The film is a powerful condemnation of the political radicalism of the Cultural Revolution and shows how ordinary people were victimized during a decade of turmoil.

During the Cultural Revolution a powerless newspaper writer struggles with his conscience at the pervasive dishonesty and immorality from the top on down. The ethical and professional conflicts eventually threaten both his work and family relationships,

A disfigured musical genius roams a traditional Chinese opera house, punishing those who offend him.

A cruel, shameless man who defrauds money, kills his own wife and is sentenced to death seems to come back to haunt his troubled daughter.

During the Cultural Revolution a powerless newspaper writer struggles with his conscience at the pervasive dishonesty and immorality from the top on down. The ethical and professional conflicts eventually threaten both his work and family relationships,