Up the Yangtze 2007
"The river that erased her past will write her future"
Directed by Yung Chang, *Up the Yangtze (2007)* is a poignant documentary that captures the seismic shift in modern China through the lens of the Three Gorges Dam's construction.
Director: Yung Chang
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Up the Yangtze (2007) about?
*Up the Yangtze (2007)* follows young workers employed on cruise ships along the Yangtze River, where the construction of the Three Gorges Dam is reshaping the land—and their lives. Through their stories, the film examines displacement, environmental impact, and the tension between tradition and modernity in contemporary China.
Who directed Up the Yangtze?
Yung Chang directed *Up the Yangtze (2007)*. Known for his visually striking documentaries, Chang's work here highlights the human cost of China's industrial expansion.
Who stars in Up the Yangtze?
The film stars Campbell Ping He, Jerry Bo Yu Chen, Cindy Shui Yu, and director Yung Chang himself, who also serves as a narrator.
Is Up the Yangtze (2007) worth watching?
As an unrated documentary, *Up the Yangtze (2007)* offers a rare, intimate look at China's transformation through the eyes of those directly affected. Its themes of displacement and progress make it a compelling watch, especially for fans of thoughtful, visually driven non-fiction.
How long is Up the Yangtze?
*Up the Yangtze (2007)* runs for 93 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Up the Yangtze (2007) — A Haunting Documentary on China's Changing Waters
Directed by Yung Chang, *Up the Yangtze (2007)* is a poignant documentary that captures the seismic shift in modern China through the lens of the Three Gorges Dam's construction. Along the mighty Yangtze River, young workers like Campbell Ping He and Jerry Bo Yu Chen take jobs on cruise ships, facing not just the rising waters but a nation transforming at breakneck speed. Chang's lens reveals the emotional toll of displacement, the clash between tradition and progress, and the human stories often overshadowed by grand infrastructure projects. The film blends quiet intimacy with sweeping environmental and social commentary, painting a vivid portrait of a generation caught between past and future.
Against the backdrop of churning river currents and towering dam walls, *Up the Yangtze (2007)* explores themes of identity, resilience, and sacrifice. The workers' daily lives—serving tourists, navigating personal dreams, and grappling with the loss of their homeland—become a microcosm of China's rapid evolution. With stunning visuals and raw interviews, Chang crafts a documentary that's as much about the river's power as it is about the people it displaces.