The Back 2010
Set in Beijing during the mid-1990s, *The Back (2010)* follows Hong Tao, a 30-year-old migrant worker who has built a new life in the city as a waiter at an upscale restaurant.
Director: Liu Bingjian
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Back (2010)* about?
*The Back* delves into the life of Hong Tao, a Beijing waiter concealing a dark family secret from China's Cultural Revolution era. His father's infamous obsession with tattooing Mao Zedong's portrait onto human skin leaves Hong with a legacy he can't outrun. When antique collectors come sniffing around, his buried past threatens to resurface.
Who directed *The Back*?
Liu Bingjian directed *The Back* (2010), bringing a sharp, atmospheric lens to this historical drama rooted in personal and national memory.
Who stars in *The Back*?
The film features Hu Bing and Jia Yuanyuan in the lead roles, with Hu Bing portraying the conflicted Hong Tao.
Is *The Back (2010)* worth watching?
While unrated on IMDb, *The Back* offers a gripping exploration of historical trauma and familial obligation, wrapped in a tense narrative. Its atmospheric direction and thematic depth make it a compelling choice for fans of dramatic storytelling.
How long is *The Back*?
The runtime of *The Back* is 85 minutes.
The Back (2010): A Haunting Drama of Legacy and Secrets — Full Movie Info
Set in Beijing during the mid-1990s, *The Back (2010)* follows Hong Tao, a 30-year-old migrant worker who has built a new life in the city as a waiter at an upscale restaurant. Haunted by a dark family legacy, Hong carries a secret that traces back to the Cultural Revolution: his father was once a celebrated painter of Mao Zedong's portraits, and in his obsession, he began tattooing the Chairman's image onto human skin. Struggling under the weight of this inherited burden, Hong tries to bury the past—until a wave of unscrupulous antique collectors threatens to expose his family's hidden history. Directed by Liu Bingjian, this atmospheric drama weaves themes of identity, inherited trauma, and the uneasy shadows of China's revolutionary past.
With its moody visuals and tense narrative, *The Back (2010)* explores how the past clings to the present, forcing one man to confront the ghosts of his father's fanaticism. The film's restrained yet gripping storytelling, paired with strong performances, makes it a compelling watch for fans of historical drama and character-driven cinema.