Northeastern Stories: The Storm Rises Again

Seventeen-year-old Zhao Weidong is still growing into the stubbornness of youth, yet he is already entangled in the grudges of the older generation. Fights in the alleyways, loyalty between brothers, and a half-understood longing to be called “Big Brother” form the backdrop to his youth. A fight to protect his friends lets him taste blood for the first time, and helps him realize, though he can barely put it into words, that more than a fierce punch, what truly matters is having the strength to keep those around you safe. This year, his fists are still green, but the fire in his heart has been kindled.