Fortune Teller 2010
Directed by Xu Tong, Fortune Teller (2010) immerses viewers in the world of Li Baicheng, a magnetic fortune teller operating on the fringes of Chinese society.
Director: Xu Tong
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fortune Teller (2010) about?
Fortune Teller (2010) follows Li Baicheng, a fortune teller serving marginalized communities near Beijing, as he navigates a precarious life while caring for his deaf-mute wife Pearl. Their fragile existence is upended when a police crackdown forces them into exile, shining a light on the struggles of society's unseen figures.
Who directed Fortune Teller?
Fortune Teller was directed by Xu Tong, a filmmaker known for his documentary work that explores the lives of China's marginalized communities with unflinching honesty.
Who stars in Fortune Teller?
The documentary stars Li Baicheng, his wife Pearl (played by Shi Zhenzhu), and features performances from Tang Xiaoyan, with real-life figures bringing authenticity to this raw portrayal.
Is Fortune Teller (2010) worth watching?
While unrated on IMDb, Fortune Teller (2010) offers a gripping, cinematic experience for fans of documentary films. Its themes of resilience and defiance against societal norms make it a compelling watch, though it may not appeal to those seeking light entertainment.
How long is Fortune Teller?
Fortune Teller runs for 157 minutes, providing ample time to immerse yourself in its haunting narrative.
About Fortune Teller (2010) — A raw documentary on love, survival, and China's forgotten souls
Directed by Xu Tong, Fortune Teller (2010) immerses viewers in the world of Li Baicheng, a magnetic fortune teller operating on the fringes of Chinese society. His clientele—prostitutes, outcasts, and others living on the margins—mirrors his own precarious existence in a village near Beijing. Li's unconventional life takes a tender turn when he rescues Pearl, his deaf-mute wife, from years of abuse, creating a bond as fragile as the ancient rituals he performs. But winter's arrival brings a harsh police crackdown, casting both fortune tellers and sex workers into the shadows and forcing Li and Pearl into a fleeting exile where past and present collide.
This raw, observational documentary paints a haunting portrait of survival, resilience, and the quiet defiance of those society chooses to overlook. Xu Tong's lens captures the quiet dignity of Li and Pearl's relationship, framed against the backdrop of a disappearing cultural practice and the ever-present threat of authority. Breathtaking in its intimacy, Fortune Teller (2010) lingers long after the credits roll, leaving audiences to ponder the cost of living truthfully in a world that demands conformity.