China 1839. Because the British imports of opium into Southern China are creating such widespread medical and economic problems, the weak Manchu emperor Tao Kuang is forced to take action that precipitates the 'Opium War'.
Based on the famous novel of the same name by well-known author Ba Jin, this movie traces the decline of a large, wealthy family in the early part of the twentieth century. The story focuses on three brothers and how they respond to the expectation that they will each marry women whom their grandfather has selected for them. The lure of family money on the one hand and modern individualism on the other plays out differently among the young men. Critics consider this movie an indictment against feudal ideas.
Teacher Huang San extends to his pupils the high principles of patriotism, thus arousing the hatred of the occupying Japanese. Huang is forced to flee and to escape from the Japanese clutches. One night, he helps a robber escape from a pursuing Japanese officer by firing his gun and thus unintentionally kills the Japanese. Huang San follows to his hideout and from then on, Huang San joins the bandits. Huang San attempts to rob a house but discovers that the occupant is none other than his student Wang Zhongkang who is involved with the guerrillas. Huang San decides to help Zhongkang raid the military arsenal of the enemy. However, as Huang gradually gains the trust of their chief, some jealous associates within the bandit group informs on him. Huang and Zhongkang carry out their raid amid a fierce confrontation, Zhongkang successfully implements his mission but Huang is killed in the battle.
