Up the Yangtze(2007): The power of the bewilderedness

The film, written and directed by a Canadian Chinese descendent, Yang Cheng, has gained critical acclaim for its beautiful cinematography and interesting narration.

Set in the backdrop of when Three Gorges Dam was built, the film opens with a trucking shot of the Dam’s inner part then followed by a wide shot of tourists from worldwide. It is imminent for the film's undertone as it unfolds.

The narrator, the "grandson” of a Canadian immigrant, positions himself as a traveler who carries his grandfather’s motive and further he develops his own vision about China through his findings.

Interview with few typical characters, Cheng’s attempt is to explore the life of the people who live around the Three Gorges Dam:

Cindy, a girl from a village near by the river, must forgo an education to support her peasant family.  Her home will be covered by the water when this largest hydroelectric dam functions.  While dreaming of a splendid future, Jerry, a city boy, is also recruited as a crew member just like Cindy. His goal is to make more money than his parents. On the contrary, Jerry’s savvy does not help him to stay with the cruise over Cindy whose shy and rustic appearance perhaps has the least threats to others. As the girl begins to embrace the new life, Jerry has to leave with disappointment.

Assuming if “one child policy” causes this young man’s behavior against others, the question is: what if giving him a second chance? The answer is NO. To many Chinese, being humble, even deceitful pretenses, is a key to get ahead. One may ask: Does this old tradition (rooted from Confucianism) still impact the rules of today? Maybe!

A losing-frontal-teeth tour guide believes what China has carried out the “White Cat/Black Cat” theory initiated by one past politician of China, Deng Xiaoping, whose famous line had changed China from a country obsessed with mass political movements to a country focused on economic construction since 1980s. From the following viewpoints: the city’s prosperity as the place decorated by lots of neon lights; the girls wear miniskirts walking on the street or dancing in the night club. To compare those farmers who still work in an old fashion to pave the concrete walls to build the reservoir.  You probably have experienced what this Cat’s theory says: Doesn’t matter whether it is a white cat or a black cat, as long as it’s capable to catch mice.

As the film towards the end, Cheng’s wonder becomes a concern of what his grandpa maybe get lost in this country’s reform. He voices over a girl, about 5 or 6, dancing behind grids, as a metaphor of an iron cage. The girl’s image is rather blurred, however, it is clear to show her manner as a sexy woman as if indulging in a fantasy of sexual innuendo. Shall we consider this message is from the filmmaker whom attempts to transcend his own anxiety: of what could be the future of this country? Maybe...!

Can the filmmaker dare to draw a conclusion here? Not yet!

Instead, Cheng, with few credits before, chose a conservative approach: At the end, he goes back to where the film begins. Still the same dam, but with the lights on… as the lights continue to glow and extend......