The Song of Cotton

A young woman named Mianhua, also known as “Cotton,” takes on a new role as a full-time caregiver for an elderly, obstinate former boxer who is battling Alzheimer’s disease. The old man’s son and his current wife reside abroad and are largely uninvolved in his care. Meanwhile, his daughter from a previous marriage hires Mianhua to look after him, despite her deep-seated mistrust and disdain for caregivers, whom she believes are only capable of deceit, abuse, and exploitation. Despite these initial challenges, Mianhua and the old man gradually develop a strong bond while living under the same roof. The old man begins to confuse Mianhua with his ex-wife, to whom he feels he owes a debt of love. Unexpectedly, Mianhua discovers that she is pregnant.