Abstract:

"In this survey of current attitudes on Chinese campuses, filmmaker Zhuang interviews Gao Jun, a law student, Cao Yan, a fashion design student, and Yang Lien, who participated in the hunger strikes after the Tiananmen uprising. While each has hopes for the future, the common thread which runs through their discussions is the continued government repression of individuality or any sense of self worth. Yang believes that the idealism which led to the 1989 rebellion has been effectively dissipated. She notes that while many felt passionately at the beginning, most have realized that they cannot change society and are dispirited. All three women look abroad for opportunities. The film closes with a performance of 'Sunrise,' by the rock musician Wei Hua, written for the students who participated at Tiananmen Square. The song is now banned in China."