China's ever–changing social and economic climate is examined in this deeply humanistic true story of six laid–off state workers who buck the system and form their own property renovation company in Shanghai. Persuaded by director Wang Guangli to reenact their personal trials and professional tribulations, from negotiating with crooked contractors to caring for elderly parents, they are so convincing, it's difficult to believe this isn't a straight-up documentary. Wang shoots from the hip to put his fascinating characters front and center amid a metropolis still reeling from Mao–or–never ideology.