The Alley (1981): cast, story & where to watch

1981 · Film · ★ 6.3

The Alley poster

Released in 1981, The Alley is a drama and romance film directed by Yang Yanjin, running about 100 minutes.

What it’s about. The film is a powerful condemnation of the political radicalism of the Cultural Revolution and shows how ordinary people were victimized during a decade of turmoil.

Who’s in it. The Alley stars Guo Kaimin as Xia, Zhang Yu as Yu, Yang Yanjin as Director Zhong and Qiu Shide as Doctor, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.3/10, The Alley has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Alley page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Alley tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Alley (1981)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Alley change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Alley worth watching?
The Alley holds an audience score of 6.3 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and romance. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in The Alley?
The Alley stars Guo Kaimin, Zhang Yu, Yang Yanjin, Qiu Shide and Mao Lu.
When was The Alley released?
The Alley was released in 1981, with a runtime of about 100 minutes.