PureInsight | July 12, 2004
[PureInsight.org]
BLACK SCREEN
Fade up on following text:
"In 1992 an ancient practice of mind, body and spirit was introduced to the public in China.
The practice, known as Falun Dafa (or Falun Gong) is based on the principles of Truth, Compassion and Tolerance.
It spread quickly across China by word of mouth at an unprecedented pace.
In 1998 a Chinese government survey indicated that 70-100 million Chinese were practicing Falun Dafa.
Within months of the survey, China's ex-leader, Jiang Zemin, banned the practice and created the Gestapo-like "610 Office" with the mandate to eradicate Falun Dafa."
Fade out on text. Fade up on
EXT. DESERT DAY
Sand blowing across desert sand dunes in semi slow-motion. The sky is a light amber colour from the blowing sand. Hold on this for the following text:
"Stretching back through antiquity, documents and scriptures have survived that tell of disasters that occurred during times of extreme moral decay in human civilization.
These records relate devastating natural and man made disasters that brought an abrupt end to societies where many of the people and their leaders had relinquished human kindness and decency.
These events have been recorded in history."
Fade to black as we meld the image into:
INT. HE HOME BEDROOM - DAY
Fade up from black. Dim yellowish light filters through the edges of a closed curtain in an otherwise dark bedroom. We hear WIND BLOWING from outside. Two people lie in bed under the covers. A man, He Tian Ying, sits up on the edge of the bed, fully clothed. After a moment his wife, Tong Mou, speaks from under the covers in a flat, defeated tone.
TONG MOU
What time?
He picks up a wind up clock, squinting to see it in the dim light.
HE TIAN YING
Seven thirty. In the morning.
TONG MOU
How's the sky?
He goes to the window and opens the curtains slightly, looking out. We see his face in the yellowish light. He looks tired with a searching quality in his eyes.
HE TIAN YING
Still covered. The sand is still blocking the sun.
(beat, turns to the bed)
How are you feeling?
TONG MOU
Headache is worse. My vision is getting blurry.
HE TIAN YING
I'll get your medicine as soon as I can go outside.
(beat)
Would you like some food?
TONG MOU
Just water.
HE TIAN YING
You should try and eat.
TONG MOU
Thinking of food makes me sick.
He Tian Ying exits the bedroom.
INT. HE HOME LIVING ROOM - DAY
He Tian Ying enters the living room. He goes to a light switch on the wall and flicks it to the "on" position. Nothing.
He picks up the phone and listens, then hangs up. He turns on his cell phone and listens, then hangs up.
INT. HE HOME KITCHEN - DAY
We follow He Tian Ying into the kitchen, which is dimly lit by yellowish light filtering in from a window. He turns the tap on at the sink.
C.U. (close-up) of the faucet. A small stream of water pours out. He opens the tap more, but the pressure does not increase. He turns the tap off quickly. He looks around the kitchen. We see from his P.O.V. (from his Point Of View)
NUMEROUS CONTAINERS, GLASSES AND CUPS FILLED WITH WATER sitting on the counter and the floor.
He opens cupboards and looks inside. We see SEVERAL PACKAGES OF NOODLES, A SMALL AMOUNT OF CANNED FOOD, CRACKERS, A HALF BAG OF RICE ETC. Enough food to feed two people for several days.
He opens the fridge door. There's NO LIGHT INSIDE AND THE FRIDGE IS ALMOST EMPTY. He takes out A CONTAINER and opens it. A waft of ROTTING FOOD makes him gag. He closes the container and places it back into the fridge, closing the door. He takes a GLASS OF WATER from off of the counter and exits the kitchen.
CUT TO:
INT. HE HOME LIVING ROOM - DAY
He Tian Ying enters the living room from the kitchen with the glass of water and stops as he is startled by something.
CUT TO:
Tong Mou is standing in the living room, looking around. She is normally pretty but now thin and sick looking without her insulin. THERE ARE ONLY A COUPLE OF PIECES OF FURNITURE IN THE LIVING ROOM. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FLOOR IS A WOK WITH A PILE OF BROKEN FURNITURE PIECES NEXT TO IT. She looks at him.
HE TIAN YING
Why are you out of bed?
TONG MOU
It's so empty.
HE TIAN YING
I've burned most of it to cook.
TONG MOU
I'm talking about Mei Mei. There's no life without her here.
He hands her the GLASS OF WATER. She takes it and drinks.
HE TIAN YING
I can make you some food.
She picks up a FAMILY PHOTO OF THE TWO OF THEM WITH THEIR TEN YEAR OLD DAUGHTER, Mei Mei. Pause as she looks at it.
TONG MOU
How many days now?
HE TIAN YING
Twelve, I think.
After a moment she begins to cry. He Tian Ying awkwardly comforts his wife.
HE TIAN YING
(quietly)
Shhh... Shhh...
(beat)
Let's go back to bed.
He leads her back to the bedroom. She takes the family photo with her.
INT. HE HOME BEDROOM - DAY
He Tian Ying helps Tong Mou settle into bed.
TONG MOU
How can this be happening... How can this be...?
HE TIAN YING
Shhh... shhh... Go to sleep...
He puts the covers over her and she begins to calm down. He picks up the family photo and looks at it, deep in thought. We close in on the picture of their daughter in the photo. O.S. (off screen) we hear the voice of a little girl:
(O.S.)
Daddy, you can't be late this time.
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK - INT. HE HOME BATHROOM/LIVING ROOM - MORNING
He Tian Ying is looking in the bathroom mirror, SHAVING WITH AN ELECTRIC SHAVER. The He family is the midst of the morning hustle to get to work and school. He Tian Ying's ten year old daughter, Mei Mei, talks to him as she BRUSHES HER TEETH at the sink in front of him.
MEI MEI
It's my recital so I have to be on time.
HE TIAN YING
I know.
MEI MEI
You were late picking me up the last two weeks.
HE TIAN YING
I know. I know.
TONG MOU (O.S.)
Mei Mei, you'll be late for school!
MEI MEI
I know!
She rinses her mouth and hurries out of the bathroom.
TONG MOU (O.S.)
You're late for work!
HE TIAN YING
I know. I'm coming.
He exits the bathroom and we follow him into the living room where he puts on his suit jacket. Tong Mou is waiting with his lunch.
TONG MOU
You're picking up Mei Mei after school today for piano recital.
HE TIAN YING
How could I forget?
TONG MOU
You've been late picking her up the past two weeks.
HE TIAN YING
Really.
Mei Mei walks by wearing her backpack. Tong Mou puts her lunch in the backpack.
TONG MOU
(to Mei Mei)
The sandstorm might get worse. Be careful.
MEI MEI
Okay. Bye.
Mei Mei leaves. He Tian Ying opens his briefcase to put some documents inside.
TONG MOU
Don't forget Mei Mei's recital dress.
(beat)
Where's your tie?
HE TIAN YING
My tie?
TONG MOU
For the recital.
HE TIAN YING
(i.e. what he's wearing)
What's wrong with this?
TONG MOU
We have to look respectable. The other parents will be there.
HE TIAN YING
This is respectable.
She exits, going into the bedroom, talking as she walks.
TONG MOU
We have to look good.
She returns and hands him a RED TIE. Beat.
TONG MOU
Just wear it. It's for Mei Mei.
HE TIAN YING
Okay.
He folds the tie and puts it in his briefcase. Tong Mou sees a Falun Gong flyer in the briefcase and takes it out.
TONG MOU
What's this? Falun Gong?
HE TIAN YING
We confiscate lots of those when we arrest them.
TONG MOU
(reading pamphlet)
A man gave me something like this on the street one day. I called a policeman over and he arrested him.
(does not believe it)
They're trying to say the self-immolation was faked and directed by the government.
HE TIAN YING
They say lots of things.
TONG MOU
(still looking at flyer)
They're crazy. They think we're stupid.
He holds his briefcase open, looking at her.
HE TIAN YING
I have to go.
She tosses the flyer into the briefcase. He closes it.
TONG MOU
The sandstorm might get worse. Don't leave Mei Mei waiting outside.
HE TIAN YING
Don't worry.
He goes to leave.
TONG MOU
Hey! The dress.
He takes the dress and leaves.
INT. HE HOME LIVING ROOM - DAY
He Tian Ying places the FAMILY PHOTO back on the shelf. We HEAR A SINGLE THUD SOUND. He Tian Ying looks toward the entrance door of the home.
We see that there is PILE OF SAND that has been swept to the side of the door and next to it a BROOM LEANS AGAINST THE WALL.
He Tian Ying walks over and listens close to the door. We hear the SOUND OF WIND WHISTLING OUTSIDE. He steps back and puts his hand up to the edge of the door, feeling the wind coming through. He looks at the door for a moment.
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK INT. HE HOME LIVING ROOM - DAY
We see the entrance door to the He home. It SUDDENLY BURSTS OPEN AS WIND AND SAND HOWL INTO THE APARTMENT and He Tian Ying is virtually thrown inside by the force of the wind as he hangs onto the doorknob. He struggles to close the door, HOLDING HIS BRIEFCASE IN FRONT OF HIS FACE as Tong Mou runs over and helps him push the door shut. He Tian Ying turns the bolt. HE IS WEARING THE SAME RED TIE THAT TONG MOU GAVE HIM IN THE EARLIER SCENE.
TONG MOU
Where's Mei Mei?
He Tian Ying is in shock. He's out of breath, HIS HAIR IS A MESS AND FULL OF SAND AND HE HAS SAND ALL OVER HIS CLOTHES.
HE TIAN YING
The traffic's stopped everywhere. I couldn't get near the school.
TONG MOU
You were supposed to pick her up two hours ago! This has only been going on for the past hour. You were late again! Why?!
He says nothing.
TONG MOU
How could you leave her outside in this?! How could you be late?! I told you the sandstorm could get worse!
HE TIAN YING
I didn't know it would be this bad.
TONG MOU
That's no excuse! What about her recital?! The only thing you care about is yourself!
(furious)
You go back out there!! You find her and bring her home!!
HE TIAN YING
I can't go out there! I had to abandon my car. It took me a half hour to crawl home.
TONG MOU
I don't care! You go find my daughter!
HE TIAN YING
People are dying in the street! I was almost killed getting home!
TONG MOU
Our daughter's out there!
(beat)
You're a coward!
She opens the closet door and takes out a jacket.
HE TIAN YING
You can't go out there.
She puts on her jacket.
HE TIAN YING
People are being killed out there! I saw a billboard flying around like a piece of paper!
She moves to open the door. He pushes on it with both hands, keeping it shut.
HE TIAN YING
You can't go outside.
TONG MOU
Move!
HE TIAN YING
You don't know what it's like out there!
TONG MOU
Move!
HE TIAN YING
No!
She attacks him, slapping him in the face. He grabs both of her arms. She struggles for several moments then gives up.
TONG MOU
It's your fault! If she dies it's your fault! I'll never forgive you!
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. CITY - SANDSTORM - DAY
We see a WIDE SHOT OF THE CITY. HUGE COLUMNS OF SAND BLOW ACROSS THE SKY WHICH IS COMPLETELY COVERED. EVERYTHING ON THE GROUND BELOW IS GRADUALLY DISAPPEARING AS IT IS BEING BURIED IN SAND.
INT. HE HOME LIVING ROOM - DAY
He Tian Ying stands in the living room looking out at the sandstorm, deep in thought. We watch him for several moments.
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION - SUPERVISOR'S OFFICE - DAY
C.U. on an ashtray full of butts as the dialogue continues. A hand enters frame and taps a LONG ASH FROM A CIGARETTE into the ashtray. We follow the arm up to see the face of the head supervisor of a police station who is the boss of He Tian Ying sitting in his SMOKY OFFICE. The supervisor has a bland expression and cold eyes with no feeling. He does not look happy.
SUPERVISOR
I'm getting a lot of pressure from the 610 office above. The more Falun Gong practitioners we bring in the fewer you're transforming.
CUT TO:
He Tian Ying is sitting on the opposite side of the desk, looking uneasy.
HE TIAN YING
We're bringing in too many. I can't work on them all. I'm here day and night. I never even see my family anymore.
SUPERVISOR
You have a job to do. A duty.
There's a knock on the door.
SUPERVISOR
Come!
A policeman in uniform enters and places a sheet of paper on the Supervisor's desk. He takes a look at HTY and then exits.
SUPERVISOR
Another notice from above.
(reads from paper)
"Work harder on transforming Falun Gong practitioners. Use any and all means. Bonuses will increase when above quota."
(beat)
Work on the most stubborn ones. I don't believe that we can't deal with Falun Gong.
HE TIAN YING
All of them are very determined in their belief.
SUPERVISOR
Then you must be more determined.
He Tian Ying looks at the supervisor.
SUPERVISOR
There's nothing to worry about. If they die during transformation, no one's held responsible. A Falun Gong death means nothing to me.
(beat)
If I don't see transformations, I expect to see deaths. If I see neither, you'll no longer have your position.
INT. HE HOME LIVING ROOM - DAY
He Tian Ying is listening to a small TRANSISTOR RADIO. He turns the tuning dial to the end and picks up nothing but static. He turns the radio off.
INT. HE HOME KITCHEN - DAY
He Tian Ying drinks a GLASS OF WATER. He refills it from the tap and puts it on the counter.
INT. HE HOME KITCHEN - DAY
He Tian Ying breaks the leg off of a WOODEN CHAIR and puts it on a pile of broken furniture next to a wok.
INT. HE HOME KITCHEN - DAY
He has made a SMALL FIRE IN THE WOK. He has rigged it so that a COOKING POT IS SUPPORTED ABOVE THE FIRE. He places INSTANT NOODLES into the BOILING WATER in the pot. We see a close shot of the boiling water and then a C.U. of He Tian Ying staring at the boiling water, deep in thought.
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY
Close up on the face of a Falun Dafa practitioner. HER FACE IS BRUISED AND CUT, but her expression is compassionate and her gaze is steady. She is sitting in a CHAIR AT A TABLE WITH HER HANDS CUFFED BEHIND HER BACK. BRIGHT LIGHTS SHINE ON HER.
PRACTITIONER
Good is rewarded with good; evil is rewarded with evil.
Cut to a young policeman, mid twenties, SWEATY, glaring at the practitioner across the table. A young policewoman watches in the B.G. The young policeman is angry and frustrated. Inside of him is a deep fear that he is not aware of which makes him more vicious. He slaps the practitioner hard across the face with A SHOE, hitting her with the sole.
YOUNG POLICEMAN
I said, tell me your name!!
The practitioner looks back at the young policeman, maintaining her dignity and compassion.
PRACTITIONER
I'm a Falun Dafa practitioner.
The young policeman is infuriated. He takes off his BELT and goes behind the practitioner. He makes a noose out of the belt and puts it over her head. He tightens the belt noose and pulls hard, strangling her. Her face begins turning red, but she maintains her solidity. He continues pulling hard for several seconds.
YOUNG POLICEMAN
You will answer me!
POLICEWOMAN
Answer his questions!
CUT TO:
He Tian Ying standing in the interrogation room, watching. If he has any feeling for the practitioner it is deeply buried.
CUT TO:
The young policeman strangling the practitioner.
HE TIAN YING
Enough.
The young policeman continues to strangle the practitioner.
HE TIAN YING
Enough!
The young policeman releases the pressure on the belt and the practitioner gasps for air. He removes the belt and WHIPS HER ACROSS THE FACE WITH THE BUCKLE PART, LEAVING ANOTHER CUT.
The young policeman and He Tian Ying make eye contact. He nods his head toward the door. The young policeman puts his shoe on and leaves. He walks calmly to the table and sits opposite the practitioner. He plays the "good cop". Pause.
HE TIAN YING
If you don't give us information you'll continue to suffer. They'll use any means to make you cooperate.
(beat)
Do you know how long you've been here?
The practitioner raises her head and looks into He's eyes. Pause. He cannot hold the eye contact. He looks at A PAPER ON A CLIP BOARD on the table in front of him.
HE TIAN YING
You've been here twelve days.
(beat)
I don't like watching these things happen to you.
PRACTITIONER
Then take the handcuffs off and let me go. I've done nothing wrong.
HE TIAN YING
You've broken the law.
PRACTITIONER
Truth, Compassion and Forbearance is against the law?
HE TIAN YING
Falun Gong is against the law.
PRACTITIONER
So, teaching people to be good is against the law.
(beat)
It's because a hundred million people were practicing Falun Gong that a few in the government banned it.
(beat)
Appealing is the basic right of every citizen.
HE TIAN YING
(beat)
I don't make laws, I'm a policeman.
PRACTITIONER
You're a human being first. You're hurting innocent people.
HE TIAN YING
(beat)
I want to help you, but I can't do anything unless you cooperate.
PRACTITIONER
Do you realize what you're doing to yourself?
HE TIAN YING
(beat)
To myself?
PRACTITIONER
Everything you're doing will come back to you. Good and bad.
HE TIAN YING
I'm trying to help you.
PRACTITIONER
You don't have to do this. They beat me and you pretend to help me. You're only hurting yourself.
(beat)
Do you know anything about Falun Gong?
HE TIAN YING
The upper levels say it's against the law. That's all I need to know.
PRACTITIONER
Have you read any of the Falun Gong books?
HE TIAN YING
No interest.
PRACTITIONER
If you read the books, you'd know that what the newspapers and TV say about Falun Gong are all lies.
HE TIAN YING
It's no surprise that the TV and newspapers lie.
(quick beat)
If you don't start cooperating you'll suffer even more.
PRACTITIONER
I'm not a criminal. Why should I cooperate? I won't betray the truth.
HE TIAN YING
If you die in here, we'll call it suicide and no one will question us.
PRACTITIONER
You may not be questioned, but you'll have to answer. For everything you're doing.
(looks at policewoman)
Everyone who's doing this will pay for his actions.
HE TIAN YING
(smiling)
So, we better let you go or we're in trouble?
PRACTITIONER
Retribution has already started. There are warnings everywhere but you refuse to see. Huge floods and droughts are all over China. Plagues of locusts spread across the country. The biggest sandstorms on record. (Hail the size of eggs killing people. *this sentence has been cut) All of this is happening at once. Is this natural?
(beat)
These are warnings and they're merciful. Your actions will not go unanswered.
He loses his "good cop" disguise.
HE TIAN YING
How can you be so stupid? Look where you are! You're here because you believe this nonsense. You're sitting here in handcuffs trying to scare me. Wake up!
PRACTITIONER
I'm just telling you the truth. Good is rewarded with good and evil is rewarded with evil.
He Tian Ying stands and walks to the practitioner. He raises his hand to hit her but he cannot, as she is calmly looking him in the eye. Beat.
HE TIAN YING
I have no more patience for you.
(beat)
If you don't start to cooperate, things will get worse.
He turns to leave.
PRACTITIONER
You're also hurting your family.
This stops He Tian Ying.
HE TIAN YING
(to policewoman)
Don't let her speak and don't let her rest. If she sleeps, pour cold water on her.
He exits. The policewoman and practitioner make eye contact.
INT. HE HOME BEDROOM - DAY
He Tian Ying enters the bedroom carrying a BOWL OF FOOD. Tong Mou cries quietly in bed.
HE TIAN YING
I made you some food.
TONG MOU
She's dead.
HE TIAN YING
We don't know that.
TONG MOU
She was waiting for you outside. It happened so fast.
HE TIAN YING
Maybe she got back into the school.
TONG MOU
She's gone... I feel it...
HE TIAN YING
Worrying so much will make you worse. That won't help anyone.
She turns and looks at her husband.
TONG MOU
We're just waiting to die.
(beat)
How can this be happening...?
HE TIAN YING
(lying)
I don't know.
(beat)
Try and sleep.
WE HOLD ON TONG MOU as we hear the sound of KEYS BEING PUT INTO THE LOCK OF A DOOR.
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK INT. HE HOME - FRONT ENTRANCE - DAY
We HEAR THE KEYS UNLOCKING THE ENTRANCE DOOR OF THE HE HOME. Tong Mou enters quickly, carrying grocery bags. She puts them on the floor and goes directly to the phone as we see her cross the room from behind. We cut to a medium C.U. as she picks up the phone and dials.
TONG MOU
Hello. Let me speak to He Tian Ying! It's his wife. Hurry!
(beat)
Hi. It's Tong Mou. There's a Falun Gong lady giving out flyers near our home!
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION - HE TIAN YING'S OFFICE - DAY
He Tian Ying is on the phone. Cut back and forth.
HE TIAN YING
Okay...?
TONG MOU
Send someone to arrest her.
HE TIAN YING
She's just giving out flyers?
TONG MOU
She's Falun Gong!
HE TIAN YING
(beat)
We're really busy here.
TONG MOU
I don't care! I don't want those people near my home!
(beat)
Are you going to send someone to pick her up?
HE TIAN YING
I'll see what I can do.
TONG MOU
I'm going outside to talk to her like I'm interested in what she's saying. I'll keep her there until someone comes. Hurry!
She hangs up, and rushes out of the house. He Tian Ying hangs up. He looks tired out.
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY
A door opens, revealing the practitioner sitting on a "tiger bench" in the centre of the room - hands cuffed behind her, legs strapped to the bench. She is asleep sitting up. The young policewoman is standing guard and looks quickly toward the open door. She moves to the practitioner and shakes her.
POLICEWOMAN
Wake up. Wake up!
The practitioner wakes up.
CUT TO:
He Tian Ying is standing in the open doorway of the interrogation room. He glares at the policewoman, then walks over to the practitioner.
HE TIAN YING
If you don't start eating we'll force you to eat.
PRACTITIONER
I've done nothing wrong. I'm not a criminal and I won't eat as a criminal.
HE TIAN YING
You've been sitting like this for 20 hours a day. Would you like me to make it 24?
PRACTITIONER
I shouldn't be in this place at all. I've done nothing wrong.
HE TIAN YING
(beat, to policewoman)
Come with me.
He Tian Ying and the policewoman exit.
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION - HALLWAY - DAY
He Tian Ying and the policewoman exit into the hallway. He turns to her.
HE TIAN YING
Why was she sleeping?
POLICEWOMAN
I didn't notice. She must have fallen asleep just before you came in.
HE TIAN YING
She is not to relax for a moment. Ever.
POLICEWOMAN
I understand.
HE TIAN YING
How long have you been in uniform?
POLICEWOMAN
One month.
He refers to the electric baton she is carrying.
HE TIAN YING
Have you used this yet?
POLICEWOMAN
No.
HE TIAN YING
(beat)
We've been ordered from above to increase transformations.
(beat)
We have to be much firmer with the practitioners when re-educating them.
POLICEWOMAN
What are we teaching them? We're re-educating them, but what are we trying to teach them?
HE TIAN YING
(pause - not sure himself)
We're teaching them that Falun Gong is bad for them. And they should stop practicing.
POLICEWOMAN
(beat)
We beat them and shock them to teach them Falun Gong is bad for them?
HE TIAN YING
(beat)
We're given orders. We fulfill them. We don't question the means.
(beat)
We've now been ordered to be firmer and to increase transformations.
She does not respond.
HE TIAN YING
You have a responsibility to your job.
(beat)
Do you understand?
POLICEWOMAN
Yes.
HE TIAN YING
Good.
(beat)
I don't choose the methods. But I have my orders. And I have to make sure they're carried out.
They have eye contact for moment.
HE TIAN YING
Resume your duties.
The policewoman goes back into the interrogation room.
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION - SUPERVISOR'S OFFICE - DAY
He Tian Ying stands in his supervisor's SMOKY OFFICE. the supervisor is looking at a LIST OF SEVERAL NAMES ON A SHEET OF PAPER.
SUPERVISOR
The practitioners on this list must be transformed immediately. They've been encouraging other practitioners to hang on to their beliefs.
(beat)
Especially this middle-aged woman. We put two transformed practitioners in her cell to convince her to quit practicing. She convinced both of them to start practicing again.
He Tian Ying almost smiles. The supervisor looks at him for a moment.
SUPERVISOR
(beat)
We've put her in solitary confinement. Don't let her speak to anyone. She's causing trouble. You must work harder on her. Show no mercy.
INT. HE HOME BEDROOM - DAY
He Tian Ying looks out through partially opened drapes while Tong Mou lies in bed.
HE TIAN YING
I was warned this might happen.
TONG MOU
What do you mean?
HE TIAN YING
The sandstorm. A Falun Gong practitioner told me.
TONG MOU
What are you talking about?
He sits on the bed.
HE TIAN YING
I was interrogating her. She said something terrible would happen if we didn't stop the crackdown on Falun Gong.
She turns and looks at him.
HE TIAN YING
She said there would be retribution. Shan yo shan bao, euh yo euh bao. She said if we didn't stop, the sandstorms would get much worse.
TONG MOU
You're saying she knew this would happen?
(he doesn't answer)
She guessed.
HE TIAN YING
Then she guessed right. Have you looked outside? The bodies in the street are buried now. The cars are disappearing under sand.
(beat)
She warned that this would happen.
TONG MOU
How could you believe that? She's Falun Gong. She's superstitious. The sandstorms were getting bad so she took a guess. She's probably half crazy. Those people murder their own families and set themselves on fire.
HE TIAN YING
(pause as he looks at her)
None of that's true.
TONG MOU
None of what?
HE TIAN YING
What you've heard about Falun Gong. It's not true. None of it.
TONG MOU
(beat)
What are you talking about?
HE TIAN YING
All of the bad things you've heard. It's made up by the government. None of it's true.
TONG MOU
(beat)
I've seen the reports on television with my own eyes.
HE TIAN YING
It's all made up. None of it's real.
TONG MOU
(beat)
How do you know this?
HE TIAN YING
I've see things at the police station. Evidence from Falun Gong around the world.
TONG MOU
Around the world?
HE TIAN YING
Yes. It's practiced around the world. It's legal everywhere else.
She's stunned.
HE TIAN YING
I've seen a lot of things people don't get to see. I saw a video of the self-immolation in slow motion. That's also a fake. The whole thing.
TONG MOU
(beat)
I it saw on television a hundred times.
HE TIAN YING
So did I. Then I saw it in slow motion. It's a fake. No doubt. I've seen other things as well. Almost everything Jiang has said about Falun Gong is a lie.
TONG MOU
(beat)
Why didn't you tell me this before?!
HE TIAN YING
I couldn't.
(beat - confession)
Every day when I went to work... terrible things happened to those people - the practitioners.
TONG MOU
What things?
HE TIAN YING
(beat)
Horrible things... Torture.
She stares at him, almost unable to believe.
HE TIAN YING
How could I tell you they were innocent when I was going to work every day...
She looks at him, confused.
HE TIAN YING
(breaks down, crying)
I saw innocent people being killed... and I did nothing to help them... She warned me. She tried to help me... She said my family would suffer if I didn't stop what I was doing.
Beat. She lays down facing away from him and puts a pillow over her head.
HE TIAN YING
I want to tell you what I've done.
Beat. He pulls the pillow away from her head.
HE TIAN YING
I want to tell you what I've done.
TONG MOU
I don't want to hear!
She pulls the pillow back over her head. He pulls it away completely.
HE TIAN YING
I'm trying to tell you the truth!
TONG MOU
(screams loudly)
I don't want to listen! I don't care about those people! Just leave me alone!
He quiets down. Beat. She takes the pillow and lies down again, facing away from him.
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY
We see the exterior of the interrogation room door. It opens, revealing the practitioner sitting in a chair at the table. She looks toward the open door. She is not wearing handcuffs. She has clean clothes and has washed and combed her hair.
From the P.O.V. of the practitioner, we see He Tian Ying at the open doorway with an ELDERLY WOMAN, a MAN ABOUT THE PRACTITIONER'S AGE and a GIRL ABOUT SIXTEEN YEARS OLD.
GIRL
Mommy!
PRACTITIONER
(stands up and says her daughter's name)
The elderly woman puts her hand over her mouth, crying. The man looks at her with concern. He Tian Ying suddenly closes the door and enters the room. The young policewoman stands guard.
PRACTITIONER
(a little unsettled)
How did you find my family?
HE TIAN YING
They came looking for you. If you had given us your name you could have seen them sooner. Sit down. Please.
Beat. She sits down. He sits down opposite her.
HE TIAN YING
They seem like very nice people. They're very worried about you. They want you to go home.
(beat)
Would you like to see them?
Pause as the practitioner looks at him.
HE TIAN YING
If things go well, you may even be allowed to go home with them.
PRACTITIONER
If things go well?
He Tian Ying puts A SHEET OF PAPER on the table in front of her. She briefly reads the paper. He holds out A PEN for her. Pause.
HE TIAN YING
Your daughter has been crying all day. She wants to see you very badly.
She looks at him with compassion.
HE TIAN YING
(beat)
Don't you care about your family?
PRACTITIONER
I care about all people. Including you. That's why I'll never sign.
He Tian Ying takes a moment to control his frustration.
HE TIAN YING
I'm telling you. I can make your family suffer.
PRACTITIONER
And you will suffer in turn. I'll never sign. Your tricks won't work.
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK - INT. POLICE STATION - SUPERVISOR'S OFFICE - DAY
We see the practitioner sitting opposite He Tian Ying on a VIDEO MONITOR.
CUT TO:
The supervisor is watching the video monitor in his office.
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION - INTERROGATION ROOM
HE TIAN YING
I'm trying to help you but you're too stubborn. Things will probably get worse for you and there's nothing I can do to stop it.
FLASHBACK - INT. POLICE STATION - SUPERVISOR'S OFFICE - DAY
The Supervisor watches the monitor.
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION - INTERROGATION ROOM
He Tian Ying stops at the door, addressing the practitioner.
HE TIAN YING
There's nothing I can do.
FLASHBACK - INT. POLICE STATION - SUPERVISOR'S OFFICE - DAY
The Supervisor watches the monitor. There's a knock on the door.
SUPERVISOR
Come!
A young policeman enters. The Supervisor refers to the monitor.
SUPERVISOR
(to policeman)
Strip off her clothes and throw her in the male cell overnight... Then hang her up.
The young policeman exits.
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION - INTERROGATION ROOM
We hold on the practitioner as she regains her composure and dignity.
INT. HE HOME BEDROOM - DAY
Overhead view of He Tian Ying and Tong Mou lying in bed, sleeping. We hear the sound of wind. Suddenly, ALL OF THE LIGHTS BURST ON, THE RADIO BLARES LOUDLY AND THE TELEVISION IN THE LIVING ROOM SCREAMS OUT AT FULL VOLUME! They both sit up, shocked and scared. After a moment, He Tian Ying gets out of bed and runs out into the living room Tong Mou follows.
INT. HE HOME LIVING ROOM - DAY
They both enter the living room. ALL THE LIGHTS ARE ON AND THE TV BLARES LOUDLY AS A CHINESE NEWSCAST PLAYS. They look at each other and scream in joy. They move together, maybe joining hands or in an embrace. SUDDENLY EVERYTHING SHUTS OFF AND IT IS ONCE AGAIN DARK AND SILENT. They stay still for several moments, then separate slowly as we hear the sound of wind...
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY
The practitioner is handcuffed and hanging by the wrists from the ceiling. A young policeman sits nearby reading a newspaper.
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION - SUPERVISOR'S OFFICE
He Tian Ying sits opposite his supervisor in the SMOKY OFFICE.
SUPERVISOR
I've been watching you. And my superiors are watching me.
(beat)
You're too soft. You let the practitioners talk too much.
HE TIAN YING
I'm trying to understand how they think. So I can transform them.
SUPERVISOR
You don't need to know how they think. We already have means to transform them.
(beat)
I've been watching you with the schoolteacher. You won't transform her with talk. She's too stubborn. You have to use other means.
(beat)
Okay. You have two days to transform her. No excuses. You either make her sign, or you show me her suicide notice.
INT. HE HOME KITCHEN - DAY
He Tian Ying opens a cupboard. We see that there is very little food remaining. He takes out the last package of instant noodles. He places a cooking pot under the tap and turns it on but there is nothing but dripping water. He opens the tap all the way, but it only drips. He keeps the pot under the dripping water as we hear drip, drip, drip...
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY
The sound of the dripping water fades away as we see a C.U. of HANDCUFFS AROUND BLOODY WRISTS. DOLLY AROUND to see the practitioner sitting on a TIGER BENCH in the interrogation room. She's looking compassionately at the young policewoman.
PRACTITIONER
You've been trying not to hurt me. I think you have a good heart. You shouldn't be helping them at all.
POLICEWOMAN
You're too stubborn. If you cooperated things wouldn't be so bad for you. They might even let you go.
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION VIDEO SURVEILLANCE ROOM - DAY
We see a two shot of the practitioner and policewoman on a VIDEO MONITOR.
PRACTITIONER
If I give up Truth, what's left?
POLICEWOMAN
Your life.
PRACTITIONER
What's life without Truth?
CUT TO:
He Tian Ying watches the VIDEO SURVEILLANCE MONITOR with a younger policeman.
YOUNG POLICEMAN
Should we go in?
HE TIAN YING
(watching monitor attentively)
In a minute.
CUT TO:
VIDEO MONITOR
PRACTITIONER
Why do you think I'm here - being tortured and treated like a criminal?
POLICEWOMAN
Because Falun Gong is against the law.
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION INTERROGATION ROOM
PRACTITIONER
And they say I must be punished for my crime of practicing Falun Gong. If I'm a criminal and I'm being punished for my crime, why will they let me go free if I simply sign a paper that says I won't break their so-called law any more? Since when does this happen? If it was that easy to go free, there would be no more criminals left in jail.
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION VIDEO SURVEILLANCE ROOM - DAY
YOUNG POLICEMAN
She's got a point.
He Tian Ying gives a look to the young cop.
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION - SUPERVISOR'S OFFICE
We see ANOTHER VIDEO MONITOR, but the image on screen is He Tian Ying and the young policeman watching the other video monitor.
CUT TO:
The supervisor watching a VIDEO MONITOR in his SMOKY OFFICE.
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY
PRACTITIONER
Your superiors know Falun Gong is good.
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION VIDEO SURVEILLANCE ROOM - DAY
The young policeman looks uneasy.
YOUNG POLICEMAN
Shouldn't we go in?
He Tian Ying sits looking at the screen, conflicted inside.
The camera swish pans to the door of the surveillance room as it bursts open, revealing He Tian Ying's superior. The superior steps up and watches the monitor for a couple of seconds.
SUPERVISOR
(directly to He)
What the hell are you doing?! Why are you sitting here?!
(points to monitor)
I told you not to let that practitioner speak! I told you to set an example for your officers! And you sit here watching while they stand around chatting with practitioners!
(beat)
You get the hell in there and make that officer do her job! If you don't do it I will. You've already lost rank. If you don't shape up you'll lose your job!
(beat)
Use the electric batons. If you don't straighten her out I'll go do it myself! I'll be watching you. Go!
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY
PRACTITIONER
But Jiang wants to eliminate Falun Gong so they'll kill us if we don't stop practicing Zhen Shan Ren.
The door bursts open and He Tian Ying enters with FIVE POLICEMEN, INCLUDING THE SENIOR POLICEMAN. They all have ELECTRIC BATONS. He Tian Ying looks furiously at the policewoman.
HE TIAN YING
Why are you letting her speak?!
PRACTITIONER
It's not her fault.
HE TIAN YING
(orders policewoman)
Shock her.
The policewoman hesitates. He Tian Ying screams in her face.
HE TIAN YING
You will obey me or you will be punished!
The policewoman shocks the practitioner's arm for a couple of seconds.
HE TIAN YING
Again!
She shocks the practitioner again.
HE TIAN YING
Longer.
She puts the baton on the practitioner's arm. He moves the policewoman's hand so the baton is on the practitioner's neck.
HE TIAN YING
Keep it there! Give her another baton!
A policeman hands her another baton.
HE TIAN YING
Use it on her face!
He moves her hand so that the baton is on the practitioner's face.
HE TIAN YING
Keep them there!
Pause as the policewoman holds the batons in place.
HE TIAN YING
Use the rest of them!
All of the other police put their batons on the practitioner as her body shakes and convulses.
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION VIDEO SURVEILLANCE ROOM
The supervisor stands staring at the monitor.
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION INTERROGATION ROOM
He Tian Ying stands to the side, looking down at the floor.
We hold for a long moment on a wide shot of this scene of torture as the practitioner sits in agony.
CUT TO:
INT. HE HOME BEDROOM - DAY
He Tian Ying sits on the edge of the bed with a bowl of food. Ton Mou lies facing away from him. She is very weak.
HE TIAN YING
You have to try and eat.
(beat)
I don't want you to die... Don't leave me here alone... Please, try...
Tong Mou painfully turns toward him. He feeds her a spoonful of broth from the bowl. She swallows it. After a moment, the broth starts to come back up. She gets out of bed and stumbles out of the room. He Tian Ying follows her.
CUT TO:
INT. HE HOME HALLWAY/BATHROOM - DAY
He Tian Ying follows Tong Mou out of the bedroom, helping to keep her steady. She goes to the bathroom and throws up in the toilet. He Tian Ying watches her, realizing it is getting near the end. The sound of her throwing up continues, as we
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY
The sound of throwing up dissolves into the sound of choking as five police, including the young policewoman, attempt to insert a tube into the nose of the practitioner to force feed her. The scene is chaotic. They fight to hold the practitioner still as they aggressively attempt to insert the FORCE FEEDING TUBE. There are TEARS RUNNING DOWN THE PRACTITIONER'S FACE AND BLOOD COMING OUT OF HER NOSE, SPREAD ONTO THE FORCE FEEDING TUBE. There is a policeman holding the practitioner's head still, two (including policewoman) holding her shoulders and arms, one on each leg. The YOUNG POLICEMAN from the earlier scenes is trying to insert the tube. The Supervisor stands to the side, watching.
YOUNG POLICEMAN
(trying to insert tube)
Hold her head still!
POLICE 2
I'm trying to! The rest of her body keeps moving! Hold her legs still!
POLICE 3
We're trying to!
(screams at practitioner)
Stop kicking!
Police 3 holds her leg with one arm and digs his elbow into her thigh with the other. He lifts his elbow and smashes it down onto her thigh. The practitioner stifles a scream.
POLICE 2
(to young policeman)
Just push it in! Force it! It'll go if you force it!
YOUNG POLICEMAN
I am forcing it! It won't go!
SUPERVISOR
Tilt her head back!
Policeman 2 tilts her head backwards.
SUPERVISOR
Now shove it in! You're being too soft!
The YOUNG POLICEMAN roughly tries to insert it again, unsuccessfully.
YOUNG POLICEMAN
It won't go!
POLICEWOMAN
Give it to me!
The Supervisor looks at her impatiently. The young policeman gives her the tube and takes over holding one of the shoulders. The policewoman gently maneuvers the tube trying different angles. She finds a spot and the tube goes in slightly.
POLICEWOMAN
I think I got it.
The practitioner looks at the policewoman, shaking her head, "No". The policewoman hesitates. The supervisor looks on impatiently. After a moment he grabs the tube from the policewoman.
SUPERVISOR
Move!
The supervisor straddles the practitioner and harshly rams the tube into her nose. He feeds it in as the practitioner coughs and chokes.
SUPERVISOR
Feed her!
They start the feeding process. The practitioner's eyes go wide as she violently shakes her head back and forth. Suddenly the practitioner's body starts to convulse. It jerks a few times and then her body stops and goes limp, as her eyes stare blankly at the ceiling. Everyone stops, staring at the practitioner. The young policewoman is stunned. Everything is quiet and still.
SUPERVISOR
Send her to be cremated. Tell He Tian Ying to write a suicide report.
THE SUPERVISOR EXITS. HOLD ON THE IMAGE OF THE POLICE STANDING AROUND THE PRACTITIONER'S DEAD BODY. THE IMAGE SLOWLY FADES TO BLACK AND WHITE, BECOMING A VIDEO MONITOR.
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION VIDEO SURVEILLANCE ROOM - DAY
We cut from the video monitor to see that He Tian Ying has watched the entire force-feeding scene. He is an empty shell.
INT. HE HOME BEDROOM - DAY
He Tian Ying sits on the floor leaning against the wall. He is speaking to Tong Mou who is lying in bed. It is almost as if he is quietly confessing for his sins.
HE TIAN YING
I watched her being murdered... and I did nothing. She was the practitioner we picked up when you called me at work - the one you saw handing out flyers.
(beat)
Three days after her death my supervisor died of a heart attack sitting at his desk. He wasn't discovered for two days because no one wanted to go into his office unless they had to.
(beat)
I refused to transform any more practitioners, so I was demoted. I didn't tell you because I was ashamed.
(beat)
After he died, I was forced to deal with the relatives of practitioners who had been killed at our station. I had to lie about the deaths and extort money from their families. I hated all of it.
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION - HE TIAN YING'S OFFICE - DAY
The practitioner's husband stands in He Tian Ying's office.
HUSBAND
How did my wife die?
HE TIAN YING
She committed suicide. She jumped out of the third floor window. Her neck was broken from the fall.
HUSBAND
I don't believe you. She would never do that! Suicide is completely against Falun Gong and she would never do that!
HE TIAN YING
Stop yelling.
HUSBAND
(beat)
Let me see her body.
HE TIAN YING
She's been cremated.
HUSBAND
Cremated? What authority did you have to do that?! What authority did you have?!
HE TIAN YING
If you don't stop yelling, you will be put in jail.
HUSBAND
My wife was a good person!
HE TIAN YING
Calm down!
(beat)
The authority comes from the superiors. They deal with Falun Gong deaths as they see fit.
The husband does all he can to control himself.
HE TIAN YING
You will be allowed to collect your wife's ashes. But first you'll have to settle this.
He Tian Ying hands him a piece of paper. He reads.
HUSBAND
$3000 yuan? For what?
HE TIAN YING
Costs while she was here and for cremation of her body.
HUSBAND
You murder my wife and ask me to pay for it?
HE TIAN YING
It's procedure.
HUSBAND
What, kidnapping an innocent person off the street and killing them for practicing Truth, Compassion and Tolerance? That's procedure?
He Tian Ying cannot respond.
HUSBAND
(fighting to stay calm)
I know them. They're all good people. And so was my wife. Let me tell you. All of the people - they know what you're doing.
(beat)
If I wasn't the only one to care for my daughter and mother-in-law, I'd...
The husband looks straight at He Tian Ying for a long moment, then exits the office.
INT. HE HOME BEDROOM - DAY
He Tian Ying sits beside Tong Mou who is lying on her back, eyes closed. He is looking down at her, crying.
HE TIAN YING
Don't leave me alone like this...
He puts his head on her chest as he continues to cry.
INT. HE HOME BEDROOM - DAY
He Tian Ying lies curled up on the bedroom floor sleeping. We see Tong Mou's body on the bed in the B.G.
INT. HE HOME LIVING ROOM - DAY
He Tian Ying sits on the couch, staring into nothingness. He looks tired and defeated. He is an empty shell. We dolly slowly into a C.U. and hold for several beats.
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK INT. POLICE STATION - HE TIAN YING'S OFFICE - DAY
The young policewoman stands in He Tian Ying's office. She is not in uniform. She is very upset.
HE TIAN YING
Other Falun Gong practitioners have died that way. They refuse to eat and we warn them. If they don't obey we force-feed them.
POLICEWOMAN
But none of us knew what we were doing.
HE TIAN YING
If they don't obey, we force feed.
POLICEWOMAN
Even if it kills them?
HE TIAN YING
They're warned. If they don't obey, we feed them.
POLICEWOMAN
But we weren't even feeding her. It was half salt and half water.
Beat.
POLICEWOMAN
Why was she even in here?
HE TIAN YING
She was Falun Gong.
POLICEWOMAN
Yes. And we're told Falun Gong practitioners are crazy. She wasn't crazy. We're told Falun Gong practitioners are dangerous. She wasn't dangerous. She was a primary school teacher. She was kind and intelligent.
(beat)
Why was she being punished?
HE TIAN YING
She was Falun Gong.
POLICEWOMAN
But she didn't hurt anyone and she wasn't a threat to anyone.
HE TIAN YING
She was Falun Gong.
POLICEWOMAN
That's all?
HE TIAN YING
That's all we need to know.
POLICEWOMAN
(beat)
I can't do this job.
HE TIAN YING
(beat)
You have a duty.
POLICEWOMAN
My duty is to uphold the law.
HE TIAN YING
Your duty is to serve the state. Unquestioningly.
POLICEWOMAN
I won't torture and kill innocent people.
He does not respond.
POLICEWOMAN
(beat)
Why do we persecute Falun Gong?
Pause.
POLICEWOMAN
That woman was nothing like they say on TV or what we've been told by the re-education instructors. Why was she being punished?
HE TIAN YING
The government leaders gave orders. It's our duty to follow.
POLICEWOMAN
Even if we're killing innocent people?
HE TIAN YING
Judges decide guilt or innocence. I'm a policeman.
POLICEWOMAN
But she wasn't allowed to see a judge. There was no trial. No legal process at all. She was taken straight here for reeducation.
(beat)
I'm supposed to uphold the law but I don't see any law.
HE TIAN YING
You're thinking too much. Just do your job.
POLICEWOMAN
I won't do a job where I hurt innocent people.
HE TIAN YING
If you leave you'll be punished.
POLICEWOMAN
How can you go on with life when you leave this place each day?
HE TIAN YING
When I leave this place I leave this place. When I'm here I do my job.
POLICEWOMAN
I won't do this. If I am punished, so be it.
She leaves. He thinks.
INT. HE HOME KITCHEN - DAY
There are TWO GLASSES OF WATER remaining on the kitchen counter. THE OTHER EMPTY GLASSES AND CONTAINERS ARE STACKED ON THE COUNTER. He Tian Ying enters and opens the kitchen tap all the way. Nothing comes out. He opens the cupboard. The only food is A PACKAGE WITH THREE CRACKERS. He takes a cracker and bites off a piece. He chews for a bit and then takes a small sip of water from one of the glasses.
INT. HE HOME LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
He Tian Ying is sitting on the floor next to BURNING CANDLES. He is looking at a FRAMED PHOTOGRAPH IN THE CANDLE LIGHT.
We see the photograph. It is the family photo we saw earlier. Suddenly, we see a reflection of the little girl on the glass of the photograph, standing behind He Tian Ying.
He Tian Ying jumps to his feet and turns around, backing away. He stares in shock across the other side of the candles, as we
CUT TO:
Mei Mei standing in a LITTLE GIRL'S SCHOOL OUTFIT looking at him from the other side of the fire. Pause.
MEI MEI
Hi Daddy.
HE TIAN YING
(in shock)
How... Where did you come from...?
MEI MEI
When the strong winds came I couldn't get back to the school. Everything went black and then I went to another place.
HE TIAN YING
What place?
MEI MEI
A place where everyone is waiting. Grandma ________ is there too.
HE TIAN YING
(beat)
Grandma _______ died.
MEI MEI
So did I.
He Tian Ying is in complete shock. Pause...
HE TIAN YING
Is Mommy there, too?
MEI MEI
No. I know she died but she isn't there.
(beat)
You were doing bad things when I was waiting for you to pick me up from school. That's when the strong winds came.
(beat)
You've done lots of bad things. Many people know it.
(beat)
Many people are waiting for you.
HE TIAN YING
Waiting for me? What do you mean?
MEI MEI
Waiting for you to see yourself.
HE TIAN YING
To see myself?
A briefcase falls off of a counter or table. He Tian Ying looks toward the sound. When he looks back, Mei Mei is gone.
CUT TO:
INT. HE HOME LIVING ROOM - DAY
He Tian Ying sleeps on the floor near the wok. The family photo is next to him. We see in the B.G. (or maybe just hear), the briefcase fall to the floor from a counter or table. This startles He Tian Ying awake. He notices the photo, thinks for a second and then turns to look around the room. He sees the briefcase on the floor. It is partly open and some of the contents have spilled out. He walks over to the briefcase and sees several Dafa flyers that have spilled out. He picks one up and looks at it. He reads it for a few seconds, thinking. He opens the briefcase and we see SEVERAL USED COPIES OF ZHUAN FALUN. He picks up a copy and looks at it for a moment. He opens it and begins to read.
MONTAGE OF DIFFERENT SHOTS
INT. HE HOME LIVING ROOM - DAY
He Tian Ying paces back and forth in front of a window, reading Zhuan Falun. He pauses and reads aloud.
HE TIAN YING
"The issue of killing is very sensitive. For practitioners, we have set the strict requirement that they cannot kill lives."
INT. HE HOME LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
He Tian Ying is sitting on the floor reading Zhuan Falun by candlelight. He pauses again and reads another quote aloud.
HE TIAN YING
"As a practitioner, the first thing you should be able to do is to not fight back when you are beaten or sworn at-you must be tolerant."
INT. HE HOME KITCHEN - DAY
ONE GLASS OF WATER AND ONE CRACKER REMAIN. He Tian Ying enters. He eats the last cracker and empties the last few crumbs from THE PACKAGE into this mouth. He takes a sip from the last glass of water.
INT. HE HOME LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
He Tian Ying reads Zhuan Falun by CANDLE LIGHT.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. HE HOME LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
He Tian Ying is reading the last page of Zhuan Falun as he holds it close to the CANDLE to catch the light. He notices THE CANDLE IS ALMOST COMPLETELY BURNED. He picks up THE FAMILY PHOTO AND BREAKS OFF THE WOOD SURROUNDING THE PICTURE FRAME. HE SETS IT ON FIRE WITH THE CANDLE AND PUTS IT INTO THE WOK. HE PUTS SOME MORE WOOD ONTO THE FIRE. As the flames shoot up, he finds his place in the book with his finger and continues reading. We stay with him as he reads the to the end. He closes the book and sits in silence. He looks at THE FAMILY PHOTO next to him on the floor.
CUT TO:
INT. HE HOME LIVING ROOM - DAY
MORNING LIGHT. He Tian Ying lies on his back, sleeping on the living room floor. He is holding Zhuan Falun against his chest. His CELL PHONE rings. It rings again. His eyes slowly open. As it rings again he snaps awake. He scrambles to find the phone and answers it.
HE TIAN YING
Hello?!...
CUT TO:
INT. PRACTITIONERS' HOME - DAY
We see Mei Mei on a CELL PHONE. She is excited.
MEI MEI
Papa?!
CUT BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN HE TIAN YING AND MEI MEI.
He Tian Ying is stunned for a moment.
MEI MEI
Papa?
HE TIAN YING
Mei Mei?!
MEI MEI
Yes.
HE TIAN YING
You're alive?!
MEI MEI
Yes.
HE TIAN YING
Where are you? What happened?
MEI MEI
I was waiting outside the school when the wind came. It was so fast. There was sand everywhere and I couldn't see. Everything went black and then I woke up in someone's house.
HE TIAN YING
Whose house?
MEI MEI
Some Falun Gong practitioners. They saved me.
HE TIAN YING
(pause)
Falun Gong saved you?
MEI MEI
Yes. They saved many people. They went out into the storm every day.
He Tian Ying is stunned. Beat.
MEI MEI
Can I speak to mommy?
He Tian Ying pauses, his heart breaking.
MEI MEI
Papa?
HE TIAN YING
Yes... Mei Mei... Your mother... she didn't make it through the storm. She passed away...
MEI MEI
Passed away?
HE TIAN YING
She died. She ran out of her medicine...
A male Falun Gong practitioner is standing next to Mei Mei.
MEI MEI
Mommy died?
HE TIAN YING
Yes... I'm sorry...
Mei Mei starts to cry. The Falun Gong practitioner gently takes the phone from her as a female practitioner comforts her and leads her away.
MALE PRACTITIONER
Hello?
HE TIAN YING
Hello.
MALE PRACTITIONER
Hi. I'm one of the people who've been taking care of your daughter, Mei Mei.
HE TIAN YING
Thank you. Thank you.
MALE PRACTITIONER
No need for thanks. How are you?
HE TIAN YING
Me?
MALE PRACTITIONER
Yes. Do you have food? Water?
HE TIAN YING
I ran out yesterday.
MALE PRACTITIONER
The winds have died down, so we can get you some supplies tomorrow.
He Tian Ying is deeply touched by this.
MALE PRACTITIONER
Hello?
HE TIAN YING
(choked up)
Yes, I'm here.
MALE PRACTITIONER
Will you be okay until tomorrow?
HE TIAN YING
Yes. Thank you. Thank you so much.
MALE PRACTITIONER
I'm sorry to hear about your wife. Take care of yourself.
HE TIAN YING
Yes. Thank you. You too.
(without thinking)
Falun Dafa hao.
MALE PRACTITIONER
(smiles)
You're a policeman, right?
HE TIAN YING
Yes.
MALE PRACTITIONER
(still smiling)
Yes. Falun Dafa hao.
(beat)
I'll see you tomorrow.
HE TIAN YING
Yes. Bye bye.
He Tian Ying hangs up. Beat. He notices the copy of Zhuan Falun in his hand. A thought occurs to him and he gets the small TRANSISTOR RADIO. He turns it on and moves the dial. A FADED SIGNAL COMES IN, PLAYING THE NEWS.
RADIO ANNOUNCER
International emergency crews have arrived to help with rescue efforts and the search for survivors. The major obstacle will be the enormous task of removing the sand. They estimate that winds will die down enough to begin rescue efforts by tomorrow.
(beat)
The leaders of the international community involved in the rescue efforts have stated that the hearts of their citizens are with the people of China and that they will provide whatever support China requires in order to help the Chinese people recover from this tragedy and move forward.
We FREEZE THE FRAME as He Tian Ying stands staring straight ahead, with the closed bedroom door in the B.G. SOUND OF THE RADIO TURNS TO STATIC, WHICH CONTINUES AS WE
FADE TO:
BLACK SCREEN
ACOUSTIC MUSIC. Fade up on the following text:
"The torture and abuse depicted in this movie are based on first hand accounts of police brutality against Falun Gong practitioners in China.
The cruelty and brutality of many torture methods that are utilized far exceeds what has been depicted here.
It is hoped that this movie will help to reveal the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China and encourage those who are harming innocent people to realize that they are not only harming others, but ultimately bringing harm to themselves."
FADE OUT:
