Synopsis

Old Well Village, nestled in the arid landscape of the Loess Plateau, was parched and waterless. The aging villagers yearned for a young savior to dig a well. Qiaoying, a bright-eyed country girl, and Sun Wangquan, a spirited young man, both dreamed of breaking free from the confines of their mountainous world. However, Sun's grandfather insisted that he become the son-in-law of a widow so as to fund his younger brother's wedding, hence trapping Sun in a life of servitude. To escape their doomed fate, Qiaoying and Sun planned to flee, but their plans were derailed when Sun's father perished in an explosion in the well. Sun, now burdened with the responsibility of a son, threw himself into digging the well with unwavering resolve. Braving the elements and the hardships of mountain life, he and the villagers finally struck water with the first scientifically-located well in the village. Unfortunately, a landslide occurred and took away Sun’s brother’s life. Qiaoying and Sun were trapped under the debris, but eventually, they were rescued. Sun continued his efforts to lead the village towards progress, while Qiaoying, with a heavy heart, donated her entire dowry to pursue a new life beyond the mountains.