nestled in the heart of Sichuan's Da Ba Shan district, resides a community known as the "背篼" or "carriers," who share a notoriety similar to that of Chongqing's "棒棒." These individuals eke out a living by selling their physical labor.
The film is set in the city of Tongjiang County, Bar Province, where every day the carriers can be found waiting on the streets for work. Despite their income appearing modest to locals, they lead lives marked by hardship and struggle, devoid of social standing. Most of them hail from the countryside, choosing to save money by sleeping on the street when in town.
Recently, the local government has built what is claimed to be China's cheapest apartment complex for their benefit. Many life stories now converge within its walls. The narrative unfolds through a series of vivid portraits, focusing on several particularly distinctive carriers and their unique life stories. For example, Old Qiu, who was kicked out by his wife and is desperately trying to reconcile with her; crippled in one leg, Old Yuan, who took in a dutiful daughter, but finds his already tumultuous life becoming even more chaotic due to the interference of an unscrupulous woman; the youngest among them, affectionately called "大娃子," is seeking a suitable partner amidst her struggles; and 63-year-old Lao Xiang, who tirelessly supports his entire family....
The average age of the carriers is around fifty. The younger generation shuns this line of work, and it's possible that within a few years, this community—which has existed for centuries and played a significant role in boosting Sichuan's economy—will vanish. This poignant tale weaves together the lives of these resilient individuals, providing a profound look at their struggles, dreams, and hopes for the future.