The film begins in black and white in present-day China when the son (Sun Honglei) returns to his village from the city upon hearing of his father's death.

(Several reviewers have speculated that the flashback portion of the film is set during the Anti-Rightist Campaign and that Luo's recall was for investigation and questioning.

)[2][3][4] Zhao Di's heart was broken; she insisted on waiting for him in the snow and fell so ill that the villagers thought she would die.

However, upon hearing news of her illness, the teacher was able to sneak back to the village and Zhao Di, in tears, welcomed the sight of her beloved.

Returning to the present day, and black and white, the son realizes how important this ritual of carrying the coffin back to village is to his mother, Zhao Di, and he agrees to make all necessary arrangements to fulfill her wish.

The site's critical consensus reads, "Beautifully filmed, The Road Home is a simple touching and tender love story.