Ghosts (2006)
Nick Broomfield's unflinching drama about Chinese migrant workers in Britain, leading to the devastating Morecambe Bay cockle-picking tragedy of 2004.
Ghosts - Movie Information
- Original Title: Ghosts
- Release Year: 2006
- Directed by: Nick Broomfield
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin, English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 25, 2006 (United Kingdom - 15)
- Production Companies: Head Gear Films, Film4 Productions, Channel 4 Television, Lafayette Film
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Ghosts - Plot
When a young girl, Ai Qin, pays $25,000 to be smuggled into the UK in order to support her family back in China, she becomes another one of 3 million migrant workers that have become the bedrock of our economy. Forced to live with eleven other Chinese people in a two bedroom house, they work in factories preparing food for British supermarkets. Risking their lives for pennies these unprotected workers end up cockling in Morcombe Bay at night.
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Ghosts - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Nick Broomfield
Main Cast
- Ai Qin Lin
- Zhan Yu
- Tao Li
- Zhe Wei
- Yong Aing Zhai
- An Sheng Lin
- Kan Jin Chen
- Shiang Fa Lin
- Qin Rong Lin
- Ping Chen
Writers
- Nick Broomfield
- Hsiao-Hung Pai
- Jez Lewis
Producers
- Compton Ross
- Jez Lewis
- Nick Broomfield
Ghosts - FAQs
Is Ghosts based on a true story?
Yes. Ghosts is directly inspired by the Morecambe Bay cockle-picking disaster of February 5, 2004, in which 23 Chinese migrant workers drowned while harvesting cockles at night. The film dramatises the real experiences of undocumented workers in the UK, drawing on investigative journalism by Hsiao-Hung Pai.
What happened at Morecambe Bay in Ghosts?
The film builds toward the real-life tragedy of February 5, 2004, when 23 undocumented Chinese cockle-pickers were caught by fast-rising tides in Morecambe Bay, Lancashire, and drowned. The disaster exposed the dangerous exploitation of migrant workers in the UK's food supply chain.
Who directed Ghosts (2006)?
Ghosts was directed by Nick Broomfield, the acclaimed British documentary filmmaker known for provocative, socially engaged work. Broomfield co-wrote the screenplay with investigative journalist Hsiao-Hung Pai and producer Jez Lewis, blending documentary realism with dramatic narrative.
Who are the main actors in Ghosts?
The film stars Ai Qin Lin in the lead role of Ai Qin, alongside Zhan Yu, Tao Li, Zhe Wei, Yong Aing Zhai, An Sheng Lin, Kan Jin Chen, Shiang Fa Lin, Qin Rong Lin, and Ping Chen. Many cast members were actual Chinese migrant workers, lending the film extraordinary authenticity.
What is Ghosts (2006) about?
Ghosts follows Ai Qin, a young Chinese woman who pays $25,000 to be smuggled into the UK to support her family. She joins millions of undocumented migrant workers, living in overcrowded housing and toiling in food factories, until a fateful night cockle-picking in Morecambe Bay ends in catastrophe.
Where can I watch Ghosts (2006)?
Ghosts (2006) is available to stream or purchase in the US. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date list of platforms offering the film, including rental and purchase options across digital storefronts available in your region.
How long is Ghosts (2006)?
Ghosts has a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes (96 minutes). The film's lean, urgent pacing mirrors the precarious, relentless existence of its migrant worker protagonists, leaving little room for sentimentality.
What language is Ghosts (2006) in?
Ghosts is primarily in Mandarin Chinese and English. The bilingual approach reflects the lived reality of its characters — Chinese migrants navigating a British world — and gives the film a documentary-like authenticity that heightens its emotional and political impact.
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