Up The Yangtze (2007 - Yung Chang)
This fascinating documentary follows two young people who work on a cruise ship that takes passengers up the Yangtze river. Due to the Three Gorges Dam project, the water is rising and many people are being relocated. In this very short section of the film, as people argue out in the street about being pushed out of their homes or not getting properly compensated, the man being interviewed breaks down as he contemplates his situation...
"It's hard being a human, but being a common person in China is even more difficult. China is too hard for common people. Some officials are like bandits: beating, smashing, robbing...Even wanting a roof over our heads is difficult. When we had to move, we were dragged and beaten. No money to bribe the officials so they gave us a hard time. For common people living day-by-day...it's really not easy."
Heartbreaking.
2 comments:
Aw Bob! Why you gotta go making me want to see this even more?!?! I've been quite remiss in not seeing it, but this pretty much solidified it on THE List. I'm really looking forward to it, even if it will be harrowing at times.
Way late in responding...Sorry 'bout that.
Both of the main young people we follow have interesting and at times emotional storylines, but this single moment with this guy we've just met kind of encapsulated the entirety of what was happening.
There's a great time lapse sequence near the end showing the rise of the water. It's kind of staggering.
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