Coal Money 2009
Directed by acclaimed documentarian Wang Bing, *Coal Money (2009)* plunges viewers into the gritty, high-stakes world of China's coal trade, where 100-ton trucks roar along the Shanxi-Tianjin highway day and night.
Director: Wang Bing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Coal Money (2009)* about?
*Coal Money* follows the ceaseless rhythm of 100-ton coal trucks shuttling between Shanxi's mines and Tianjin's port, painting a vivid portrait of the people who power this industry. Along the route, drivers, sex workers, mechanics, and officials navigate a shadowy underworld where money flows as freely as the coal itself.
Who directed *Coal Money*?
The film was directed by Wang Bing, a master of observational documentary filmmaking known for his unflinching, immersive portraits of marginalized communities.
Who stars in *Coal Money*?
The cast primarily features the real-life drivers, mechanics, sex workers, and petty racketeers who populate the Shanxi-Tianjin coal road.
Is *Coal Money (2009)* worth watching?
For fans of raw, documentary-style storytelling, *Coal Money (2009)* is a gripping watch, offering a rare glimpse into a hidden world. Its unpolished realism and high-stakes atmosphere make it a standout in the genre, even if it isn't for those seeking polished narratives.
How long is *Coal Money*?
The runtime is 54 minutes.
About Coal Money (2009) — A raw look at China's coal trade and the lives it fuels
Directed by acclaimed documentarian Wang Bing, *Coal Money (2009)* plunges viewers into the gritty, high-stakes world of China's coal trade, where 100-ton trucks roar along the Shanxi-Tianjin highway day and night. The relentless flow of heavy machinery becomes a backdrop for a sprawling, human drama unfolding along the roadside—where truck drivers, sex workers, mechanics, and petty criminals intersect in a precarious dance of commerce and survival. The film captures the raw, unfiltered atmosphere of a region where economic pressure shapes every interaction, blending stark realism with an almost cinematic tension.
Wang Bing's observational approach strips away artifice, revealing the harsh realities of a system where money dictates relationships and danger lurks at every turn. *Coal Money (2009)* isn't just a documentary about logistics; it's a snapshot of a society where every mile traveled carries the weight of unseen struggles, ambition, and exploitation. The result is a haunting, immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll.