National Customs

In National Customs, two sisters, Zhang Lan and Zhang Tao, face the challenges of transitioning from their rural upbringing to university life in Shanghai. The serious Zhang Lan and the frivolous Zhang Tao are both in love with their cousin Zuo, but they aspire to more than just marriage. The film captures their experiences in a rapidly changing society during the 1930s.

The narrative also highlights the socio-political climate of the time, including the emergence of Chiang Kai-shek's New Life Movement in 1934. This context provides a deeper understanding of the characters' motivations and the societal pressures they face. The film serves as a commentary on the shifting dynamics of Chinese culture during this period.