11 Flowers (2012)
A quietly powerful coming-of-age drama from director Wang Xiaoshuai, set against the turbulent backdrop of China's Cultural Revolution.
11 Flowers - Movie Information
- Original Title: 我11
- Release Year: 2012
- Directed by: Wang Xiaoshuai
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Crime, History
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 9, 2012 (France), May 11, 2012 (China)
- Alternative Titles: 11 kwiatów (PL), 11 fleurs (FR), من یازده ساله هستم (IR), Wo 11 (CN), 11 Blumen (DE)
- Production Companies: WXS Productions, Chinese Shadows, Full House, Maneki Films, CNC, Playtime, ARTE France Cinéma
- Production Countries: China, France, Hong Kong
11 Flowers - Plot
A coming-of-age story set during China's Cultural Revolution. 11 year old Wang Han finds himself entangled with a fugitive and struggles to understand the adult world.
11 Flowers - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse into Wang Han's unforgettable childhood journey:
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11 Flowers - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Wang Xiaoshuai
Main Cast
- Liu Wenqing
- Yan Ni
- Mo Shi-ni
- Wang Jingchun
- Yu Yue
- Qiao Renliang
- Wang Ziyi
- Zhong Guo Liuxing
- Lou Yihao
- Zhang Keyuan
Writers
- Wang Xiaoshuai
- Lao Ni
Producers
- Wang Xiaoshuai
- Didar Domehri
- Isabelle Glachant
- Ronald Wong
11 Flowers - FAQs
What is 11 Flowers about?
11 Flowers is a coming-of-age drama set during China's Cultural Revolution. Eleven-year-old Wang Han becomes unexpectedly entangled with a fugitive on the run, forcing him to confront the complexities and contradictions of the adult world around him in ways no child should have to face.
Who directed 11 Flowers?
11 Flowers was directed by Wang Xiaoshuai, one of China's most acclaimed sixth-generation filmmakers. Wang also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Lao Ni and drew on his own childhood memories of growing up during the Cultural Revolution to shape the film's deeply personal narrative.
Is 11 Flowers based on a true story?
11 Flowers is semi-autobiographical. Director Wang Xiaoshuai drew heavily from his own childhood experiences growing up in China during the Cultural Revolution. While the specific plot events are fictionalized, the emotional landscape, social atmosphere, and setting authentically reflect his personal memories of that turbulent era.
Who are the main actors in 11 Flowers?
The film stars Liu Wenqing as young Wang Han, with Yan Ni as his mother and Wang Jingchun as his father. The supporting cast includes Mo Shi-ni, Yu Yue, Qiao Renliang, Wang Ziyi, Zhong Guo Liuxing, Lou Yihao, and Zhang Keyuan.
What does the white shirt symbolize in 11 Flowers?
The white shirt Wang Han desperately wants serves as the film's central symbol of innocence, desire, and the collision between childhood dreams and harsh political reality. It represents his longing for normalcy and individual identity in a society that suppresses both, making it a powerful metaphor for lost youth during the Cultural Revolution.
When was 11 Flowers released?
11 Flowers had its release on May 9, 2012 in France, followed by May 11, 2012 in China. The film was a co-production between China, France, and Hong Kong, and received its international exposure through the French release before reaching Chinese audiences.
How does 11 Flowers portray the Cultural Revolution?
Rather than depicting the Cultural Revolution through grand political events, Wang Xiaoshuai filters it through a child's limited perspective. The ideology, fear, and social upheaval of the era seep into everyday family life and community dynamics, creating a quietly devastating portrait of how political extremism distorts ordinary human experience.
What are similar movies to 11 Flowers?
Viewers who enjoyed 11 Flowers may appreciate other coming-of-age and character-driven films such as Inside Out (2015), 8 Mile (2002), and Toy Story 3 (2010). For similar tones of childhood nostalgia and emotional depth, The Lighthouse of the Orcas (2016) and Titanic (1997) are also recommended.
More About 11 Flowers
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