The Spring River Flows East

1930s China. The village of a poor family is taken over by the occupying Japanese army. One son, Zhong Liang, leaves his wife and young son to join a medic group for the Chinese Army. The other son, Zhang Min, goes into hiding to protect his family. The focus shifts back and forth from the brothers' parents and Zhong Liang's wife and son to Zhong Liang's newfound life of luxury in a town not too far away. The plight of Zhong Liang's mother, his wife, Su Fan and her son, Kong Er Son, is contrasted with Zhong Liang's rise in a flourishing company.