Movie spotlight
Crocodile in the Yangtze
Crocodile in the Yangtze follows China's first Internet entrepreneur and former English teacher, Jack Ma, as he battles US giant eBay on the way to building China's first global Internet company, Alibaba Group. An independent memoir written, directed and produced by an American who worked in Ma's company for eight years, Crocodile in the Yangtze captures the emotional ups and downs of life in a Chinese Internet startup at a time when the Internet brought China face-to-face with the West. Crocodile in the Yangtze draws on 200 hours of archival footage filmed by over 35 sources between 1995 and 2009. The film presents a strikingly candid portrait of Ma and his company, told from the point of view of an “American fly on a Chinese wall” who witnessed the successes and the mistakes Alibaba encountered as it grew from a small apartment into a global company employing 16,000 staff.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary chronicles the personal and professional journey of Bill Guttentag as he navigates the challenging landscape of launching a business in China during the early days of its economic opening. Guttentag, along with his business partner Duncan Smith, face immense cultural, political, and economic hurdles in their quest to build a successful enterprise in a rapidly changing nation. The film offers an intimate look at their struggles, triumphs, and the profound impact the experience has on their lives.
Critical Reception
Crocodile in the Yangtze has been praised for its raw honesty and insightful portrayal of the difficulties and rewards of doing business in China. Critics and audiences alike have noted its compelling narrative and the personal vulnerability displayed by its protagonists, offering a unique perspective on cross-cultural entrepreneurship.
What Reviewers Say
A compelling and honest look at the challenges of building a business in China.
Offers a unique, personal perspective on cross-cultural entrepreneurship.
Praised for its candid exploration of the struggles and triumphs involved.
Google audience: Information not available for Google user reviews.
Fun Fact
The film's title, 'Crocodile in the Yangtze,' is a metaphor for the perilous and competitive business environment in China during the time it was filmed.
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