In a small, dirty, poor provincial town looking to crack down on crime in 1997, and under the backdrop of the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong, Xiao Wu is one of a group of pickpockets, most of whom have moved on to become small traders and legal or semi-legal. One of them, formerly a close friend, is getting married and decides not to invite Xiao Wu, a reminder of the past. He drifts around, discontent with life, but makes no effort to change. He acquires a girlfriend, a prostitute who takes a liking to him, but she drops him when she finds someone better. He visits his poor-peasant family but ends up arguing with his parents and saying he won't ever return. Finally, he gets arrested and is left handcuffed in the middle of the street with a disapproving crowd watching him.
This success brought Jia into contact with cinematographer Yu Lik-wai and producer Li Kit Ming.[1] With their support, Jia was able to begin work on Xiao Wu, which would become his first feature film. Xiao Wu was shot on a mere 400,000 RMB budget (or about $50,000 US).[1]
Reception
In a retrospective review for The New York Times, J. Hoberman notes that "Observational, mainly in medium shot and almost plotless, Xiao Wu has a documentary quality."[2]
Xiao Wu was praised by the American filmmaker Martin Scorsese, a noted fan of Jia's works.[3]
