Fifth about The Seventh

Jia Zhangke, A Guy from Fenyang (Jia Zhang-ke, um Homem de Fenyang)

Jia Zhangke, A Guy from Fenyang: master Chinese director JIA Zhang-ke is a worthy subject of Walter Salles’ insightful documentary. A chronicler of China’s transformation, in particular in his native province, Jia’s cinema is realistic and observational; this doc is able to replicate that, particularly the further transformations of his hometown. The film, edited by Joana Collier, mixes conversations of Jia with former actors and other crewmates, visits to old locations, and musings by Jia about his cinema and country, as well as footage from Jia’s films. The documentary is very insightful, but that manifests more for those with decent knowledge of his oeuvre, particularly his earliest work. This is very talky and slow-moving, but it can be a rewarding experience.

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