Qing Chun (Ku)

The second part of the YOUTH trilogy focuses on the economic hardship faced by factory workers in the textile workshops of Zhili, particularly with respect to wage negotiations and conflicts with the bosses, who even attempt to drive down the piece rate retrospectively or refuse to pay wages altogether. The workers gather to discuss strategies together, but harbor no illusions about their chances of success: a young man is beaten and left bleeding in the street because he was too stubborn during the negotiation. Exhaustion alternates with the fear of idleness, which means wasted time. (bik)