The 2008 earthquake in China utterly destroyed not only physical structures but also human lives in mountain cities like Beichuan. Through the gracefully interwoven stories of three survivors from the town, Fallen City documents the struggle to rebuild amidst ruin.
Sobering doco of life after a major earthquake hits the Chinese city of Beichuan, killing 20,000 of its residents. Especially resonant with recent events in our own country though the toll is multiplied a hundredfold there.
Given the scope he has to deal with, director Zhao Qi sensibly focuses on three stories and how those survivors cope in the aftermath of the quake while the government moves to create a brand new city and let the destroyed city become a tourist attraction. Possibly hamstrung by stronger censorship in China (of which there are a few hints), we never really get to nitty gritty of how these people really feel about their treatment but there are also several incredibly touching scenes…
Absolutely haven't got a plan to see this documentary, but somehow found time for it. Maybe deciding factor was because it's directed by the producer of two acclaimed Chinese documentaries "Last Train Home" & "China Heavyweight". This is a very powerful film that documents lives of people survived earthquake that destroyed whole city.
Sometimes they think that their life is pointless now without all their siblings and parents. This one is devastating to watch. Most of the people lost everything, and not in the war, but by forces of nature. Who's to blame - no one? Who's to blame that you are alive and your darlings are not?
Beixhuan now built a completely new city for the surviviours. They are not completely pleased with it, but its a good thing.
