A peaceful village in China is invaded by the Japanese prior to World War II. The men in the village choose to adopt a peaceful attitude toward their conquerors. But Jade is a headstrong young woman who intends to stand up to the Japanese whether her husband Lao Er approves or not. She even goes so far as to learn to read and to handle a weapon, so that she may be properly equipped for both the psychological and physical combat. Jade's attitude spreads...