Watch Going to the Sea: A Year in Changing China

Going to the Sea: A Year in Changing China is a beautiful and thought-provoking documentary that takes viewers on a journey through the stunning and ever-changing landscapes of modern China. The film focuses on the experiences of two Western teachers, Jocelyn Cullity and Prakash Younger, as they immerse themselves in the culture and daily life of a small village nestled along the coast of the Yellow Sea.

Over the course of a year, Cullity and Younger share their personal stories and observations about the people, traditions, and natural wonders of the village and the surrounding region. Through their eyes, we see a China that is full of contrasts and contradictions, where ancient spiritual beliefs and modern technology coexist, and where rapid economic growth and environmental degradation are both major forces shaping the future.

The film is divided into four distinct seasons, each with its own unique characteristics and challenges. In the spring, we witness the farmers planting their crops and the fishermen preparing for the upcoming fishing season. As the summer heat sets in, we see the children playing and learning at school, and we observe the daily rituals of Buddhism and Taoism that are so deeply ingrained in the culture. In the fall, we witness the harvest and the preparations for the Mid-Autumn Festival, while in the winter, we see the village blanketed in snow and ice.

Throughout the film, Cullity and Younger interact with a diverse cast of characters, including a young student who dreams of becoming a scientist, a traditional medicine practitioner who struggles to pass on his knowledge to the next generation, and a group of older women who practice the ancient art of nianhua paper cutting. Through these encounters, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and joys of life in modern China, and we see the resilience and creativity of the people who call this land home.

Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of Going to the Sea is its exquisite cinematography. The filmmakers make brilliant use of both aerial and ground-level shots to capture the stunning beauty and complexity of the Chinese landscape. From the golden fields of ripe wheat to the bustling streets of a modern metropolis, each shot is expertly crafted to give viewers a sense of the scale and diversity of China.

At its heart, Going to the Sea is a film about change and transformation. We see the natural world changing with the passing of the seasons, the social fabric of the community evolving with the rise of new technology and the influx of outsiders, and the individual characters themselves growing and adapting to the challenges and opportunities of modern life.

Whether you are a seasoned traveler, a lover of nature and culture, or simply someone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of modern-day China, Going to the Sea is a film that is sure to inspire, educate, and delight.

Going to the Sea: A Year in Changing China is a 1996 documentary with a runtime of 48 minutes.