Article 20
Synopsis
Zhang Yimou's 2024 Spring Festival film exploring China's justifiable defense law through a prosecutor's dilemma. Box office: 2.45 billion RMB, Golden Rooster Best Picture winner.
Overview
Article 20 is a 2024 Chinese drama comedy film directed by Zhang Yimou, starring Lei Jiayin, Ma Li, Zhao Liying, and Gao Ye. Released on February 10, 2024 (Chinese New Year's Day), it became one of the most discussed films of the Spring Festival season. The film grossed 2.45 billion RMB at the Chinese box office, broke nine box office records, and won the Golden Rooster Award for Best Picture at the 37th China Film Golden Rooster Awards.
The title Article 20 refers to Article 20 of the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China, which deals with justifiable defense. It is the first film in Chinese cinema to center on the legal concept of justifiable defense.
Plot
Middle-aged prosecutor Han Ming (Lei Jiayin) has long lost his former edge. While on a temporary assignment at the city procuratorate, his greatest wish is to secure a permanent position. During this time, the case of Wang Yongqiang, a villager from Kang Village who axed village bully Liu Wenjing to protect his mute wife Hao Xiuping (Zhao Liying), attracts widespread public attention.
Meanwhile, Han Ming's son Han Yuchen (Liu Yaowen) gets into trouble after an act of righteous courage at school. Three storylines intertwine, and Han Ming finds himself caught between legal principles and human empathy, ultimately realizing the profound meaning behind the principle that the law must not bow to lawlessness.
Cast
| Role | Actor | Character Description |
|---|---|---|
| Han Ming | Lei Jiayin | A middle-aged prosecutor on temporary assignment |
| Li Maojuan | Ma Li | Han Ming's wife |
| Hao Xiuping | Zhao Liying | A mute villager, key figure in the case |
| Lu Lingling | Gao Ye | Procurator, Han Ming's colleague |
| Han Yuchen | Liu Yaowen | Han Ming's son |
| Deputy Tian | Wang Xiao | Deputy Chief Procurator |
Awards
| Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 37th China Film Golden Rooster Awards | Best Picture | Won |
| 37th China Film Golden Rooster Awards | Best Screenplay | Nominated |
| 2024 Spring Festival Box Office Champion | Box Office 2.45 billion RMB | Broke 9 records |
Cultural Impact
Article 20 explores a serious legal issue through a lighthearted and humorous approach, sparking nationwide discussion on the justifiable defense provision. The line the law must not bow to lawlessness became one of the most quoted phrases of the year. The Supreme People's Procuratorate of China also issued a statement praising the film, noting that it popularized legal knowledge through artistic storytelling and advanced public understanding of the justifiable defense system.
References
- Douban: https://movie.douban.com/subject/36208094/
- Baidu Baike: https://baike.baidu.com/item/第二十条/63155381
- Wikipedia: https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-cn/第二十条
- Supreme People's Procuratorate: https://www.spp.gov.cn/spp/dydest/202402/t20240219_644120.shtml
Comments (0)