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    My People, My Country

    Total score  6.1

    Rated by 7 users. Scroll down to read reviews.

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    Select stars from 1 to 10.
    10 - A masterpiece, go, see it now
    9 - Excellent movie, a must see
    8 - Great movie, don't miss it
    7 - Good movie, worth seeing
    6 - Not bad, could be much better
    5 - So so, okay if you don't pay
    4 - Not good, even if you don't pay
    3 - Poor movie, not recommended
    2 - Very bad, forget about it
    1 - Worst ever, avoid at all costs

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    Average ratings

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    User reviews

    Leave out the politics, as a movie it's fantastically made. Actings are great, especially lead actress in second piece. Though a few scripts were a little lost probably because the political restrictions.
    Yes some parts can only be understood by Chinese. Might be hard pills for someone who had opinions ahead.

    9
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    peter@  21.10.2019 age: 36-49   1st review

    I knew it would be patriotic but not this over-the-top much; or maybe it is less covert/"democratic" than most countries' patriotism. It did offer a bit of insight into some types of general Chinese (as in country & politics of China) culture, which is my main reason to have seen it. It was well done to stir emotion and pride, and I did enjoy it on that level. I was surprised at how patriarchal this movie is! I would have liked to see more womens' contributions towards the admirable accomplishments of China.

    5
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    arlene@  18.10.2019 age: 50+ 288 reviews

    Beautiful movie, about the progress and love of its citizens.

    10
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    jack.ryan.93@  12.10.2019 age: 26-35 3 reviews

    I found this feature more than despicable as it comes to us with such bias from the People's Republic of China. The overlong extension of the film was too much to tolerate and I finally called it quits after two hours. This is not to say there are not some moments of excellent work in MY PEOPLE, MY COUNTRY in way of performances, camera work, editing and the enormity of putting such a project together. As film, it does hold up enough! But to watch a film that celebrates stories since the FOUNDING OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC, a detestable régime, was after a time like water torture. I WAS COMPELLED TO SEE THIS ENORMOUS PIECE OF PROPAGANDA, BUT NOTHING COULD FORCE ME TO STAY TILL THE BITTER END.

    I am not much on ANTHOLOGY type films as I have seen my share of them. Most times a segment or two might be catchy but usually the overall effect of the film doesn't hold the water it should. In this CHINESE ANTHOLOGY we have seven stories... that is just way too much material, each coming from a different visionary point (but always the communistic point) as each has its own separate director. Specifically dealing with Chinese Story Making, this film didn't do itself any favours as my personal opinion regarding Chinese literary works (of which I have enough knowledge) takes on a huge DESCENT in Chinese narrative works with its scope so very limited because of government policy and interference. AND BOY OH BOY DOES THE REPUBLIC PUSH ITS MESSAGE WITH THIS ENORMITY CALLED A FILM. Besides the direct Chinese content and bias, these segmented films often fail or are not satisfying because the element of drama or even character building is not fully possible in a truncated manner.

    Since the entire bag of this horrific film is nothing more than "a hymn" to the People's Republic of China, it is hardly inspirational, especially for the westerner who knows that the system of government at hand is a FRAUD and will forever be until the Chinese have true freedom. As from centuries previous, this people continues to be under the yoke and chain of taskmasters, but the new Chinese prosperity makes the pill all the easier to swallow nowadays.

    O.K., as stated elements of the film are sound, but from the stewardship of the feature's producers and directors we keep getting the glorification of this gargantuan nation that has proven itself in space with marvels like the Shen Zhou-11 landing and engineering marvels in spacecraft, but SO WHAT!!! It's still complete Communist Propaganda at its most hateful. We know better in the West, but are actually led to believe that this totalitarian government is all wise, all-powerful, omniscient and good for the Chinese people.

    Like the dictatorships such as the former U.S.S.R, the People's Republic of China has nothing that can be called praiseworthy and I INCLUDE THIS FILM. I won't give it a high score as its jingoistic values become sickeningly manipulative to the nth degree with deceits on such a high level. There is so much flag-raising in " M P, M C " that certainly this fact will enter the Guinness Book of World Records. The over-pandering of so much "filth" presented by the film is just too much to take.

    No one will dispute China's present power, their booming economy as of 2019 but everything presented in the film stems from an order of GOODNESS which is a TOTAL and COMPLETE LIE, much like the Trumpian lies in America.

    2
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    pietroantoni@  12.10.2019 age: 36-49 15,094 reviews

    I really like the film. It helps me to learn more about my country. I almost cry during the part with Hong Kong handover back to China from the British. I think every Chinese need to watch this film.

    7
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    benbenrabbit@  12.10.2019 age: 26-35 43 reviews

    WARNING: This review is hidden because it reveals the content of the film.
    Click here to show this review.
    I'm certain “My People, My Country” will snag all the awards at China’s equivalent of the Oscars. Jingoistic to the point of being sickening, every frame is spent forcefully celebrating the People’s Republic of China and enforcing government-approved values. Perhaps it would mean more to someone who lives there. For this viewer, it was a profoundly dull - though eye-opening - 158 minutes. Each of this anthology's seven stories come from a different director and feature some of the country’s biggest stars in a variety of roles and genres. There's a lot to say so pardon the longer-than-usual review.

    The Eve

    Engineer Lin Zhiyuab (Huang Bo) is floored when he learns Tian'anmen Square is being cordoned off before the founding ceremony of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949. As the man responsible for the mechanism that will automatically raise the flag, he must now find a way to anticipate and address any possible issues - without setting eyes upon the flagpole.

    Well, doesn't this sound like an exciting intro to a 2-1/2 hour movie? Immediately, you recognize this is a propaganda film. This means it'll be an interesting viewpoint into the engineer's way of thinking... but not the way they meant it to be. Like all propaganda films, this one presents its subject as all-good, all-powerful and forever successful. The lack of tension serves to make the story even less dramatic than it would’ve been normally. It's too short for you to get invested in the characters and the story is one you simply can't be bothered for.

    Passing By

    In 1964, China is developing nuclear weapons. Scientist Gao Yuan (Zhang Yi) has not seen his wife (Zhou Dongyu) for three years. An incident at work nearly causes a meltdown, forcing Gao to intervene and put his life at risk.

    If my country announced it was developing nuclear arms, I’d be outraged; not waving flags and singing songs. Even if your sentiments towards mutually-assured destruction differ, you'll leave this tale flabbergasted. Once we get into the drama between Gao and his wife, it’s a sweet love story. Then, the details hit you. The scientist’s fate is left ambiguous, as the story ends with the country’s victorious display of power. Anyone who knows anything knows only three things come from nuclear tests gone wrong: Superpowers, giant fire-breathing dinosaurs, of agonizing death. I guess we’re supposed to admire the man's dedication to his country, at the expense of his marriage and life?

    The Champion

    Dongdong (Han Haolin) and his father own the only television in their small village. It’s 1984 and China’s women’s national volleyball team is playing for the gold medal against the United States. While he holds the antenna in place, the village can view this historic match. Dongdong is torn, however. His school friend is moving away. If he doesn’t say goodbye to her tonight, he’ll never have the chance to tell her how he feels.

    Of all the stories, this was my favorite. Dongdong wants to step away from the antenna but there are always circumstances pulling him back towards it. It’s got small-town charm and some laugh-out-loud moments… until you begin thinking about the story's real message. It’s the Olympics, sure, but Dongdong is supposed to give up his happiness because he dares to have a little luxury at home?

    Going Home

    Directed by Sue Xiaolu," Going Home" follows a watch repairman tasked with coordinating two watches. The timekeepers will be worn by officials overseeing the ceremony commemorating the return of Hong Kong from British rule to China in 1997.

    Yet another mundane story detailing a flag-raising ceremony. With "The Champion" still in mind, this one seemed even more tedious than it would’ve been otherwise. It takes itself seriously - to a fault. The only time you'll be jolted out of your stupor will be when you spot the actors lovingly gazing at those five yellow stars on that red flag. Seriously, the flag plays such a big role in so many of these stories I wouldn’t be surprised if it got first billing in the end credits - I couldn't read them so I can neither confirm nor deny my suspicion.

    Hello Beijing

    Deadbeat dad and taxi driver Zhang (Ge You) wins a ticket to the 2008 Beijing Olympics’ opening ceremony. Thinking he can use it to gain the admiration of his son, he flaunts his prize. When the ticket is stolen by one of his fares, he panics.

    Like “The Champion”, “Hello Beijing” has a more comedic tone than the rest, which is a breath of relief. You take great delight when Zhang realizes his ticket has been swiped. It's an opportunity for him to redeem himself and he does, in a way that’ll make you roll your eyes. By the time the thief’s emotional speech comes in, you're practically nauseous.

    The Guiding Star

    Two brothers (Liu Haoran and Arthur Chen) are taken in by a kind, elderly couple. Initially planning on robbing them, the boys change their ways when a childhood story of a falling star seen during the day is fulfilled in the form of the Shenzhou 11’s landing capsule.

    The longer I go on with this anthology, the less I have to say. This is a basic story. There’s nothing wrong with that, as long as you mix it up a bit. Tying the country’s space program to a prophecy that goes on to change two nogoodniks’ lives? Puh-lease.

    One for All

    Fighter jet pilot Lü Xiaoran (Jia Song) has fought tooth-and-nail to be the best. When she is assigned to be the backup pilot for the Military Parade of the 70th Anniversary of the Victory in the Second Sino-Japanese War, she is initially outraged. As the big event approaches, she learns the importance of setting her ambitions aside.

    We started off with a boring story. It's only fitting to conclude with another. The training sequences are cool and the shots of those jets zipping through the air are exciting but by this point, you know what agenda director Wen Muye is pushing onto you and your defenses are robust. There’s no way you'll let "One for All" "win" and you look down upon it with disdain.

    Overall, the film is well made. The cinematography is grandiose, the landscapes majestic, the performances good. I simply couldn't look past the messages being pushed. Give up three years of your life, the chance to say goodbye to your friend, your lifelong ambitions. Do it for your country. Don't expect to be recompensed for your sacrifice; are you crazy?! Take joy in the sight of that flag, the symbol that ties us all together and makes everyone, from the lowliest thieves to aspiring engineers part of a bigger whole whose collective needs far outweigh the inconvenience of a few. Let's throw in a couple of subtle potshots towards the U. S., Japan, and the United Kingdom for good measure too. I didn't want to say too much in my summaries of the stories, but almost all of these take the corniness to an insufferable level. There's overwrought drama abound, the conclusions always go for the cheapest tricks and worst of all, you'll be bored. There’s so much to learn from “My People, My Country” that I'm glad to have seen it but found it more frightening than inspirational. (Original Chinese with subtitles on the big screen, October 7, 2019)

    3
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    adamwatchesmovies@  9.10.2019 age: 26-35 3,005 reviews

    I am not Chinese and I have never visited the country. I enjoyed the film because it was from the perspective of the Chinese government. It was enlightening for me to see the pride they have (especially when Hong Kong was returned to them). If you are curious about other cultures and history, you may also like this film.

    7
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    cathy@  3.10.2019 age: 50+ 8 reviews



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