Watch China's Digital Detox - Internet Gaming Rehab

China's Digital Detox - Internet Gaming Rehab is a documentary film that depicts the alarming increase of video game addiction in China, especially among young adults. The documentary takes a close look at an internet rehab center in Beijing, where teenagers and young adults are sent to recover from their addiction to video games and other online activities.

The movie starts with an introduction to a typical day in the rehab center, where patients spend nearly 12 hours a day undergoing various therapies and exercises. The viewers get to see firsthand the rigorous and strict nature of the program, which includes physical exercise, meditation, group therapy, and even military-style drills.

We are then introduced to some of the patients in the rehab center, and we get to hear their stories. Some of the patients had spent several years playing video games for long durations every day, resulting in serious health problems, including depression, anxiety, headaches, and sleep disorders. Others had dropped out of school or lost their jobs due to their addiction, causing severe distress to their families and loved ones.

Throughout the film, we see various experts weigh in on the issue of internet addiction and video game addiction, some of whom share their experiences working with addicts. Experts explain how gaming addiction changes the chemistry of the brain, leading to similar changes as those caused by drugs like cocaine and heroin. We also hear from parents who have lost their children to internet addiction and how it has impacted their lives.

The film also delves into the history and culture of video games in China. The gaming industry in China is huge, and it has become a significant part of the country's culture, with games like League of Legends becoming an e-sport phenomenon. However, this trend has caused a rise in gaming addiction, with some young adults spending over ten hours a day playing games.

One of the most unusual aspects of the movie is the portrayal of the rehab center itself. The facility is depicted as somewhat of a concentration camp, where a group of young people is struggling to escape the binds of their addictions. They are forced to follow a strict schedule, engage in group activities, and they are deprived of internet access.

The documentary is visually stunning, with some beautiful shots of China's cities and landscapes. The film also incorporates segments of news footage and historic footage to support the narrative.

The film's sound design is suitably atmospheric and emotive, with calming music and soundscapes during the rehabilitation sections, and more energetic and ambient sound during the historical and cultural segments. This play of sound engages the viewer and gives a sense of different mood according to the situation.

Overall, the movie is an engrossing and thought-provoking documentary that provides a revealing insight into the severe effects of video game addiction. It also highlights the need for much more awareness and resources for teenagers and young adults struggling with this issue. The movie is a compelling watch for anyone interested in the impact of technology on mental health and the steps some people are taking to overcome addiction.