Watch People's Republic Of Desire

People's Republic of Desire is a 2018 critically acclaimed documentary by director Hao Wu which chronicles China's booming live streaming industry. The film presents an inside look at the meteoric rise of live streaming and its effect on Chinese society, economy, and culture by introducing its audience to two of the biggest live streaming celebrities in China, Big Li and Shen Man.

The film begins by defining the concept of live streaming as a way for people to express themselves in front of millions of viewers without having to leave their homes. It explains that online celebrities and viewers use a virtual economy, virtual gifting, and virtual currencies. These have real-world economic implications that are transforming the entertainment industry and social norms of China, where Fans can send their favorite performers virtual gifts - such as roses, cars, virtual yachts, or even a house - which are then turned into real money for the performers.

We are then introduced to Big Li and Shen Man, two of the most popular live streaming performers in China. Li used to be a farmer and Man used to be an employee in a state-run company. Both turned to live streaming because it was a way to earn more money than their previous jobs offered. However, as their fame has grown, they have become required to put on a show for their fans 24/7 through streaming even at the cost of their own health and family relationships. They have to maintain an image of being relatable, but at the same time use the money made to live a luxurious lifestyle, with Man constantly showing off her purchases on-screen.

The film also introduces several other characters, such as fans and investors, whose fates are connected to Big Li and Shen Man. One of the fans is a young man named Lao Zhang, who spends a significant amount of his hard-earned money to gain the attention of Shen Man on the app. He explains his feelings of loneliness and how the virtual connection with her fills the void temporarily. Another investor, Uncle Niu, has invested in the industry for years and describes himself as a frenzied follower of the industry. He talks about the virtual economy and how it is transforming the entertainment industry.

The documentary offers unique insight into the online culture of China, as well as into this new frontier of online live streaming. The film delves into the close connections between celebrities and their fans, the impact of instant wealth on their lives, and the investment pressures from the corporate sector upon online celebrities. The rise of the live streaming industry has also made the virtual economy an unavoidably significant force in Chinese society. The film raises questions about the role of the government in regulating these platforms, especially since they have become an essential part of the Chinese economy.

As the film progresses, it becomes clear that live streaming, while initially providing an opportunity for people to connect with others, has changed a social connection and our understanding of performing. It is a performance that is as much for real life as it is for their followers. At the end of the movie, the viewer is introduced to a new world, where likes and followers can turn into money, the virtual economy becomes real, and live streaming transforms the entertainment industry.

In conclusion, People's Republic of Desire is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that offers an in-depth look into the live-streaming industry and its impact on Chinese society. The film serves as a window into the rise of the virtual economy and its close-knit relationship with online entertainment. Through the in-depth portrayal of Shen Man and Big Li, the audiences get a glimpse at the high price of fame and the integrity trade-off for entertainment and attention. This film is not only relevant to those interested in China but also to anyone who wants to understand the role of the virtual economy in shaping the future of communication, entertainment and social norms.

People's Republic Of Desire is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 77.