Set in Beijing’s Xisibei Toutiao Hutong, The Festive Buzz Beneath the Red Flag tells the story of Wang Dalei, a hot-tempered “propaganda poster enthusiast,” and Zhang Erzhu, who loves playing the suona. The two good-natured rivals squabble endlessly over trivial matters, but when their community prepares a patriotic event, the personal account of a veteran of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression deeply moves them, turning their rivalry into teamwork.
The story is full of chaos as they prepare a group performance called “Patriotism in the Hutong”: Wang Dalei is constantly interrupted by Zhang Erzhu’s suona while he paints, and Zhang Erzhu keeps complaining that Wang Dalei’s paintings are “out of proportion” while he practices his tunes. Then the veteran recounts the deaths of his comrades, his voice breaking with grief, and the two finally understand the weight behind the words “patriotism.”
From arguing over prizes to standing side by side for their community’s honor, from knowing little about history to expressing their love in their own way, their hutong’s everyday bustle holds the simple passion and warmth of ordinary people. There’s comedy aplenty, moments that touch the heart, and a vivid portrayal of how ordinary people express their love for their country and family in a changing era.
