China syndrome

>> Yung Chang examines the human cost
of economic growth in his superb
documentary Up the Yangtze

by MATTHEW HAYS

The story making the rounds is that when programmers at the Toronto International Film Festival rejected Up the Yangtze for September’s edition, the reason they gave for passing on it was that they had already programmed too many films made about the effects of China’s Three Gorges Dam. Obviously, this has become something of a blight on TIFF’s usually sound programming choices, given that both domestic and international critics are declaring Up the Yangtze a superb, intricate documentary feature.

Made by Concordia film-school graduate Yung Chang, Up the Yangtze seems to reflect the massive bundle of contradictions that is modern China—a country in an overwhelming state of flux—through the microcosm of just a few people. Chang was inspired to make the film after a visit to his parent’s native country found him witnessing the seismic shifts in Chinese social and political culture with his own eyes. Chang was particularly struck by boat tours given to tourists along the Yangtze, where visitors could pay to see the rapidly-rising waters of the river, all a result of the dam.

The Three Gorges Dam has been touted by the Chinese authorities as a major achievement for the nation, a symbol of its new economic might and a new source of energy for its staggering, burgeoning industry. Naturally, there are detractors, who point out that millions of people are being displaced by the environmental changes the dam brings, and that the shift in water will be so extreme, some have estimated that it might even bring about a shift in the earth’s axis.

In a series of stunning, sweeping shots, Chang shows us the crushing effects of all of this change. The awe-inspiring power of nature is felt as we see the water rising and look upon the stunning beauty of much of the Chinese landscape. (Yes, this film is evoking comparisons to Jennifer Baichwal’s 2006 film Manufactured Landscapes.) Of course, there’s absolutely nothing natural about the changes that are occurring, and while Chang shows us epic beauty, he doesn’t shy away from the dark undertow of the visual poetry.

Chang shows us the human side of China’s economic miracle, by taking us on board the tacky cruise liner and introducing us to several keen young workers. Full of ambition, they’re eager to make a fast buck out of the tourism boom. Chang won’t let his vision become too dour; there’s a hilarious sequence in which young tour guides are schooled at what not to say to Westerners (don’t make fun of their politicians, don’t comment on their weight and don’t compare Canada to the U.S.).

But Up the Yangtze never loses sight of the various severe human hardships that are flourishing as China evolves. In particular, the life of one young tour-boat worker, Yu Shui, is indicative of the harsh reality. While she struggles to make her rather grim tour-boat vocation work, her family is forced to leave their shantytown due to rising waters.

It’s but one of many powerful moments in Up the Yangtze, one of the best documentaries to arrive in years.

Up the Yangtze opens this Friday, Feb. 22.
Opening night party open to the public;
details will be announced at the friday
night screenings

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