The end of the Cultural Revolution in 1976 brought the release of "scar dramas", which reflected the emotional traumas left by the period.

The most prominent director in the 1980's was Xie Jin. He is best known for a trio of films. "Hibiscus Town" is one of them. The movie follows the life and trials of a young woman who lives through the turmoil of the Cultural Revolution.

The rebellious spirit that Xie Jin's movies demonstrated are still remembered today.

Xie Jin, director, said, "Many people asked why I made so many tragic movies. The answer was easy. The tragedies we experienced compelled me to speak out."

Xie Jin triggered a wave of realistic exploration among the Fourth Generation directors. "My Memories of Old Beijing" by Wu Yigong looks into the people's misfortune in the 1920's, through a girl's gaze. "Lao Jin" starring Zhang Yimou, exposed an extremely poor and rigorous life in rural regions.

Xie Fei is another outstanding member of the Fourth Generation of filmmakers. He tackled how the old marriage system prosecuted Chinese women in his works such as "Woman Sesame Oil Maker."

Xie Fei said, "The films from the fourth generation of filmmakers marked a breakthrough by embracing a more complex humanity. They tossed aside the former conception that humans are only defined by their classes, good guy or bad guy."

"The fourth generation of filmmakers have an acute feeling for realism. But it was the Fifth Generation that pushed China's cinematic art to a new high."

The 1984 movie "Yellow Earth" heralds not only the Fifth Generation of filmmakers, but also the new style of Chinese cinematic art.

Set in the vast landscape of the austere and grand loess of northwestern China, "Yellow Earth" examines how the peasantry attempts to wring out a meager existence.