A great look into the lives of the common Chinese citizen, the biggest strength of this documentary is not trying to focus on the experience of sole individuals but instead putting the spotlight on the entire Chinese working class.

In this documentary, the working lives of the citizens take central stage. We get an in-depth approach to various sectors: from the “Made in China” industrial sector with its mechanical and in some cases militarised approach to the most luxurious and etiquette driven sector, with also the nice inclusion of the latest methods of work pushed forward by the advent of the internet and the culture of social media and streaming.

Technically the film contains splendid photography with excellent compositions to highlight contrasts. This aspect is also accomplished through punctual moments of very good editing.

But maybe it is also this over relying on the visual aspects, especially during a section of the movie that revolves around the entertainment and free time of the citizens (families, youth, high society) that undermines a bit the quality of the message as it feels to much disconnected, both in content and style.

Finally, even though it is true that the way to tell its story is basically through visual aspects, we can appreciate various bits throughout the movie were various people (from a diverse class status) express different political, societal and economical points of view. Those become quite varied, some being more in favour of the current situation of the country and administration and some being more critical with it.

In conclusion, a more than usual visually centred type of documentary that through its hypnotic imagery and slightly sprinkled direct (spoken) social commentary provides what I believe to be a solid presentation of the Chinese way of life and thinking.

Worth watching.