A criticism of bureaucracy in the early era of the post-revolutionary China

The literal translation of the title of this movie is: Before the New Bureau Chief Arrives.

This movie made in the early era of the People's Republic is a very mild criticism of bureaucracy.  Such criticism was what China really needed and still is today.  But very unfortunately, even criticism as mild as this was not tolerated and just merely a year later after this movie was made, Mao started the Anti-Rightists Movement in 1957, and the desperately needed criticism was silenced for more than four decades, and China has suffered greatly at the same time due to the continuous political movements.

Mandarin-language cinema across Mainland China, Taiwan, and Singapore explores historical reflection, cultural identity, and personal sacrifice, often expressed through poetic visuals and sweeping narratives. In Mainland China, this takes the form of allegory and large-scale epics that reflect on national history. Taiwan emphasizes intimate modernist realism, generational change, and the search for identity. Singapore contributes stories of migration, multiculturalism, and the negotiation of tradition in a globalized city.

The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

Will Ferrell, Angela Grillo, and Lap-Gei Cheung in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

Before the Coming of a New Bureau Director (1956)

Before the Coming of a New Bureau Director

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Guangting Chen and Jingbo Li in Before the Coming of a New Bureau Director (1956)

Before the Coming of a New Bureau Director

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