This story of a family torn apart by alcoholism and insanity is remarkable for the genesis of its plot. Zhang Yuan, one of the filmmakers who launched Chinese independent cinema, learned about the plight of his downstairs neighbors, a retired couple (former professional dancers) and their two deadbeat sons who hit hard times following the father’s commitment to a mental institution. The director went to the mental hospital, "borrowed" Mr. Li, and re-enacted the family’s troubles with the four family members playing themselves in the film. The title was suggested by the father himself, who told Zhang Yuan, "Only some men are fathers, but all men are sons."