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Up the Yangtze
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Metascore
84 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: In China, it is simply known as 'The River.' But the Yangtze—and all of the life that surrounds it—is undergoing an astonishing transformation wrought by the largest hydroelectric project in history, the Three Gorges Dam. Chinese-Canadian director Yung Chang returns to the gorgeous, now-disappearing landscape of his grandfather’s youth to trace the surreal life of a “farewell cruise” that traverses the gargantuan waterway. With a humanist gaze and wry wit Chang’s Upstairs Downstairs approach captures the microcosmic society of the luxury liner. Below deck: a bewildered young girl trains as a dishwasher sent to work by her peasant family, who is on the verge of relocation from the encroaching floodwaters. Above deck: wealthy international tourists set sail to catch a last glance of a country in dramatic flux. The teenage employees who serve and entertain them—tagged with new Westernized names like “Cindy” and “Jerry” by upper management—warily grasp at the prospect of a better future. "Up the Yangtze" gives a human dimension to the wrenching changes facing not only an increasingly globalized China, but the world at large. (Zeitgeist Films)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Lisa Schwarzbaum
    100
    Filmmaker Yung Chang finds a sad and beautiful way to glimpse the big picture of dislocation through an exquisitely poised small study.
  2. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Ty Burr
    100
    In his masterful and haunting documentary Up the Yangtze, Yung Chang shows the old China drowning helplessly under the weight of the new.
  3. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: G. Allen Johnson
    100
    Remarkable.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. David
    10
    The father is one of the most interesting, but tragic characters I have ever seen caught on film. His recognition of change, and his responsibilities outweigh any anger he has about relocating. Simply a stunning documentary, one that should be seen by anybody who has bought a product from China, aka everybody!… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. AnnieS.
    10
    Devastatingly haunting, heart-breaking, and beautiful. One of the most stunning and important films of our time.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. DynaM.
    5
    Filmmaker doesn't have a steady balance of form or style. Unevenly audition different methods of filmmaking into one piece. Subject outweighs the film.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 7 User Reviews

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