Our Forty Years

The film begins in 1978 with Bao Zhenjiang graduating from the Kaifeng Xiqu School of Drama. His graduation performance of "Bao Longtu" is interrupted by his friend Jin Hong's injury. Fast forward forty years, Bao Zhenjiang and Li Yixiang travel to the United States, returning to their roots as they perform "Bao Longtu" at Times Square alongside fellow students from their drama school.

In parallel, the film delves into the life of Chen Shan, who runs a small beef soup shop tucked away in an alley. The shop is a staple in the community, known for its pure and popular beef soup, attracting mostly local customers. The narrative shifts when Chen Shan's son, Chen Qingfeng, returns home to mark the anniversary of his mother’s passing, leading to a confrontation that reveals the deep-seated tensions in their relationship.