Men and Women (Chinese: 男男女女; pinyin: Nánnán nǚnǚ) is a 1999 Chinese comedy-drama film directed by Liu Bingjian, one of China's few films regarding LGBT matters.
Contents
Plot
Men and Women follows the travels of a young homosexual man, Xiao Bo, who goes to Beijing in search of a job. There he is taken in by Qing Jie, who not only gives him a home in her apartment, but also a job in her clothing store. While she tries to set Xiao Bo with her friend A Meng, Xiao Bo resists and eventually moves out when he is assaulted by Qing Jie's husband. He moves in with his friend, Chong Chong, with whom a romantic relationship is kindled.
Qing Jie, meanwhile, discovers that she may have feelings for A Meng, and decides to leave her husband.
Cast
Men and Women was cast with openly gay actors.
Yu Bo as Xiao Bo
Yang Qing as Qing Jie, the cast's only professional actor (Yang had previously acted in Chinese television), Yang plays Qing Jie, who befriends Xiao Bo and gives him both a place to stay and a job at her clothing store.
Analysis
Unlike earlier films like Zhang Yuan's East Palace, West Palace, Men and Women focused on the daily lives of its characters, rather than their underground existence in Chinese society.
Production
The film was co-written by Cui Zi'en, one of the few openly gay writers in China. Cui also has a cameo-role in the film, as the host of an underground radio show.
Awards
1999: FIPRESCI award at the Locarno Film Festival