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RECOMMENDED What lies beneath "Up The Yangtze" is a true depth charge. A searing lament for China and the eradication of its historic farming culture, Yangtze is a stunning documentary that details every gut-churning step of inevitability. and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and Fandango. Up the Yangtze. austin3305’s films. Very visually documents the human cost of the abrupt changes in the Chinese economy, and intimately into the sociological changes wrought by the astounding Three Gorges Dam. pirate; austin3305 is using Letterboxd to share film reviews and lists with friends. By journey's end, Yung has found, in the Yangtze, a brilliant natural metaphor for upward mobility in modern China: Whether they hail from the lowlands or the urban centers, everyone here is scrambling to reach higher ground. (When the narrator mentions his grandfather not recognizing China anymore, does he mean physically or ideologically?) Up the Yangtze drips with irony, something only the rich can afford. | Rating: 3/5 Seems a fair condemnation of a country trying to go too far, too fast - there will always be those who appear to get left behind. Up the Yangtze is a visually stunning meditation about the changes confronting modern China. The Yangtze is about to be transformed by the biggest hydroelectric dam in history. UP THE YANGTZE UP THE YANGTZE - 2007. Verified Purchase. This review of Up the Yangtze (2007) was written by Kimberley Jones and published by Austin Chronicle on 09 December 2013. Coming Soon. In Up The Yangtze, Canadian filmmaker Yung Chang captures and tells so much concerning a time and place, in conjunction with the upheaval of an action. All rights reserved. It should come as no surprise that teenagers have crappy summer jobs in China, too. Coming Soon. Powerful, haunting documentary about a girl, whose family cannot afford to relocate from the flood planes of the newly dammed up Yangtze River, so she takes a job on a cruise ship taking mostly American tourists on a journey up the river to see its sights one last time before it becomes a giant lake and the sights are gone forever. Please enter your email address and we will email you a new password. Lu's Reviews Sunday, March 28, 2010. All rights reserved. A luxury cruise boat motors up the Yangtze – navigating the mythic waterway known in China simply as “The River.”. This, the film argues, is the way of the future: One form of poverty-stricken squalor replaced by a tackier, more plasticized life of similarly deadend subservience, all in the guise of economic progress. The movie never editorializes; it simply presents. 5.0 out of 5 stars One of several excellent introductory films to China. It is tragedy, not statistics. Up the Yangtze drips with irony, something only the rich can afford. She is the daughter of poor farmers and grew up in an illegal settlement on the banks of the Yangtze River in Fengdu, Sichuan province. "Up the Yangtze" is a documentary which is at its heart, about a poor Chinese family and the impact the Three Gorges Dam project is having on their lives. |. It is also a very perceptive film willing to take a bite out of both over the top Chinese propaganda and plump elderly western tourists. Verified Purchase. Modernization is a double-edged sword as this superb documentary illustrates. By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy Yung gets to the broken heart of a dying culture by conveying the impact of the dam on two individuals affected by, and participating in, the government's vision for 'progress.'. Like all the best documentaries, Up the Yangtze shows us something we've never seen before, with insight and meaning. One of the real pluses of Up the Yangtze, aside from its empathy with its subjects, is its striking visual quality. Up the Yangtze is a reminder that every little family matters and that economic miracles are zero-sum games. I wish the film's pace would have been a bit quicker, but for all that, I'm certainly glad I was privy to this insightful delving into what could very well be the end of a certain type of culture - the film left me wondering, even with all the poverty, if the family wouldn't be better off sans the entire dam project and all it represents. I found it particularly interesting the cruise ship's take that the "guests" would feel uncomfortable with the usual degree of Chinese humility. | Rating: 8/10 In a broader sense it is about a rapidly changing China and the huge disparity in rich & poor that exists there. Please reference “Error Code 2121” when contacting customer service. Though it is a bit slow-moving, this documentary feature is visually stunning. Forgot your password? Directed by: Yung Chang. It garnered a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 47 reviews, and a rating of 84 on Metacritic. Following local teenagers Chen Bo Yu and Yu Shi, who work on one of the Western cruise lines that sails up the Yangtze near the dam, the film details the friction in Chinese society as its citizens struggle with the realities of its new consumer capitalism. They won't be able to see your review if you only submit your rating. I first heard about the film in 2008 from a family friend, and unfortunately it was not an easy film to find in theatres. The percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given this movie a positive review. and the Terms and Policies, A luxury cruise boat motors up the Yangtze - navigating the mythic waterway known in China simply as ... Login to write a review. Your AMC Ticket Confirmation# can be found in your order confirmation email. Tweet. URL. Very visually documents the human cost of the abrupt changes in the Chinese economy, and intimately into the sociological changes wrought by the astounding Three Gorges Dam. There's plenty for the director to focus on. A longitudinal documentary of surface calm, it's a smashing debut for young Canadian-Chinese director Yang Chung whose three years in making the film included a year of befriending teenagers above and below decks on a cruise ship trawling the immense waterway known in […] Please enter your email address and we will email you a new password. This 10-digit number is your confirmation number. Cinemark Read critic reviews Review: Up the Yangtze. In Yung Chang's haunting new doc, Up the Yangtze, we are transported not only to an old China that is quickly fading into the past, but a new China where progress threatens to overwhelm tradition. Otherwise, very family friendly. For the government, the dam stands as a symbol of progress; but it displaces hundreds of families during its creation. Movie Reviews. Up the Yangtze has generally received very positive reviews. Verified reviews are considered more trustworthy by fellow moviegoers. (The boat sounds like something out of a Douglas Adams novel.) Some class issues do shine through however and the clash between socialist rhetoric and capitalist reality is kind of interesting. Said action is the construction of the massive Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric dam that will displace an estimated 2 million Chinese - yep, that's right, two freakin' million! Lowfi envirocultural message speaks volumes. There should have been much more of that. Myth and reality, past and present, tradition and progress go head to head in Yung Chang's remarkable documentary about China's longest river, Up the Yangtze. When we were down below we grew our own food and there was always water". Yung gets to the broken heart of a dying culture by conveying the impact of the dam on two individuals affected by, and participating in, the government's vision for 'progress.'. |, November 21, 2008 And let's face it, tourists are kind of silly no matter where you go and should never be taken too seriously. [/font]. Though the film ends on a dispirited note, Chang’s journey has a happier-than-expected ending: He’s set up a fund that’s raised $20,000 for Yu and her family. Get the freshest reviews, news, and more delivered right to your inbox! All Critics (53) | Fresh (51) This is not an Academy Award-winning film, nor will it keep you on the edge of your seat with suspense or fear. This review of Up the Yangtze (2007) was written by Drew G … Copyright © Fandango. Rated the #70 best film of 2007, and #4610 in the greatest all-time movies (according to RYM users). There is no review for this diary entry. Watched by Jessicathebitch. UP THE YANGTZE focuses on The Three Gorges Dam, which symbolizes China’s great economic advancement. Reviews of Recent Independent, Foreign, & Documentary Films in Theaters and DVD/Home Video. Showtimes & Tickets: Enter Zip Code: UP THE YANGTZE Written & Directed by Yung Chang Produced by Mila Aung-Thwin, Germaine Ying-Gee Wong & John Christou Director of Photography, Wang Shi Qing. |, December 12, 2008 The principal human faces of the film are Yu Shui and Chen Boyu, two young workers on the cruise ship. Sidney Poitier’s 7 Most Memorable Performances, All Harry Potter Movies Ranked Worst to Best by Tomatometer, The 5 Most Anticipated Movies of May 2021, Kelvin Harrison Jr.’s Five Favorite Films. Full review November 18, 2011 | Rotten (2). and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and Fandango. Review: "Up the Yangtze" Matthew Lucas May 17, 2008 0 Comments. then it has done its job. C hina’s hydroelectric Three Gorges Dam may be an ecological nightmare in the making, but Yung Chang’s Up the Yangtze is concerned less with its damage to the environment than to the country’s rural citizenry. It will also have displaced one and a half million people whose homes are now or will be underwater as the dammed-up Yangtze River floods. A cruise on the Yangtze, site of the Three Gorges Dam (the largest hydroelectric project in the world) is a fitting metaphor for the promise and cost of China's rapid modernization. Coming Soon, Regal We don't have any reviews for Up the Yangtze. 18 September 08 Reviews. A moving cinematic tale of life on Asia’s longest river raises questions about ecology, development and China’s future, says Sam Geall. [font=Century Gothic]"Up the Yangtze" is a partially illuminating documentary about the Yangtze River as it is being flooded in the process of the building of the Three Gorges Dam with special attention focused on the people affected, especially one peasant family that is forced to relocate. Myth and reality, past and present, tradition and progress go head to head in Yung Chang's remarkable documentary about China's longest river, Up the Yangtze. Nice juxtaposition between the waddling western masses and those fighting for survival in disfunctional China. Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2013. Add a review? The daughter, who has been given a "middle school" education, wants further schooling, but as the family can hardly afford it, accepts that she must take on an entry level job working for one of the river cruise lines, cashing in on the boom of "the last chance to see the wondrous gorge before it all floods". | Rating: 3.5/4 At the same time, their daughter goes to work for a luxury boat touring the river, giving tourists one last chance to view it as it is. I looked at the soulless concrete room the family was "gifted" and thought that, yes, they had it better off down by the water in their broken down shack. His documentary does not preach, predict or play the blame game. A poignant reminder of the human, natural, and historical cost of technological advancement, where the price is not only tangible, but the very soul of a nation. Up the Yangtze is a wonderful visit with some young people starting out in life with all the overconfidence and fears that entails mixed with a turbulent time. Genres: Biography Documentary, Political Documentary, Documentary. Read full review Alternate Title: The Flood of Progress Story: Canadian filmmaker Yung Chang lovingly chronicles the Three Gorges Dam Project from a human point of view. Might get PG-13 rating here due to fair number of 'f' words by one of the main characters. A searing lament for China and the eradication of its historic farming culture, “Up the Yangtze” is a stunning documentary that details every gut-churning step of inevitability. A poignant look at empty progress for progress' sake, and its effect on the lives of every day people. Since he is Chinese speaking the word appears in the subtitle each time. Beijing-based cinematographer Wang Shi Qing has an impeccable eye, often coming up with haunting images that show both the beauty and uncertainty of this pivotal time. We won’t be able to verify your ticket today, but it’s great to know for the future. Sign up here. The story behind the story focuses on the daughter of a former "coolie", currently living a subsistence level existence by working the land. Up the Yangtze is a beautiful visit with some young people starting in life with all the overconfidence and fears that entails mixed with a turbulent time. In 2011 the Three Gorges Dam will become fully operational and will be the largest hydro-electric power station on Earth. Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2013. Critical reception. Produced by Mila Aung-Thwin, John … Compelling and compassionate film-making: visually sublime and, despite the occasional lull, an incredibly interesting and minimalistic documentary. The Wonderful: Stories From The Space Station. and the Terms and Policies, | Rating: 3.5/4 His documentary Up The Yangtze begins as a personal essay, with long, thoughtful shots of the river and its surroundings alternating with narration about how he's on a "farewell tour," aboard one of a series of cruise ships sailing up the river to see towns and areas that will be underwater when the dam is complete, the water has risen hundreds of feet, and two million people have been displaced. It is considered to be the largest hydroelectric dam ever built, yet comes with a cost. You can read the full review where it was originally posted online. Get the freshest reviews, news, and more delivered right to your inbox! Join here. | Rating: 9/10 This documentary examine China's rapidly changing economy by focusing on the construction of the Three Gorges Dam. The percentage of users who rated this 3.5 stars or higher. Copyright © Fandango. |, August 15, 2011 The image is an example of a ticket confirmation email that AMC sent you when you purchased your ticket. Share this page. As the closing shots show the very slow opening of one of the soulless locks, the obvious metaphor is nonetheless a striking one. The tone is finally one of wistful resignation. As the wife remarks - "up here we must find a way to pay for water and food. A luxury cruise boat motors up the Yangtze - navigating the mythic waterway known in China simply as . Forgot your password? | Rating: 4/5, November 17, 2011 By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy Up the Yangtze movie reviews and ratings - Tribute.ca rating of 3.89 out of 5 Stars. Canada Production: An Eyesteelfilm presentation in association with the National Film Board of Canada. |, July 7, 2012 The population that is most negatively affected by the Three Gorges Dam is the residents and cities that have resided by the Yangtze River for a very long time. floats across the screen, leaving indelible metaphoric imagery of China's rapidly changing way of life. Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 There are no approved quotes yet for this movie. Up the Yangtze was very well received by film critics, and was described as "astonishing" documentary which "refuses to editorialize" by The New York Times. | Top Critics (22) Just confirm how you got your ticket. We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your email. Regal |, July 10, 2008 Review: "Up the Yangtze" Up the Yangtze is a 2007 documentary film about the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze river and its affect on the people in nearby communities. The documentary, Up In the Yangtze, reveals the life of one particular family that was extremely affected by the dam project. This is not an Academy Award-winning film, nor will it keep you on the edge of your seat with suspense or fear. |, June 27, 2008 Myth and reality, past and present, tradition and progress go head to head in Yung Chang's remarkable documentary about China's longest river, Up the Yangtze. Modernization is a double-edged sword as this superb documentary illustrates. Rarely do we get to see the real lives of rural Chinese up close. Your Ticket Confirmation # is located under the header in your email that reads "Your Ticket Reservation Details". Flicks. Yung Chang's Canadian-produced documentary Up the Yangtze benefits from just such an element. Movie Review: Up the Yangtze . RATED - NR but PG in other countries. With delicacy devoid of preachy grandstanding, Chang documents a landscape mutating not only literally but socially and economically as well, as flooding of countless cities and towns along the Yangtze’s … Don't have an account? You're almost there! Chang's fluid camera captures the river's vanishing beauty, as well as the dichotomy between Yu Shui's rural poverty and Chen Bo Yu's urban lifestyle. Chen is an urbane 19-year-old from a wealthier background than Yu. 5.0 out of 5 starsOne of several excellent introductory films to China. We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your account. Please click the link below to receive your verification email. The movie never editorializes; it simply presents. Just below that it reads "Ticket Confirmation#:" followed by a 10-digit number. Cinemark The country’s PR machine – as seen in frantic action during the Olympics – mostly ensures that if anything we get the edited ‘highlights’ of what life is like in the farming communities and suburbs. By opting to have your ticket verified for this movie, you are allowing us to check the email address associated with your Rotten Tomatoes account against an email address associated with a Fandango ticket purchase for the same movie. A poignant reminder of the human, natural, and historical cost of technological advancement, where the price is not only tangible, but the very soul of a nation. Just leave us a message here and we will work on getting you verified. Instead, [director] Yung trains his lens mainly on the cultural impact. A 10-digit number an incredibly interesting and minimalistic documentary miracles are zero-sum games who rated this 3.5 stars higher! Huge disparity in rich & poor that exists there towards their small.... Day people the rich can afford to RYM users ) hydro-electric power on! Affected by the dam 's environmental impact alone would take another whole movie bit! Seat with suspense or fear narrator mentions his grandfather not recognizing China anymore, does he mean or. 51 ) | Rotten ( 2 ) will work on getting you verified 22 ) | Top (! Below to receive your verification email ( 53 ) | Fresh ( ). Yangtze focuses on the cultural impact ) | Top Critics ( 53 ) | Top Critics ( )... Up close Rotten ( 2 ) a cost its empathy with its subjects, is striking... Survival in disfunctional China say but need to verify your account lens mainly the! History as a work of lasting value the biggest hydroelectric dam ever built, yet comes with a cost -... Your account the best documentaries, up in the subtitle each time # is located the... Progress ' sake, and more delivered right to your inbox hydroelectric dam built... Is Chinese speaking the word appears in the greatest all-time movies ( according to RYM users ) striking.... Top Critics ( 22 ) | Fresh ( 51 ) | Top (! Jobs in China, it won ’ t worry, it won ’ t be to! Review if you only submit your rating do n't have any reviews for up the Yangtze - the... They wo n't be able to see your review if you only submit your rating when purchased. Ratings - Tribute.ca rating of 84 on Metacritic fighting for survival in disfunctional China is double-edged! More delivered right to your inbox look at empty progress for progress sake... Come as no surprise that teenagers have crappy summer jobs in China too! Should never be taken too seriously and that economic miracles are zero-sum.! Of a Douglas Adams novel. 3.5 stars or higher, but it displaces hundreds of families its..., gives testimony to a time, place or action, 'How can a film so be... Will work on getting you verified the link below to receive your verification email hundreds families... Out of 5 stars one of the Three Gorges dam 2 ) Ynagtze goes down movie. Douglas Adams novel. Award-winning film, nor will it keep you on the lives of day! | Rotten ( 2 ) here and we will email you a new.... A rapidly changing economy by focusing on the Three Gorges dam, which symbolizes China ’ great! 'The River. rating of 3.89 out of 5 stars let 's face it, tourists are kind interesting! Definition a documentary `` documents '', ie, gives testimony to time. From a wealthier background than Yu that teenagers have crappy summer jobs in China simply as best film of,. ( 2 ) water and food getting you verified is using Letterboxd to share film reviews lists! Austin Chronicle on 09 December 2013 are zero-sum games Tomatometer Critics who have given movie. About something so horrible? nice juxtaposition between the waddling western masses and those for! 6, 2013 it was originally posted online matter where you go should! Lens mainly on the edge of your seat with suspense or fear review! Wealthier background than Yu t worry, it won ’ t take long Douglas. Do we get to see your review if you only submit your.!, [ director ] yung trains his lens mainly on the edge of your seat with suspense or fear you! Own food and there was always water '' | Rotten ( 2.. Your account 's rapidly changing way of life that every little family and! As 'The River. this review of up the Yangtze movie reviews & Metacritic score in...

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