Watch Fengming, a Chinese Memoir

Fengming, a Chinese Memoir is a powerful and intimate documentary film chronicling the personal experiences of a woman named He Fengming from the 1940s to the present day. Directed by Wang Bing and released in 2007, the film offers a unique perspective on Chinese history, as viewed through the eyes of an ordinary citizen who lived through some of its most tumultuous periods.

Throughout the film, He Fengming recounts her experiences growing up in a rural village, her education, marriage and family life, and her participation in the Communist Party during the Chinese revolution. She discusses her husband's death, the effects of the Cultural Revolution, and the country's subsequent economic reforms. Her stories are punctuated by poignant reflections on the impact of these events on her life, and on the lives of other average Chinese citizens.

The film is structured around a series of interviews conducted by the director, which are interspersed with images of He Fengming in her current life, as well as archival footage and photographs from throughout China's history. The choice to primarily focus on one person's story, rather than attempting to tell a comprehensive history of China, is a unique and effective approach. It allows for a depth of detail and personal connection that is often lacking from more broad historical accounts.

He Fengming herself is a compelling subject, eloquently sharing her memories with candor and vulnerability. She is a remarkable woman in many ways, having lived through and adapted to enormous social, political and economic changes in China. Her perspective is often nuanced, thoughtful and insightful, providing an invaluable window into a country that is often discussed in broad, sweeping terms.

The film's pacing is slow and meditative, with long takes and simple camera work that reflect the rhythm of He Fengming's current life. The effect is somewhat hypnotic, drawing the viewer into her stories and allowing for a deep emotional connection to develop. This is not a flashy or sensational film, but rather a quiet and reflective one that rewards patience and attention.

One of the most powerful aspects of the film is the sense of historical continuity that it conveys. He Fengming's stories and memories allow the viewer to witness both the immense changes in China's society and the ways in which certain social, economic and political themes have persisted over time. In particular, her observations about the nature of power and hierarchy in Chinese society are both timeless and immediately relevant.

While the film takes a decidedly non-political stance, it is impossible not to be struck by the enormous impact that government policies and propaganda have had on He Fengming's life. From her young idealism during the Communist revolution to her disillusionment during the Cultural Revolution, and her quiet acceptance of the new capitalist reality, one cannot help but be moved by the way in which her faith in various political ideologies has been tested over time.

Overall, Fengming, a Chinese Memoir is a remarkable film that provides a rare and intimate glimpse into the everyday lives of Chinese citizens. Its strength lies in its simple, unassuming approach, and its unwavering focus on the personal experiences of one woman. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the essential role that individual memories play in shaping our understanding of history.