Thousand Pieces of Gold Poster

Thousand Pieces of Gold 1991

★ 6.812 votes105 min📅 1991-04-26

"A testament to the strength of the human spirit."

Directed by Nancy Kelly, *Thousand Pieces of Gold (1991)* transports viewers to the rugged landscapes of 1880s Idaho, where survival and resilience are tested at every turn.

Director: Nancy Kelly

Cast

Beth Broderick
Beth Broderick
Berthe
Michael Paul Chan
Michael Paul Chan
Hong King
Rosalind Chao
Rosalind Chao
Lalu / Polly
Chris Cooper
Chris Cooper
Charlie
Dennis Dun
Dennis Dun
Jim
Will Oldham
Will Oldham
Miles
Kim Chan
Kim Chan
Li Ping
Jimmie F. Skaggs
Jimmie F. Skaggs
Jonas
David Hayward
David Hayward
Ohio
Chris Evans
Sailor #2

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thousand Pieces of Gold (1991) about?

*Thousand Pieces of Gold* follows Lalu, a young Chinese woman sold into a desperate situation during the 1880s Idaho gold rush. Instead of surrendering to her fate, she fights to define her own path in a land that sees her as nothing more than a commodity. The film is a gripping tale of survival, identity, and the pursuit of dignity in the face of overwhelming odds.

Who directed Thousand Pieces of Gold?

Nancy Kelly directed *Thousand Pieces of Gold*. Known for her work in independent and character-driven films, Kelly brings a sensitive and nuanced approach to this historical drama.

Who stars in Thousand Pieces of Gold?

The film features standout performances from Rosalind Chao as Lalu, Chris Cooper in a compelling supporting role, and Dennis Dun, among others.

Is Thousand Pieces of Gold (1991) worth watching?

If you appreciate character-driven dramas with historical depth and emotional resonance, *Thousand Pieces of Gold* is absolutely worth watching. The film's themes of resilience and self-determination, coupled with strong performances, make it a hidden gem in the Western genre.

How long is Thousand Pieces of Gold?

The runtime of *Thousand Pieces of Gold* is 105 minutes.

About Thousand Pieces of Gold (1991) — A Western Drama of Courage and Identity

Directed by Nancy Kelly, *Thousand Pieces of Gold (1991)* transports viewers to the rugged landscapes of 1880s Idaho, where survival and resilience are tested at every turn. The film follows Lalu, a young Chinese woman sold into an uncertain fate, who refuses to be defined by the harsh circumstances around her. Renamed China Polly by a ruthless saloon owner, she faces a world hostile to outsiders, where deception and survival blur the lines between freedom and exploitation. Kelly's drama masterfully contrasts the stark beauty of the American frontier with the internal turmoil of its characters, weaving a story of courage against the odds.

At its heart, this Western drama explores themes of identity, resilience, and the unbreakable human spirit. With standout performances from Rosalind Chao as Lalu and Chris Cooper in a memorable supporting role, the film captures the raw, often brutal reality of life on the fringes of society. The emotional depth and historical authenticity make *Thousand Pieces of Gold* a poignant reflection on what it means to carve out a future when the world seems stacked against you.