Watch All Eyes and Ears

All Eyes and Ears is a documentary film that follows the journey of Jon Huntsman, the former U.S. Ambassador to China, and his adopted Chinese daughter Gracie Mei Huntsman, as they navigate their cultural differences and come to terms with their identity. Directed by Vanessa Hope, the film also features the story of Chinese human rights activist Chen Guangcheng and his personal experiences with the Chinese government.

The film opens with a touching scene of Gracie visiting her birthplace in China and reconnecting with her biological family. As the camera follows her through the bustling city streets, we see her navigate her way through the unfamiliar culture with a mix of excitement and nervousness. She is curious to discover her roots but at the same time, she wants to hold on to her American identity. This struggle is the central theme of the film and sets the tone for what's to come.

As the film progresses, we are taken on a journey through the intricacies of Chinese-American relationships, both on a personal and political level. Huntsman's diplomatic work in China is presented as a backdrop to his daughter's personal journey, highlighting the complexities of these relationships between two world powers. Through interviews with Huntsman, his family, and Chinese officials, we see the tensions that arise when different cultures collide, and the importance of diplomacy and understanding.

While the film touches on several political and cultural issues, it's the personal stories that make it so impactful. Gracie's journey to China is interwoven with the story of Chen Guangcheng, a blind human rights activist who fought against China's one-child policy and was subsequently placed under house arrest. His story adds an extra layer of depth to the film, as we see the personal consequences of political disagreements and the human cost of activism. As Gracie and Huntsman interact with Chen, they're forced to confront their own prejudices and biases and gain a new perspective on the world.

Throughout the film, Vanessa Hope skillfully weaves together the stories of these individuals, creating a cohesive and powerful narrative that raises important questions about identity, culture, and politics. The cinematography is stunning, capturing China's vibrant cityscapes and natural landscapes with equal beauty. The music is equally impressive, with a haunting score that sets the tone for each scene.

Perhaps the greatest strength of All Eyes and Ears is its humanism. Despite the complex political and cultural issues at its core, the film never loses sight of the fact that at the heart of it all are real people with real stories. The struggles of Gracie, Huntsman, and Chen are presented with empathy and sensitivity, inviting the viewer to engage with their experiences on a personal level.

Overall, All Eyes and Ears is a must-see documentary for anyone interested in China, politics, or human rights. It offers a thoughtful and nuanced look at the complexities of Chinese-American relationships, and a powerful message about the importance of understanding and empathy in a constantly changing world.

All Eyes and Ears is a 2015 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.