In the 1950s, the Chinese government set up a system of residence registration, strictly controlling the freedom of movement. While playing hide and seek, the young Xiangmin sneaks into the room his father keeps his witchdoctor’s implements and costumes. Lacking respect and fear for these scared items, he puts on the costume of the Sky God.. It appears as if the gods are punishing him when he falls from a window into the courtyard below. The fall almost kills him, but his father brings him back from the brink.