The film shows three decades of life within a Chinese rural environment. Liu Yaojun and Shen Yingming were close friends. But Liu's son was killed in a fatal drowning accident when playing with Shen Hao, Shen's son, which totally changed the life of the two families. Then Liu chose to head for south China. After many years, both families re-united and the truth of that accident was gradually revealed.
The film was part of the official competition in the Berlin International Film Festival. Two prizes were awarded: Silver Bear for Best Actor (Wang Jingchun) and Silver Bear for Best Actress (Yong Mei).