There are different types of documentary films: short series and over 60 minutes film. In China, numbers of high quality documentary series are not counted by fingers anymore; such as 《Taste of China》,《Da Ming Palace》. However, it was gold dust in the desert for Chinese single documentary film that are over 60 minutes ---- rare and undiscovered. Until this piece of shiny yet rusty gold was dig out in a thousand years old Chinese city.
Story started in Da Tong, a city that has 1600 years history. This city has more problems than the old palace and broken city wall, interior and exterior. The film started with a scene: a middle height, middle weight and middle age man running and shouting "open the gate! I have a meeting"; I couldn't remember how many steps he run, how many times he shout, how many doors he crosses, and finally come to this final gate. He is the mayor of Da Tong City, Geng Yanbo.
Geng had a big sight and big plan for Da Tong; he wanted to rebuild the historical city and promote better economics for the city and citizens. However, his intention was not always supported by his left right arms or understood by the people. Cut long story short, most of citizens and coworkers did recognize his effort, but it was too late, Geng got the order to relocate and assign as the Mayor of Taiyuan. He left with everyone's cheer and his own tear.
Without a standing in politics, only talking about the film and art itself. This is a sensitive to film about a Chinese governor, and this story they filmed is also a very sensitive topic. This film and the director, producer are admirable to me. It may not have the best quality of imaging, but filming this topic is the first one in China. And this film is very much true, realistic, observing, objective, and moving. That is why I called this film is the rise of Chinese documentary film.
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