Up The Yangtze (2007) (DVD)

Yung Chang's enthralling documentary UP THE YANGTZE explores the cultural conflicts of modern globalised China, or more specifically, to The Yangtze River. The Three Gorges Dam stands to become the largest hydroelectric project in history, and a testament to China's growing economic power. It also threatens to destroy the lush landscape and much-loved homes of the people surrounding it. Chang personalises this conflict by focusing on the strange 'farewell cruise' which carries Western tourists up the river to take in the disappearing panorama. As the sightseers enjoy the luxury of the cruise, they are waited on and entertained by a young Chinese crew struggling to come to terms with the dramatic changes to their country. UP THE YANGTZE is a beautifully shot, shocking and often moving account of diversity and conformity in a rapidly developing world.