The Nightmare Ends in the Morning

About This Movie

So, 'The Nightmare Ends in the Morning' is a curious piece from 1980, directed by Wang Ji, and you've got Yu Ping and Ma Yi giving some pretty heavy performances. The film centers on Zhou Chuan, a shipyard director who faces severe humiliation during the 'Gang of Four' era—an intense backdrop that really shapes the characters' fates. There’s this haunting atmosphere that hangs over the film, especially with the subplot of Zhou's wife Ye, who’s pushed to suicide, leaving an unresolved grief that permeates the narrative. The pacing is deliberate, almost methodical, reflecting the slow unraveling of Zhou's world. It’s not just a narrative about personal tragedy but also a commentary on that dark chapter in Chinese history, and it feels distinctive in how it portrays the psychological scars.

This film has seen limited releases and is somewhat scarce in collector circles, making it a hidden gem for those focused on Chinese cinema from this era. The home video format history is quite patchy, with few reputable releases, which adds to its intrigue among collectors. There's a growing interest, particularly for those who appreciate the political context and character-driven stories that define this period in film.