 The film addresses the prominent place that bureaucracy , and verbal negotiation and struggle , occupy in everyday life in China . Many scenes pit Wei against authority figures such as the village mayor , the announcer in the train station , and the TV station receptionist who also acts as a " gatekeeper " . Aside from Wei , many characters in the film show a " blind faith " in authority figures . While she lacks money and power , Wei overcomes her obstacles through sheer obstinacy and ignorant persistence , suggesting that speech and perseverance can overcome barriers . Wei becomes an example of " heroic obstinacy " and a model of using determination to face " overwhelming odds " . For this reason , the film has been frequently compared to Zhang 's 1993 The Story of Qiu Ju , whose heroine is also a determined , stubborn woman ; likewise , Qiu Ju is also filmed in a neo @-@ realistic style , set partially in contemporary rural China and partially in the city , and employs mostly amateur actors . 
