Western news outlets such as Radio Free Asia reported that mentioning the film on Weibo had been banned.

[7][8] It was later reported by the South China Morning Post that discussion of the film had not been prohibited on Chinese social media, but the reason for its removal from streaming services had not been made clear.

However, the owner, who had migrated to Shenzhen in search of work, unexpectedly returns after finding out about a government incentive granting substantial cash payment to homeowners who allow their poorly built and unoccupied houses to be demolished.

In return for his donations, the businessman's wealthy family offers Youtie cheap gifts, which he only accepts as borrowed items.

Even in this final transaction, Youtie is cheated by the buyer, who forces him to round down the price "to make the bookkeeping easier".

Youtie takes some food and lies down, specially positioning his head at the side of the bed to be near to some smouldering charcoal.

Before the film was removed from streaming platforms in China, the revised version added a line of text at this point, before the credits begin, stating (in Chinese): "Ma Youtie moved to his new home in the winter of 2011 and started his new life with the help of the government and the warm-hearted villagers.

[citation needed] In order to make the film, the cast and crew had to live in a remote town in the northwest of Gansu.

Hai Qing, who is an acclaimed film star in China, actually lived with Wu Renlin, who is a local farmer and an untrained actor.

"[17] Anna Smith of Deadline Hollywood said of the film, "[It] isn’t always an easy watch, but it’s a thought-provoking one with beautifully judged performances that radiate warmth and encourage empathy.