FILM SCREENINGS

Pickpocket

1997. China/Hong Kong. Directed by Jia Zhangke. With Wang Hongwei, Hao Hongjian, Zuo Baitao. A milestone in new Chinese independent cinema, Pickpocket is a devastating portrait of a young, under-motivated, resigned petty thief, his fascination with a karaoke hostess, and the cop who pursues him. Jia made the film for less than $50,000 in his hometown, capturing the city’s chaotic streets with his energetic handheld-camera style and an expertly mixed soundtrack In Mandarin; English subtitles. 105 min.