Director: Yung Chang. A Canadian Director from Montreal. This stunning documentary earned him a slot at TIFF, as well as Reel Asian, and has subsequently landed him in 2008 Canada’s Top Ten List. 
 
Screening: Well, you have missed the Festival by a half year, and Reel Asian by a couple of months. But don’t worry. It begins its limited run at the Cumberland this weekend.  
 
In a nutshell: Chang profiles the changes taking place in the Yangtze river basin, due to the Three Gorges project, the world’s largest Hydro-electric initiative, which will flood 275 meters of the basin and displace over 2 million Chinese, mostly poor and rural commoners. 

This film follows the plight of one family, that of 16-year old Yu Shui, who, lacking the money to continue her education after middle school, is sent to work on one of the luxury “GoodbyeYangtze” cruises. 
 
Three words to describe: This film was beautiful and touching and, at times, hilarious. Everything a great documentary should be – a slice of life. 
 
Indicative quote: “Do not use the words pasty, old or fat to describe Americans. The word used is plump. Do not confuse Canadians with Americans. Do not discus British royalty, or royalty of any kind. Steer away from discussions of the Middle East, or any discussion of religion or politics in general. Also, please refrain from appearing too modest, humble or shy. You will seem insincere” – Yu Shui’s cruise director, in instructing the staff on how to speak to the guests. 
 
Reason I liked it: It gets inside the lives of people I have known little about. And manages to do it brilliantly. Capturing the support for the project, as well as the despair it causes, generally from the same people. It accesses a world that can be seen, but is very difficult to understand, and does its best to provide a ‘hands-on’ objective picture of what is happening. 
 
Annoying Qualities: Nearly none. Honestly, the only thing I was annoyed at during this film was myself, well, actually, Americans, too be exact…. There is a scene where the American tourists dress up in traditional Chinese clothes, pose for pictures and proceed to call the Chinese people and their customs hilarious….. ugh… 
 
This film made me feel: Like I have a clearer idea of what is going on in the world around me. And reminded me that not all despair is the CNN-soundtrack-melodramatic version of it, with a catchphrase and a sound byte. People live with despair every day and still manage to crack a joke. I hated the excess of modern capitalism (as I sat in my apartment, watching this dvd on my modern television, don’t think I didn’t see the irony and hypocrosy), but was uplifted by the triumph of the human spirit. It’s willingness to adapt, and live, whatever the circumstance. 
 
You’ll like this film if you liked: Shake Hand With The Devil (2004), Vice Guide to Travel (2006) 
 
Verdict: Amazing, a Must See….. Ever since Nanook of the North (1922) this country has been known for its docs. Up The Yangtze upholds 
the tradition.
 
Go see this film with: Anyone…. everyone…. someone who will debate the film with you after.