The Yangtze River
The Yangtze River

TV Show spotlight

The Yangtze River

1983
TV Show
Ended
1 Season
Mandarin

Insights

IMDb7.4/10
Director: Joris Ivens, Marceline Loridan-IvensGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

This documentary offers a sweeping portrayal of China's iconic Yangtze River, charting its course from its origins to its mouth. It captures the daily lives of people living along its banks, their traditions, and their relationship with the river. The film also touches upon the historical and cultural significance of the Yangtze in shaping China's identity. Through stunning visuals and intimate observations, it presents a multifaceted view of a vital artery of the nation.

Critical Reception

The Yangtze River was lauded for its epic scope and poetic visual style, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into Chinese life during the early 1980s. Critics praised the filmmakers' ability to capture both the grandeur of the landscape and the dignity of its inhabitants. It is considered a significant work in the documentary tradition, appreciated for its observational approach and historical context.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually stunning and epic in scope.

  • Offers a rare and intimate portrait of life along the Yangtze.

  • A significant and poetic documentary from a master filmmaker.

Google audience: Information not available for Google user reviews.

Fun Fact

Joris Ivens, a celebrated documentary filmmaker, was already in his 80s when he embarked on this ambitious project, making it one of his final major works.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review