‘Ordinary but great’: short film about disabled man in China an inspiration to millions after enduring hardships and learning carpentry skills to help fellow villagers

The 11-plus-minute film follows the life of “Erjiu” for three days as he navigates his life despite a disability

It has been hailed in China for its sensitive but often humorous portrayal of a man overcoming bad luck

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A viral short film showcases the daily life of Erjiu, a disabled man from rural China. Photo: SCMP Composite

Published: 6:30pm, 27 Jul 2022

A short film about the struggles of a 66-year-old disabled carpenter has become one of the most popular videos in China this week after the story inspired millions for its portrayal of how to deal with miseries in life.

The 11-and-a-half-minute film titled How Erjiu Cured My Mental Friction after Being Back in the Village for Three Days tells the story of the disabled man identified as Erjiu, which means second-eldest uncle, as he goes about his day taking care of his 88-year-old mother.

His nephew, surnamed Tang, made the film during a three-day visit to Erjiu’s home that was “built before the US even existed” in an undisclosed poor part of rural China.

Tang uses sensitive and often humorous narration to paint a colourful picture of Erjiu’s life, telling the story of a bright kid whose life took a dramatic turn when a treatment he received for a high fever left him with a lame leg.

Erjiu uses his carpentry skills to take care of his elderly mother. Photo: Weixin

The film has remained the most watched video on Bilibili, China’s top video app, since Tang, a Beijing-based vlogger and teacher, posted it on the platform on Monday.