keep sharing, and don’t forget to leave a comment below!