After a break-up, a college professor, Xiao, molds his maidservant, Yu, into an independent, modern woman, then marries her. However, their relationship is interrupted by the war - Yu insists on volunteering her help, while Xiao longs for a stable family life.

In the late 1950s, during China’s Great Leap Forward, Shanghai housewives participated, supported by Dai Mama from the neighbourhood committee. Liu Mama opposed her daughter-in-law Wang Caifeng’s involvement, wanting her to stay home, but her son Liu Genfa supported Caifeng. Zheng Baoqing also opposed his wife Cai Guizhen joining the production group, but Cai ignored him, organised her household, and led the sewing group. Dai Mama helped persuade Zheng Baoqing to change his mind. Lu Afeng joined the sewing group out of fear they would borrow her machine but felt ashamed when they made coats for the children’s welfare home.

Shot in gorgeous color, this fascinating communist flipside to fifties Hollywood music biopics chronicles the life and tragic early death of Nie Er, the composer of the PRC’s national anthem.

In the center of the story is the story of a young girl from the Dai nation, who, despite gossip and accusations of witchcraft, becomes a successful doctor and finds happiness in her personal life.

1930s, Jiangxi Soviet Area. Jiang Mengzi bids farewell to his newlywed wife Xiang Wu'er and joins the main force of the Red Army on the Long March. Xiao Zhenkui, the leader of the "Communist Removal Group", took the opportunity to return to the countryside to launch a white terror. Mengzi's father, chairman of the Township Soviet, and his sister were killed at the same time. The pregnant Wu'er gave birth to a child on the way to escape. Wu'er is found out hiding and forced to work as a wet nurse. Will Mengzi return in time to save his family?

Director Liu, a powerful figure in the Shipping Bureau, was once on his way back to the city after an inspection tour when he was teased by the daughter of the municipal Party Secretary on the highway. He dared not speak out. His driver, Yang Yang, defied the pressure and subdued the daughter, vindicating Director Liu. Director Liu, therefore, strongly recommended Yang Yang for the position of Party Group Leader. Yang Yang discovered in the previous group leader's record book that Director Liu hadn't paid his Party dues for several months, so he went to collect them. Director Liu suggested that Yang Yang have his dues deducted monthly from the accounting department. Yang Yang reminded him that these were Party dues, not Party taxes, and that if he failed to pay for six months, he would automatically withdraw from the Party. Sister Mei, hearing that Yang Yang was a powerful official in charge of the Director, came to complain.