Verdict:A Day on the Grand Canal with the Emperor of China or: Surface Is Illusion But So Is Depth is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 8.0/10, it has delivered a compelling experience for fans of the Documentary genre.
Answer: Yes, A Day on the Grand Canal with the Emperor of China or: Surface Is Illusion But So Is Depth is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 46 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences. Bottom Line: Highly recommended!
Last updated: January 11, 2026
Released in 1988, A Day on the Grand Canal with the Emperor of China or: Surface Is Illusion But So Is Depth enters the Documentary genre with a narrative focused on Director Philip Haas and artist David Hockney invite you to join them on a magical journey through China via a marvelous 72-foot long 17th-century Chinese scroll entitled The Kangxi Emperor's Southern Inspection Tour (1691-1698), scroll seven . Under the direction of Philip Haas, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from David Hockney. The chemistry between the leads drives the emotional core of the movie, making the stakes feel genuine.
From a technical standpoint, A Day on the Grand Canal with the Emperor of China or: Surface Is Illusion But So Is Depth offers a visually stunning presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Beyond the narrative, A Day on the Grand Canal with the Emperor of China or: Surface Is Illusion But So Is Depth resonates with current cultural themes in the Documentary space. It effectively mirrors local sentiment while maintaining a global appeal, a rare feat in recent releases.
As of early 2026, A Day on the Grand Canal with the Emperor of China or: Surface Is Illusion But So Is Depth is available for streaming on Criterion Channel. It is also featured on platforms like Kino Film Collection. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
The plot of A Day on the Grand Canal with the Emperor of China or: Surface Is Illusion But So Is Depth centers on a unique premise within the Documentary landscape. Director Philip Haas and artist David Hockney invite you to join them on a magical journey through China via a marvelous 72-foot long 17th-century Chinese scroll entitled The Kangxi Emperor's Southern Inspection Tour (1691-1698), scroll seven . As Hockney unrolls the beautiful and minutely detailed work of art, he traces the Emperor Kangxi’s second tour of his southern empire in 1689. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1988 cinema will find satisfying and robust.
The ending of A Day on the Grand Canal with the Emperor of China or: Surface Is Illusion But So Is Depth has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the triumph of the protagonist over internal conflicts. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a A Day on the Grand Canal with the Emperor of China or: Surface Is Illusion But So Is Depth sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for A Day on the Grand Canal with the Emperor of China or: Surface Is Illusion But So Is Depth (1988): with an audience rating of 8/10, the reception has been acclaimed. It is a must-watch for fans of Documentary cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Criterion Channel
Kino Film CollectionAnalyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 8/10, and global collection metrics, A Day on the Grand Canal with the Emperor of China or: Surface Is Illusion But So Is Depth stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.
A Day on the Grand Canal with the Emperor of China or: Surface Is Illusion But So Is Depth is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 8/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Documentary movies.
Yes, A Day on the Grand Canal with the Emperor of China or: Surface Is Illusion But So Is Depth is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Documentary cinema.
A Day on the Grand Canal with the Emperor of China or: Surface Is Illusion But So Is Depth is currently available for streaming on Criterion Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like Criterion Channel, Kino Film Collection depending on your region.
A Day on the Grand Canal with the Emperor of China or: Surface Is Illusion But So Is Depth is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 8/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Documentary movies.
Yes, A Day on the Grand Canal with the Emperor of China or: Surface Is Illusion But So Is Depth is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Documentary cinema.
A Day on the Grand Canal with the Emperor of China or: Surface Is Illusion But So Is Depth is currently available for streaming on Criterion Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like Criterion Channel, Kino Film Collection depending on your region.
A Day on the Grand Canal with the Emperor of China or: Surface Is Illusion But So Is Depth is a Documentary movie that follows: Director Philip Haas and artist David Hockney invite you to join them on a magical journey through China via a marvelous 72-foot long 17th-century Chinese scroll entitled The Kangxi Emperor's Southern...
A Day on the Grand Canal with the Emperor of China or: Surface Is Illusion But So Is Depth is classified as Documentary. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
A Day on the Grand Canal with the Emperor of China or: Surface Is Illusion But So Is Depth is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Director Philip Haas and artist David Hockney invite you to join them on a magical journey through China via a marvelous 72-foot long 17th-century Chinese scroll entitled The Kangxi Emperor's Southern Inspection Tour (1691-1698), scroll seven . As Hockney unrolls the beautiful and minutely detailed work of art, he traces the Emperor Kangxi’s second tour of his southern empire in 1689.
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