A look at the music scene in China after the Cultural Revolution: Under the strictures of Mao's Cultural Revolution (1966-76), all Chinese attempts at modern, innovative music came to an abrupt halt. Composers could neither study nor perform western music, except for propagandistic operas. As a result, many younger musicians left the country--or simply switched careers. Things changed dramatically in 1978, when the Beijing conservatory opened its doors to music hungry students. This documentary centers on five talented composers who, as students, shared a little room and a big passion for new experimental music forms.