Synopsis
In the 1990s, villagers from China poorest region relocate to a barren plain and, with help from Fujian province, build a new home from nothing. Douban 9.2.
Overview
Minning Town (山海情) is a 2021 Chinese drama about poverty alleviation, directed by Kong Sheng (director of Nirvana in Fire) and Sun Molong. Starring Huang Xuan and Re Yiza, with special appearances by Zhang Jiayi, Yan Ni, Huang Jue, Yao Chen, and Wang Kai. 23 episodes, Douban 9.2.
It premiered on January 12, 2021 across five major satellite channels and Tencent Video, becoming the highest-rated Chinese drama of early 2021.
Plot
Set in the 1990s in Xihaigu, Ningxia — once designated by the UN as one of the most inhospitable places on Earth — the drama follows village official Ma Defu (Huang Xuan) as he leads residents to relocate from barren mountains to the Yinquanyan area.
Under the east-west pairing assistance policy, Fujian province sends experts to help Ningxia develop agriculture, education, and industry. The story spans from 1991 to 2016, chronicling how Minning Town grew from a wasteland into a model of poverty alleviation.
Shui Hua (Re Yiza), a resilient and optimistic woman, delivers one of the most moving performances in recent Chinese television.
Cast
| Role | Actor | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Lead | Huang Xuan | Ma Defu |
| Lead | Re Yiza | Shui Hua |
| Special | Zhang Jiayi | Ma Hanshui |
| Special | Yan Ni | County Mayor Yang |
| Special | Huang Jue | Professor Ling |
Cultural Impact
Minning Town is hailed as one of the finest realistic dramas in recent years. Re Yiza performance as Shui Hua went viral for a single facial expression that conveyed years of hardship. Average viewership exceeded 1.5%.
References
- Douban: Minning Town
- Wikipedia: Minning Town
- Baidu Baike: 山海情
Stills & Gallery
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