Institute Film Series

A Touch of Sin(2013 :Tian zhu ding天注定)2 hours and 13 minutes.Chinese film-maker Jia Zhang-ke is a leading figure of contemporary Chinese cinema. Best known for his social movies critical of the situation of his country, its inequality and injustices, he has however managed to obtain the official approval from the Chinese government. A Touch of Sin, whose original title would translate more correctly as “Destined”, is a fiction composed of four parts, each based on a tragic real event which has made the headlines in China. The film follows a miner, a burglar, a sauna hostess and a factory worker with references to various popular cinematographic genres. It depicts what Peter Bradshaw described in theGuardian "as the dark heart of modern China”. A Touch of Sinwon the Best Screenplay Award at the2013 Cannes Film Festival and that same year the Best Foreign Movie Award from the Toronto Film Critics Association. Post screening discussion will be led byRowena Xiaoqing He,Assistant Professor of History, Saint Michael’s College, and Ji Li,Professor of Law, Zhuang Zhou Scholar, Rutgers Law School . Reception to follow in the Fuld Hall Common Room. The event is free and open to the Institute community. Please note that food and drink is not allowed in Wolfensohn Hall.