social pressures provoke such suffering

All the problems cannot simply be blamed on a rigid social structure. However, were the youths less restricted I dare say many of the problems would be alleviated. There is so much hurt in the film; the social structures at best catalyse it and perhaps even cause it beyond anything else.

Had Qinghong's father not been so demanding she wouldn't have needed to repel her admirer and the rape would likely never have happened. And so, neither would have his execution. Qinghong's wellbeing is hugely damaged by her father's treatment who does want the best for her, but fails to grasp the importance of her immediate feelings.

It's easy to speak from a privileged distance of wealth and means. I'm probably blind to so many reasons that the strict principles the parents live by and enforce are so sensible. For example, Mister Dancer's (forget his name) father is aghast at his son's promiscuity; whilst the son is being inconsiderate, the father's reaction seems overblown. But it is more understandable when you realise that contraceptives/abortion were not easily accessible. The implications for a pregnant girl would be vast and life-changing. An unfathered child would be an enormous burden for a poor family and bring shame upon them.

Of course Qinghong's father is probably more at fault than the social structures themselves, but he very much represents them and lives within them as best he sees fit. There are many faults to be found with his choices. It's easy to form a superficial judgement against him and harder to gain sympathy, a deeper understanding of his reasons and why he made his decisions. I cannot imagine treating my children in such a manner but I'd guess many parents respond similarly to the pressures.


I wonder how relevant these pressures are to life today.