The film River People is a combination of documentary and fiction, telling a story of a family living on the Huanghe River in Shanxi province in China. Laba and Baowa are cousins and best friends. For them, the boat is home and a workplace as well. The old uncle always says that there is nothing better than their way of life because it is stable and calm, but Baowa always dreams of living in a different way. Baowa finally leaves for the city with the help of Laba, though Laba decides to keep fishing. The old uncle says that as long as the river is there, Baowa would return for sure. The director, Jianjun He, focuses on life on the water rather than on specific conflicts between characters. Baowa’s behavior is typical to anyone in China. The director chose the documentary format to focus on the things which do not change. Therefore, this film resembles the Huanghe River flowing with calm and peace. (KIM Ji-Seok)