"Even Small Places Have Big Problems"

Drama - Black Comedy

China'06. In a typical provincial Chinese town, the 4 Xiong brothers are corrupt local government officials who face off against an angry mob that doesn't hesitate to employ some underhanded methods of its own to bring the brothers down.

By DEREK ELLEY

"Led by a milquetoast Party secretary, the burgers of a remote southern village take on the ruling mafia family in "Trouble Makers," a rambunctious, hugely enjoyable black comedy with a social edge. Solo debut by writer-helmer Cao Baoping, who co-directed "Absolute Emotion" five years ago, looks to be an audience-pleasing click on the fest circuit and with some extra mileage in niche distribution."

"It's a fine example of the kind of accessible, quality movies that many Mainland helmers are making but which rarely find slots in Western fests transfixed by "underground" or Euro-arty directors."

A Shangha, un film surprise sur l'anarchie dans les villages chinois

Passé en catimini au festival de Shangha? mais récompensé du Prix spécial du jury, Trouble Makers (Fauteurs de troubles), du réalisateur Cao Baoping, s'attaque à un sujet tabou en Chine : l'anarchie dans les campagnes.

"Censorship in China is gradually easing," Lin said. "If you look at our film 'Troublemakers,' you would really be surprised that we got it approved. The director applied for permission six years ago and he finally got approval last year.