Chinese Portrait
| Director | Wang Xiaoshuai |
|---|---|
| Year | 2018 |
| Country | China |
| Runtime | 1h 19m |
| Language | Mandarin |
| Format | digital |
| TMDB | View entry |
Synopsis
Static shots capture China’s rapid transformation in this documentary from acclaimed Sixth Generation director Wang Xiaoshuai (BEIJING BICYCLE, SO CLOSE TO PARADISE, DRIFTERS). The series of long takes are each carefully composed, calling to mind a painterly or photographic style, taking in vast landscapes of urban and rural life while subjects pose for the camera. Shot over the course of ten years, Wang explores many regions of China and its diverse population, from fisherman to students, office workers to traditional musicians. Wang invites viewers to consider not only social change, but also how this transformation is represented on screen. Shooting on film and video of various aspect ratios, the documentary takes a quietly radical approach that shows a shift in cinema as filmmaking has moved increasingly from analog to digital over the past decade. Contemplative, subtle, and immersive, CHINESE PORTRAIT is a visually striking film that offers viewers an intimate window into Wang’s singular perspective of contemporary China. – Daniel Mauro, Programmer
Listed at AFS
Archived on the AFS site between Mon, Nov 29 2021 and Sun, Feb 5 2023, across 3 captures. These dates are inferred from Wayback Machine captures and may not be accurate.