A Tale of the Wind Poster

A Tale of the Wind 1989

★ 6.433 votes80 min📅 1989-03-19

A Tale of the Wind (1989) is a poetic documentary that blurs the line between autobiography and fiction, following legendary filmmaker Joris Ivens as an elderly explorer chasing the elements itself.

Director: Joris Ivens

Cast

Joris Ivens
Joris Ivens
Self
Liu Zhuang
Wang Delong
Wang Hong
Fu Dalin
Liu Guilian
Chen Zhijian
Chen Zhijian
Zou Qiaoyu
Paul Sergent
Liu Hongyiu
Self - Interpreter (uncredited)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Tale of the Wind (1989) about?

This 1989 documentary follows director Joris Ivens in his later years as he revisits his lifelong passion for capturing the wind and sea on film. It blends autobiography with fiction, portraying his tireless pursuit of artistic immortality through nature's most elusive forces.

Who directed A Tale of the Wind?

Joris Ivens, the Dutch documentary filmmaker renowned for his poetic and politically charged works like The 400 Million.

Who stars in A Tale of the Wind?

The film stars Joris Ivens himself alongside Liu Zhuang, Wang Delong, Wang Hong, and Fu Dalin in key roles.

Is A Tale of the Wind (1989) worth watching?

While unrated, its lyrical documentary style and autobiographical depth make it compelling for fans of poetic cinema. Given its 80-minute runtime and introspective themes, it's a niche but rewarding watch for those interested in Joris Ivens' legacy.

How long is A Tale of the Wind?

The film runs for 80 minutes.

About A Tale of the Wind (1989) — A Filmmaker's Poetic Dance with Wind and Time

A Tale of the Wind (1989) is a poetic documentary that blurs the line between autobiography and fiction, following legendary filmmaker Joris Ivens as an elderly explorer chasing the elements itself. Through his lens, the wind becomes both muse and adversary, while the sea mirrors the relentless passage of time. Shot in a dreamlike style, the film captures Ivens' lifelong obsession with capturing nature's raw power on film. The 80-minute journey feels like a meditation on artistry, persistence, and the fleeting beauty of fleeting moments.

The atmosphere is meditative yet stirring, with Ivens' personal reflections woven into sweeping visuals of landscapes and seascapes. The documentary isn't just about the wind—it's about the filmmaker's enduring spirit, his battles with age and mortality, and his quest to immortalize the ephemeral. A reflective, intimate portrait of a visionary, A Tale of the Wind (1989) lingers long after the credits roll.