Little Moth

LITTLE MOTH has a limited run at the Cinematheque Ontario, Toronto at Jackman Hall.  Screening times are on Friday March 28th at 7 pm and Sunday March 30th at 2.45 pm.  For more information, click on:
http://www.cinemathequeontario.ca

LITTLE MOTH is the nickname given to the poor little peasant girl (Zhao Hui Hui) bought for a mere 100 Yuan (about $140) by a not-so-nice peasant couple in rural China.  Little Moth is unable to walk because of toxins in her blood.  The couple’s purpose is to use her cuteness and affliction to earn them a living by having her beg in the streets.

LITTLE MOTH is a simple story simply but effectively told.  One cannot help but be amazed by writer/director Tao’s (RED SNOW) story-telling technique.  The film is a study of how China’s lowest in society prey on each other.  The husband refuses to pay for the child’s medication while he is been extorted for protection money.  Tao’s camera work is basic.  He uses everything effortlessly – from long takes, to stationary camera with the subjects moving into the frame to tracking using hand held camera.  Just don’t expect any crane, aerial or elaborate tracking shots.  Tao’s use of non-professional actors also aid in the film’s authenticity.  Music is replaced by the sounds of surroundings (vehicles/talking).  Though most of the males are the bad guys, Tao also shows kindness in each of them, even the husband.  His characters behave and act as if by instinct.  LITTLE MOTH is still a disturbing portrait of child exploitation.  Tao shows that things could get worse and builds what initially seems to be a slow moving film into an exciting climax.  LITTLE MOTH is not bad at all for a little feature.