POV Season 21 Episode 17 Up The Yangtze

In the POV season 21 episode 17, titled "Up The Yangtze," viewers are taken on a captivating journey along China's Yangtze River. The episode tells the story of the Three Gorges Dam project and the impact it has on the people living along the riverbanks.

The documentary follows two teenagers, Yu Shui and Chen Bo Yu, who work on a luxury cruise ship that sails up the Yangtze River. Yu Shui comes from a poor family and is forced to work to support her family while Chen Bo Yu's family is relatively well-off. Their conversations and interactions offer a glimpse into the stark socioeconomic differences in China.

The film also explores how the Three Gorges Dam project, one of the largest engineering projects in the world, is affecting the people and environment of the area. The dam is designed to prevent flooding and generate electricity, but it has also forced more than a million people to relocate and displaced many communities that have lived along the river for generations.

The documentary highlights the cultural and environmental impacts of the dam, including the loss of historical sites and the destruction of habitats for fish and other wildlife. The film captures stunning visuals of the river landscape and the surrounding mountains, providing viewers with a sense of the natural beauty that is at risk due to the dam project.

Overall, "Up The Yangtze" is a thought-provoking and poignant look at the impact of development on communities and the environment. The personal stories of Yu Shui and Chen Bo Yu, along with the broader context of the Three Gorges Dam project, create a nuanced and complex portrayal of modern China. The episode offers a glimpse into the lives of those who are grappling with the consequences of progress and development and invites the audience to consider the broader implications of these issues.