Hide Behind

"Hide Behind" (Chinese Title: "Snail")
This film centers on the growth struggles of Duole, a primary school student. In a dysfunctional traditional family, his father—who runs a small shop—neglects the boy’s emotional needs, forcing Duole to resort to "stealing snacks" and "cheating" in a desperate bid for affection. These actions isolate him further, trapping him in loneliness like thief hiding in the shadows. The arrival of a stepmother disrupts the fragile father-son relationship, as she attempts to build a bridge of communication between them. Their family, much like a snail’s shell, serves as both a shelter and a burden: its members love yet endure each other. Though stumbling forward with difficulty, they cling to a sliver of hope.