14. Confucianism and the Shaping of Chinese Culture: "To Live"

To Live is a film set in China that attempts to show the cyclical pattern of life. The gambling father loses the family home, is forced to fight in the revoultion and returns to be with his wife and children afterwards. His constant hopes are that life will be better for subsequent generations, if only they work harder to provide for them. The communist regime enforces communal values and a rigid work ethic that must be adhered to by Chinese of all ages. It appears the Chinese are well adapted to these notions, but the loss of freedom remains a concern. While most of the Chinese blindly follow their government and give allegiance, some attempt to hold onto what makes them an individual.