Firstly, I applaud Chinese filmmakers being able to create some genuine tough documentaries that are likely going to get controversy. Creating stories about the harshness and realities in China are not easy to make and it's quite brave for those who create these kinds of documentaries.
A 3 hour and a half documentary about China sweatshop labors and the working class sounds repetitive by it's length but Chinese filmmaker Wang Bing manages to create a profound, emotional, and moving story about young Chinese working class textile workers working and living during harsh conditions.
Bing approach on the subject matter is quite immersing as we observe the daily lives and routines of the young textile workers in China. Observing the hardships they encounter and some of the harsh realities on the economy which Bing is able to capture really well. Workers living in a poor conditions, bosses being pretty rude and all, yet, with all the toughness, the workers still smile and live with joy. You feel a sense of humanity, sadness, and emotion on each of the young textile workers which Bing does a great job on capturing the realism.
The sound designs are pretty good. The uses of music is appropriate to the tone and setting. Each of the participants that are being shown, spoken, and observed are interesting and you feel a good genuine connection between them. For the 3-hour long runtime, the experience rarely feels slow because the connection of seeing these workers are genuine and made me feel emotionally connected with them. While there are some moments that do feel repetitive, especially towards near the third act, I still found myself engaging with this documentary.
Overall, Wang Bing strikes bravely with another great documentary.
A 3 hour and a half documentary about China sweatshop labors and the working class sounds repetitive by it's length but Chinese filmmaker Wang Bing manages to create a profound, emotional, and moving story about young Chinese working class textile workers working and living during harsh conditions.
Bing approach on the subject matter is quite immersing as we observe the daily lives and routines of the young textile workers in China. Observing the hardships they encounter and some of the harsh realities on the economy which Bing is able to capture really well. Workers living in a poor conditions, bosses being pretty rude and all, yet, with all the toughness, the workers still smile and live with joy. You feel a sense of humanity, sadness, and emotion on each of the young textile workers which Bing does a great job on capturing the realism.
The sound designs are pretty good. The uses of music is appropriate to the tone and setting. Each of the participants that are being shown, spoken, and observed are interesting and you feel a good genuine connection between them. For the 3-hour long runtime, the experience rarely feels slow because the connection of seeing these workers are genuine and made me feel emotionally connected with them. While there are some moments that do feel repetitive, especially towards near the third act, I still found myself engaging with this documentary.
Overall, Wang Bing strikes bravely with another great documentary.