Iron and Silk
Iron and Silk is a 1990 movie based on the eponymous book by American writer Mark Salzman. It details his journey to China after college to study Chinese wu shu, better known in the west as kung fu, and to teach English. Though not trained as an actor, Salzman starred as himself, as did Pan Qingfu, who claimed no one else could portray him on film. Salzman's experiences occurred in Changsha, Hunan, though the film was shot in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. (Wikipedia)
Insights
Plot Summary
This short documentary offers a glimpse into the life and poetry of Sherman Alexie, a Spokane-Coeur d'Alene writer. It explores his experiences growing up on the reservation, his struggles with alcoholism, and his eventual journey towards finding his voice through writing. The film intersperses Alexie's readings of his poetry with personal reflections and observations.
Critical Reception
As a short documentary, 'Iron and Silk' was primarily showcased at film festivals and received positive attention for its raw honesty and powerful voice. It was recognized for giving a platform to an emerging Native American artist.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its authentic portrayal of Native American experiences.
- Commended Sherman Alexie's evocative poetry and storytelling.
- Noted for its intimate and personal filmmaking style.
Google audience: Information regarding Google user reviews for this short documentary is not readily available.
Awards & Accolades
Selected for competition at the Sundance Film Festival in 1991.
Fun Fact
The film was made while Sherman Alexie was still a student at the University of Washington, showcasing his early talent as a filmmaker and writer.
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