If you're a fan of atmospheric Chinese dramas or stories about the intersection of art and love, this 2007 gem is worth a look. #ExceptWushan #ChineseCinema #Drama #Romance #ClassicFilms Chu que wu shan (2007) - IMDb
Commentary and Reception in the Translation of Liao Zhai Zhi Yi (Sun, 2007) discusses how Chinese cultural customs are disseminated through Western translations of classical tales.
discussing the film’s reception.
The story begins not in a factory, but in a freak meteorological event. The spring of 2007 on Wu Shan (Witch Mountain) in Yunnan was brutal. A late frost, followed by an arid, wind-scorched April, decimated the expected harvest. Ancient gushu (old tree) tea plants, some over 500 years old, produced barely 30% of their usual yield. The leaves that did emerge were stunted, curled inward like a sparrow’s beak, and coated in a strange, powdery white frost-turned-bloom.
To fully appreciate Except Wushan , one must look at the context of Chinese indie cinema in . chu que wu shan 2007
The plot centers around the evolving relationship between Liu Yin, a writer grappling with her own emotional baggage, and a student who brings a new perspective into her life. The film highlights their ups and downs, exploring how their connection—described as a lingering love—transcends the typical, conventional boundaries of relationships. The narrative emphasizes emotional intimacy and the subjective experience of love. Core Themes
: In Chinese literature, the "Wushan clouds" often symbolize ultimate beauty or a love so profound that everything else pales in comparison. If you're a fan of atmospheric Chinese dramas
The title Chu Que Wu Shan draws directly from a famous Tang Dynasty poem by Yuan Zhen:
Synopsis Lin Wei, a reserved provincial schoolteacher, returns to his mountain hometown after his elder brother’s unexplained disappearance. The town is quietly shifting—traditional guilds wane as new traders arrive—and Lin discovers signs that his brother was entangled with a secretive militia known locally as the “Wu Shan” circle. As Lin digs deeper, he reconnects with childhood friends, confronts an arranged marriage he once fled, and uncovers a ledger of hidden debts and political favors that tie local officials to outside interests. The investigation forces Lin to choose between exposing the truth and protecting the fragile community that raised him. The story begins not in a factory, but
Also known as (AKA) * (original title) Chu que wu shan. * China. 除却巫山(Cantonese, Working Title) * Japan. Chu Que Wu Shan(Japanese) Except Wushan (2007) - MUBI