For our movie group this month, my friends and I watched A Thousand Pieces of Gold, the true story of a young Chinese woman named Lalu. The film begins in 1880s China where Lalu and her family struggle to survive in the face of famine and marauding soldiers. In desperation, Lalu’s father sells her to become a bride in America.
When Lalu arrives in the Idaho mining town which will become her home, she is horrified to discover that she has been sold into prostitution. With the help of a few unlikely allies, Lalu fights back and manages to create for herself a life of dignity, independence, and ultimately, of refuge and love.
In discussing the movie afterwards, we all appreciated the authenticity of Lalu’s character. We found ourselves both inspired by her courage and determination, and occasionally mystified and frustrated by her decisions. Lalu demonstrates an almost exasperating ability to forgive and a powerful will to triumph over prejudice.
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07-13-2007 |
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