Cast
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Crew
Director
- Olivia Ellis
Writer
- Olivia Ellis
Producer
- Julian Wintle
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Is China represents a fascinating example of Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Olivia Ellis brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1946, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of This Is China took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 9 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 65 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1086 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1946, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While This Is China shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Pharmacy: Shanghai, which focuses more on action than character development, This Is China subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like In Search of Balance and Goldman Sachs, Masters of the World explore similar territory, This Is China stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 1, 1946
- Runtime: 9m
