Star Appeal

Star Appeal

2008 · 86 min · ★ 3.5 · Science Fiction, Drama

A man discovers a stranger by the roadside, naked and claiming to be from Mars.

Directed by Zi'en Cui · Written by Zi'en Cui

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We are the … of CommunismWe are the … of Communism · 2007
We are the … of Communism
8.02007
MovieDocumentary
The Yuanhai Migrants Children’s School, which serves children of migrant laborers in Beijing, is shut down by city officials for reasons never made clear. The students and teachers manage to continue class, first by sneaking into the shuttered campus, then moving inside a ruined factory, and even setting up class on the street. Following the personal journeys of students as they battle bureaucratic corruption for their right to learn, Cui exposes a crisis of social values in the wake of China’s economic reforms.
I Love BeijingI Love Beijing · 2001
I Love Beijing
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A voyage through modern day Beijing in the taxi of the womanising Dezi. His aimless drifting between destinations and women is much like Beijing's own search for identity between perishing ancient values and an uncertain future.
Withered in a Blooming SeasonWithered in a Blooming Season · 2005
Withered in a Blooming Season
5.62005
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Brotherly love goes too far when Feng gets his twin sister pregnant while both of them are still in high school, creating a problem that's bigger than both of them. Convincing his gay friend Le Le to take the blame seems like the best option.
Men and WomenMen and Women · 1999
Men and Women
5.31999
MovieComedy
Xiao Bo arrives in Beijing, gets a job at a boutique, and is invited to stay with his lady boss, Ah Qing, and her husband, Kang. Knowing that Xiao Bo is still single, his host tries to introduce him to her best friend, Ah Meng. After a few dates, Ah Meng begins to suspect Xiao Bo is gay. She tells Ah Qing, who then informs her husband Kang. After learning this, Kang attempts to rape Xiao Bo when his wife isn't at home. Xiao Bo leaves the house, quits his job and joins his old friend, Chong Chong, and realizes that he has a gay lover, Gui Gui. Some time later, Ah Qing confesses to Kang that she had an affair with Ah Meng.
Pirated CopyPirated Copy · 2004
Pirated Copy
5.22004
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Set against the backdrop of the contemporary black market for pirated DVDs in Beijing, Pirated Copy is a character-driven drama about the passion two couples have for each other and for film.
Er DongEr Dong · 2008
Er Dong
4.72008
MovieDrama
After her adopted son, Er Dong (Li Jun Bai), joins a gang, a single mother in rural China sends him to a Christian school, hoping he'll shape up. Er Dong soon falls for classmate Chang'e, and when the two run away together, they battle to survive. They aren't allowed to marry at 19, and Chang'e becomes pregnant . As problems accumulate, Er Dong struggles with fatherhood and a shocking secret from his past.
The Old TestamentThe Old Testament · 2001
The Old Testament
4.12001
Movie
This three-part film explores homosexuality in communist China.
Queer China, 'Comrade' ChinaQueer China, 'Comrade' China · 2009
Queer China, 'Comrade' China
4.02009
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This documentary reviews and summarises the development of homosexuality as an issue in the past three decades in China. We interviewed thirty prominent figures in the gay community, who have experienced the changes of views and life-styles regarding homosexuality.
My Fair SonMy Fair Son · 2007
My Fair Son
4.02007
MovieDrama
When young art student Ray moves in with his estranged businessman father after years of separation, the two tentatively begin to reconcile their many differences -- including Ray's revelation that he's gay, which his father struggles to accept.
Enter the ClownsEnter the Clowns · 2002
Enter the Clowns
4.02002
MovieDrama
Xiao Bo lives in a world where the lines defining men from women are constantly dissolving. He kneels at the deathbed of his father who has become a woman, and whose dying wish is to have oral sex with his/her son. His boyfriend Nana has also undergone a sex change, but Xiao Bo no longer finds her attractive as a woman. A sexual chain reaction ensues that wreaks havoc on traditional Chinese roles that govern male and female, parent and child.
Welcome to Destination ShanghaiWelcome to Destination Shanghai · 2003
Welcome to Destination Shanghai
3.62003
MovieDrama
Shanghai was once called the "Paris of the East," but changes come with time and social tumult. Now, amid crumbling buildings, crushing poverty and social decay, filmmaker Andrew Cheng captures a city fallen victim to moral and economic decline. Through a collection of vignettes involving male prostitutes, aging hookers and other sex-trade workers, Cheng reveals the sordid heart of a once glittering metropolis.
Feeding Boys, AyayaFeeding Boys, Ayaya · 2003
Feeding Boys, Ayaya
3.62003
MovieDrama
A Christian virgin tries to save gay male prostitutes when his brother becomes one.
The Narrow PathThe Narrow Path · 2004
The Narrow Path
2.02004
MovieDrama
A young man wandering naked along a seemingly endless country road claims that he's an alien. So do the three other young men (also naked) who join him. These 'aliens' eventually find their route blocked—by five macho toughs, who see in them both potential ransom money and potential illicit pleasures.
Night SceneNight Scene · 2005
Night Scene
1.02005
MovieDocumentaryDrama
A candid peek into the culture of male sex workers in Beijing.
Keep Cool and Don't BlushKeep Cool and Don't Blush · 2003
Keep Cool and Don't Blush
2003
MovieDocumentary
Early film by Cui Zi’en.
My Camera Doesn’t LieMy Camera Doesn’t Lie · 2003
My Camera Doesn’t Lie
2003
MovieDocumentary
A film about Chinese underground filmmakers who were the first to express their truthful and realistic views on China from 1989 until today. It is also the first film to speak about the Chinese homosexual film scene. The documentary features Chinese intellectuals and directors such as Cui Zi’en, Jia Zhangke, Ju An Qi, Li Yu, Liu Bingjian, Liu Hao, Wang Xiaoshuai, Zhang Yuan.

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