POV Season 27 Episode 6
POV
Season 27

Ep 6. Fallen City

  • July 28, 2014

In season 27, episode 6 of POV, viewers are taken on a journey through the aftermath of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake in China. Directed by Qi Zhao, "Fallen City" offers a poignant, intimate look at the struggles of three survivors as they try to rebuild their lives in the wake of the disaster.

The episode begins by depicting the sheer magnitude of the earthquake, which measured 8.0 on the Richter scale and killed over 69,000 people. The city of Beichuan, nestled in the mountains of Sichuan province, was one of the hardest hit areas. Nearly all of its buildings were destroyed, leaving a scene of utter destruction and chaos in their wake.

From there, we are introduced to three individuals whose lives were forever changed by the earthquake. First, there is Li Guihua, a middle-aged woman who lost both her husband and her daughter in the disaster. Li is shown leading a lonely, isolated life in the ruins of her former home, tending to a small plot of land where she grows tomatoes and other vegetables. She talks about her sense of loss and isolation, and how she has been unable to move on from the trauma of the earthquake. "I've been living here alone for so long," she says. "It's like I'm the only person left in the world."

Next, we meet Zhao Yong, a young man who survived the earthquake but lost his parents and younger sister. Zhao is shown working as a driver for a demolition company, as he and his colleagues tear down ruined buildings in the hopes of rebuilding the city. He is deeply haunted by the memory of his family's death, and struggles with feelings of guilt and despair. "Sometimes I dream that I'm back in the earthquake," he says. "I see my family and they ask me why I wasn't there to save them."

Finally, we are introduced to Qiang Fuxiang, a schoolteacher who was trapped in the rubble of a destroyed school for 29 hours before being rescued. Qiang is shown living with his mother and daughter in temporary housing provided by the government. He grapples with the fact that he has been unable to return to teaching since the earthquake, and expresses frustration with the lack of progress in rebuilding the city. "They say they're going to rebuild it, but it's been four years and nothing has changed," he says.

Throughout the episode, the three survivors share their stories with the camera and with one another. They talk about their losses, their fears, and their hopes for the future. They also speak candidly about their frustrations with the government's response to the disaster, including allegations of corruption and mismanagement. "We don't have a voice," says Zhao. "We're just ordinary people. Who will listen to us?"

Despite the weight of the subject matter, "Fallen City" is ultimately a story of resilience and hope. The survivors are shown finding moments of joy and connection with one another, even in the midst of their pain. They forge a sense of camaraderie and support that helps them to face the future with greater courage and determination.

Overall, "Fallen City" is a powerful, heart-wrenching testament to the human spirit in the face of tragedy. It offers a vivid, unforgettable portrait of a community struggling to rebuild its life in the wake of unimaginable loss. Viewers are sure to be moved and inspired by this unforgettable episode of POV.

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Description
  • First Aired
    July 28, 2014
  • Language
    English