A movie about a life that was most likely not at all similar to the socialist heroism depicted on the screen. Jiao Yulu, much like Lei Feng, became a Communist party icon after his death. According to party pronouncements, he was self-less, always eager to help other party cadres whether he himself were tired or ill, and strove unstintingly for the perfect Marxist utopia. And so goes this unabashed attempt at a Jiao Yulu elegy.
In reality, had he still been alive when this film was produced, Jiao would have been yet another corrupt, self-seeking cadre stuffing his pockets with the people's money; the same pursuit of most Communist party officials in China of that time. If you subscribe to the possibility of altruism in an unaccountable leadership, this film may be more to your liking. If your thinking is clear, this is sheer fantasy.
In reality, had he still been alive when this film was produced, Jiao would have been yet another corrupt, self-seeking cadre stuffing his pockets with the people's money; the same pursuit of most Communist party officials in China of that time. If you subscribe to the possibility of altruism in an unaccountable leadership, this film may be more to your liking. If your thinking is clear, this is sheer fantasy.
