‘Youth (Hard Times)’ and ‘Youth (Homecoming)’: Chinese Migrants Up Close

Wang Bing’s 2nd and 3rd films of his trilogy highlights the fate of young Chinese migrant workers.
‘Youth (Hard Times)’ and ‘Youth (Homecoming)’: Chinese Migrants Up Close
Teenagers Lin Shao (R) and Chen Wenting work in a Zhili factory from 8 am to 11 p.m., in "Hard Times." Icarus Films
Updated:
0:00

NR | 3h 46m & 2h 32m| Documentary | 2024

You cannot deny the tremendous work ethic of the young Chinese workers from the provinces, who come to labor in the 18,000 small textile factories in Zhili (roughly 100 miles from Shanghai). They have no sense of entitlement or expectation of a hybrid workplace. Granted, their attention to detail and quality control often appear questionable, but it is hard to blame them. They are only responding to the incentives of their piecemeal remuneration.

Joe Bendel
Joe Bendel
Author
Joe Bendel writes about independent film and lives in New York City. To read his most recent articles, visit JBSpins.blogspot.com