“Poet” is a dance film inspired by Chinese poet Yu Xiuhua, a rural woman with cerebral palsy, who recently became famous in China. Many started to know her works from her audacious Poem “Crossing Half of China to Sleep with You”. Living in a conservative rural village in southern China where prejudice against women, disability, and divorce are high, she managed to break free from an unwanted marriage and live her life as a writer despite the satirical voices around.

Review by Parker Jesse Chase

“Poet,” is a visual exploration inspired by the life and work of Chinese poet Yu Xiuhua. Known
for her bold and audacious poem “Crossing Half of China to Sleep with You,” Yu Xiuhua’s story
is one of resilience and triumph over societal prejudice. Living in a conservative rural village, our
leading lady breaks free from an unwanted marriage and pursues her passion for writing despite
the challenges posed by her disability and societal expectations.

The film begins with a striking black-and-white series of special insert b-roll shots. These close-ups—feet moving, a bundle of sticks, serene landscapes, wheat fields, and trains—set an intimate and contemplative tone. The inclusion of mundane objects like a mop across the floor juxtaposed with nature and movement creates imagery immediately drawing the viewer in.

As the scene shifts amidst the atmosphere of the company inside the train, we see the dancer amidst a group of passengers. In the confined space between two train carts, the dancer’s movements mimic the accelerating pace of the train, a metaphor for the poet’s journey and the momentum of her life. The choreography is tight, the movements deliberate, capturing the intensity and urgency of breaking free from societal constraints.

The transition to an open field is a pivotal moment in the film. Here, the pace slows, reflecting a shift to a more serene and introspective state. The night sounds—whistles and rustling—underscore the dancer’s movements, which now emulate the gentleness of the wind.

This segment beautifully contrasts the previous scenes, offering a sense of calm and freedom. The introduction of color marks a significant transformation in the narrative. A close-up of an insect and the accompanying rattling buzz symbolize the vibrancy and complexity of life. The dancer, now in a wheat field, moves with a sense of liberation, fluttering arms like a bird in flight. The sight of an actual bird passing overhead reinforces the theme of freedom and connection with nature.

The scene where the dancer cradles a haystack exudes joy and peace, capturing a moment of pure, carefree interaction with the natural world. The transition from the frenetic energy of the train to the tranquil beauty of the open field mirrors the journey from struggle to emancipation. The actor’s performance is exceptional, maintaining a dynamic pace through the dance transitions. The choreography effectively narrates the arc from the mechanical movements of the train, through the darkness of night, to the brightness of a new day. The dancer’s white attire likely symbolizes a new beginning, emphasizing themes of rebirth and renewal as color infuses the film in its latter part.

“Poet” is a moving homage to Yu Xiuhua’s work. Through its evocative imagery and dance sequences, the film not only celebrates her life and work, but also offers a universal message of hope and resilience.