UP THE YANGTZE (M)

Director:
Yung Chang

Plot Summary:
In China, it is simply known as “The River.” But the Yangtze—and all of the life that surrounds it—is undergoing a truly astonishing transformation wrought by the largest hydroelectric project in history, the Three Gorges Dam. Canadian documentary filmmaker Yung Chang returns to the gorgeous, now-disappearing landscape of his grandfather’s youth to trace the surreal life of a “farewell cruise” that traverses the gargantuan waterway.

With Altmanesque narrative agility, a humanist gaze and wry wit, Chang’s Upstairs Downstairs approach beautifully captures the microcosmic society of the luxury liner. Below deck: A bewildered young girl trains as a dishwasher—sent to work by her peasant family, who is on the verge of relocation from the encroaching floodwaters. Above deck: A phalanx of wealthy international tourists set sail to catch a last glance of a country in dramatic flux. The teenaged employees who serve and entertain them—now tagged with new Westernized names like “Cindy” and “Jerry” by upper management—warily grasp at the prospect of a more prosperous future.

Singularly moving and cinematically breathtaking, UP THE YANGTZE gives a human dimension to the wrenching changes facing not only an increasingly globalized China, but the world at large.

Official Selection Sundance Film Festival

Winner - Best Canadian Documentary
Vancouver International Film Festival

Genre:
Documentary

Duration:
1 Hour 33 Minutes

Origin:
Canada

Language:
English/Mandarin (With Subtitles)

Reviews:

**** Stars
--SANDRA HALL. SYDNEY MORNING HERALD.

**** Stars
--DAVID STRATTON. AT THE MOVIES.

**** Stars
--Review by Margaret Pomeranz:

UP THE YANGTZE may sound like the title of a very old-fashioned comedy but it is in fact a documentary by Canadian filmmaker Yung Chang whose family emigrated from China two generations ago.

The Yangtze is China’s major river and the building of the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric project in the world, will displace 2 million people.

The parents of young Yu Shui have already moved once and face being displaced yet again by the rising river. She wants to continue her education but the family can’t afford it. The cruise ships which ply up and down the great river offer her a chance of employment.

Another new recruit is Chen Bo Yu, a confident young man who thinks he knows how to get on in life.

This fascinating, extremely beautiful documentary is both insightful and moving. So much is explored in the film in a gentle, non-sensationalist way. The interface between the Chinese crew and the Westerners they serve is funny and sweet and illuminating.

But it’s through the family of Yu Shui – who is renamed Cindy on board the ship – that you get a sense of the vulnerability of poor people in China.

The cinematography by Beijing based Wang Shi Qing is a major plus in the film. This is obviously the work of a real filmmaker. Yung Chang has structured his film so adroitly, you learn a lot with this film in the best possible way.

Trailer: