Watch Chinese Portrait

Chinese Portrait is a documentary film that explores contemporary China through a series of intimate portraits of its people. The film, directed by Wang Xiaoshuai, is comprised of a series of vignettes that showcase the daily lives and everyday experiences of Chinese citizens from different backgrounds and social classes. Shot over the course of several years, Chinese Portrait is an elegiac and meditative reflection on the complexities of modern China. Rather than focusing on a single narrative or storyline, the film is structured as a series of loosely connected vignettes that provide a window into the lives of numerous Chinese citizens. The film is shot in a cinematic, observational style that captures both the beauty and the mundanity of everyday life in China.

The director, Wang Xiaoshuai, is one of the most prominent and critically acclaimed filmmakers working in China today. He rose to international prominence in the early 2000s with his film Beijing Bicycle, which explored similar themes of urbanization and social change in China. Chinese Portrait marks a departure from Wang's earlier work, as it eschews traditional narrative structures in favor of a more impressionistic and experimental approach.

The film is divided into three parts, each of which offers a different perspective on China's history and society. The first part focuses on the country's recent past, and features interviews with elderly Chinese citizens who have lived through the Cultural Revolution and other turbulent periods in the nation's history. Through their stories, the film offers a glimpse into the traumas and challenges that China has faced in the decades since the Communist Revolution.

The second part of the film focuses on the present day, and features interviews with a wide range of Chinese people from all walks of life. We see farmers, factory workers, artists, students, and others as they go about their daily routines, offering a kaleidoscopic view of contemporary China. The film is particularly interested in the impact of globalization and rapid urbanization on Chinese society, and we see numerous examples of people trying to navigate the challenges of a changing world.

The third and final part of the film takes a more metaphysical and poetic approach, focusing on the natural world and the cycles of life and death. We see images of mountains, rivers, and animals, all set against a haunting soundtrack that evokes a sense of timelessness and mystery. Through this section, the film reminds us of the wider context in which human life unfolds, and suggests that our own struggles and triumphs are part of a larger story that encompasses all of nature.

One of the most striking features of Chinese Portrait is its use of imagery and sound. The film is beautifully shot, with lingering shots of landscapes and close-ups of faces that capture the emotional complexity of its subjects. The soundtrack is equally impressive, consisting of a mix of traditional Chinese music and contemporary sounds that creates a hypnotic and immersive atmosphere throughout the film.

Despite its experimental approach and lack of a traditional narrative structure, the film is deeply affecting and insightful. Through its portraits of ordinary people, it offers a rich and nuanced view of contemporary China that goes beyond the headlines and stereotypes that often dominate Western media coverage. It is a film that rewards careful attention and multiple viewings, as each time one watches it, new details and insights emerge.

Overall, Chinese Portrait is a remarkable artistic achievement that ranks among the finest documentaries of recent years. It is a film that challenges and provokes, inviting audiences to see China in a new and different light. Whether one is interested in the country's history, politics, or culture, this film offers a unique and compelling perspective that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

Chinese Portrait is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes.