Thousand Pieces of Gold is an English-language novel written by Ruthanne Lum McCunn and based on the life of Polly Bemis, a 19th century Chinese immigrant woman in the American Old West. The novel was adapted into a film of the same name stars Rosalind Chao, Chris Cooper, Dennis Dun and Michael Paul Chan, and is directed by Nancy Kelly.
In a backdrop of adventure, romance and heroism, film explores the themes of slavery, racism, misogyny and harsh frontier life. It does not paint a flattering picture of the Chinese male characters, but shows the reality of the late 19th century, a time when Chinese immigrants were often treated no better than slaves, and Chinese women especially fared worse. Rosalind Chao's performance garnered high praise.[1]
Lalu is the oldest daughter of a Chinese farmer. Her father loses everything by risking his money on winter wheat one year and Lalu finds herself being thrust into poverty.