Watch Beijing Taxi

Beijing Taxi is a fascinating documentary film that offers a unique perspective on China's growth and transformation through the stories of three taxi drivers. Directed by Miao Wang, the film was released in 2010 and features a cast of real-life characters whose experiences and struggles give insight into the lives of ordinary people in modern China.

The film opens with a shot of a bustling Beijing street, where a line of taxis are waiting for passengers. These taxis are the main focus of the documentary, and the first driver we meet is a middle-aged woman named Zhang Xuemei. Zhang is a hard-working mother who spends most of her waking hours driving her taxi through the streets of Beijing. She takes great pride in her job, and is fiercely independent and self-reliant. She is also an aspiring writer who dreams of publishing a book about her life as a taxi driver.

The second driver we meet is a young man named Bai Jiwen. Bai is a recent migrant to Beijing, having left his hometown in search of work and opportunity. Like many young people in China, he is attracted to the bright lights and excitement of the big city. He works long hours driving his taxi, but he also harbors dreams of making it big as a musician. He spends his free time playing guitar and writing songs, hoping that one day he will be discovered by a talent scout.

The third driver we meet is a man named Wei Caixia. Wei is an older man who has been driving a taxi in Beijing for many years. He has witnessed the city's transformation first-hand, and he has many stories to tell about the changes he has seen. He is a reflective man who is deeply concerned about the impact of social and economic changes on his country.

Through these three drivers, the film takes us on a journey through Beijing's streets, offering us a glimpse of the city's complexity and contradictions. On the one hand, we see a city that is rapidly modernizing, with new skyscrapers and shopping malls sprouting up everywhere. On the other hand, we see a city that is struggling to cope with the demands of its growing population, with traffic jams and pollution becoming ever more pervasive.

The film also highlights the intimate relationship that develops between taxi drivers and their passengers. The drivers form a deep connection with their passengers, often serving as confidants and counselors. They listen to their passengers' stories, offering advice and solace when needed. In this way, the film explores the role that taxi drivers play as important social actors in modern China.

Throughout the film, we also see Beijing through the eyes of the drivers themselves. They share their personal stories and struggles, revealing a side of China that is often overlooked in the media. They talk about their hopes and aspirations, their fears and anxieties. They offer a candid and unvarnished view of life in modern China, and it is this honesty that makes the film so compelling.

Overall, Beijing Taxi is a powerful and insightful documentary that offers a unique perspective on modern China. Through the stories of three taxi drivers, we are given a glimpse into the hopes, dreams, and struggles of ordinary people living in a rapidly changing society. The film is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the human spirit, and a reminder that, no matter how challenging our circumstances may be, we all share a common humanity.

Beijing Taxi is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.