Watch Joshua: Teenager Vs. Superpower
- TV-14
- 2017
- 1 hr 19 min
-
7.3 (1,687)
Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower is a 2017 documentary film that tells the story of Joshua Wong, a teenager who becomes one of Hong Kong's most prominent political activists. Directed by Joe Piscatella, the film chronicles Wong's journey from an ordinary high-school student to a leader of the Umbrella Movement, a pro-democracy movement that swept through Hong Kong in 2014.
The documentary opens with footage of the Umbrella Movement, showing a sea of yellow umbrellas filling the streets of Hong Kong as protesters demand greater political freedoms from the Chinese government. From there, the film flashes back to Wong's childhood and introduces us to his family, including his mother, who is a single parent working long hours as a hairdresser to support her son.
We then see Wong as a high-school student, where he first becomes interested in politics after learning about the Chinese government's plan to implement a new curriculum in Hong Kong schools that would promote patriotic education. Wong and his classmates launch a petition and organize rallies, successfully convincing the government to scrap the plan.
From there, Wong becomes increasingly involved in the pro-democracy movement, which eventually leads him to co-found a political party called Demosisto. The documentary shows Wong and his fellow activists protesting in the streets, organizing rallies, and often clashing violently with police.
One of the most powerful scenes in the film shows Wong and his fellow activists storming Hong Kong's Legislative Council Building, paralyzing the legislature for several hours. It's a dramatic moment that underscores the fearless determination of Wong and his peers.
Throughout the film, we also see the toll that Wong's activism takes on him personally. He is arrested multiple times, beaten by police, and spends time in prison. We see him struggle with balancing the demands of his movement with the more mundane aspects of life, like studying for exams and spending time with his family.
Despite the challenges, Wong remains undeterred, and the film ends on a hopeful note, with Wong announcing that he plans to run for office in the next election. It's a fitting conclusion to a powerful, inspiring documentary that highlights the importance of political activism and the courage of young people who are willing to fight for what they believe in.
Overall, Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower is a riveting and thought-provoking film that explores important themes like democracy, individual freedom, and the power of protest. While the subject matter is often heavy and intense, Piscatella's expert direction and Wong's charismatic presence keep the film engaging and engaging throughout. Ultimately, it's a must-watch for anyone who cares about issues of social justice and the role that young people can play in effecting change.
Joshua: Teenager Vs. Superpower is a 2017 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 7.3 and a MetaScore of 72.