After reform through labor, prisoner Li Huiquan (played by Jiang Wen) is released after serving his sentence and returns to the alley where he grew up. His old neighbor, Aunt Luo, takes good care of this orphaned and lonely young man whose parents have passed away. Years ago, his buddy Chazi lost control and taught a lesson to a man who was dating his girlfriend, leading to an accidental death, and both ended up in prison. Now, Chazi's family still holds prejudices against them, but only Chazi's younger brother thinks Li Huiquan is a good man. With the help of the police officer Xiao Liu (played by Liu Bin), Li Huiquan later chooses to earn a living by setting up a stall, during which he encounters various people and experiences the ups and downs of life. In a karaoke bar, he meets singer Zhao Yaqiu (played by Cheng Lin), and becomes her protector. However, just as he decides to start a new life, he finds himself in unforeseen difficulties... This film is adapted from Liu Heng's novel 'Black Snow' and won the Silver Bear Award at the 1990 Berlin Film Festival.