Return to Dust (2022)
Kernel Score: 82% · 200 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Drama, Romance
Released: 2022-07-08
Runtime: 133 minutes
Where to watch Return to Dust
- Stream: Film Movement Plus
- Free with ads: Kanopy
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Humble, unassuming Ma and timid Cao have been cast off by their families and forced into an arranged marriage. They have to combine their strength and build a home to survive. In the face of much adversity, an unexpected bond begins to blossom, as both Ma and Cao, uniting with Earth's cycles, create a haven for themselves in which they can thrive.
Return to Dust parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that this Chinese drama follows a couple forced into an arranged marriage who build a life together against hardship.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Return to Dust
If you liked Return to Dust, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Purple Hearts (2022) — 91%
- Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927) — 88%
- Life in a Year (2020) — 90%
- Of Mice and Men (1992) — 82%
- Becoming Jane (2007) — 81%
- Straw Dogs (1971) — 81%
- Sense and Sensibility (1995) — 83%
- La Cérémonie (1995) — 80%
Director
Li Ruijun
Cast
- Wu Renlin as Ma Youtie
- Hai Qing as Cao Guiying
- Yang Guangrui as Zhang Yongfu's Son
- Dengfeng Zhao as Ma Youtong
- Cailan Wang as Sister-in-Law
- Jiangui Zeng as Ma Youtong's Eldest Son
- Wu Yunzhi as Ma Youtong's Second Son
- Zhanhong Ma as Brother Guiying
- Cuilan Wang as Guiying's Sister-in-Law
- Caixia Xu as Ma Hongmei
Return to Dust FAQ
Is Return to Dust good?
Return to Dust has an 82% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 200 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Return to Dust?
In the US you can stream Return to Dust on Film Movement Plus, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Return to Dust OK for kids?
Return to Dust is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that this Chinese drama follows a couple forced into an arranged marriage who build a life together against hardship.
What movies are like Return to Dust?
If you liked Return to Dust, try Purple Hearts, Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans, Life in a Year and Of Mice and Men.