Is Children of Shanghai Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2021)

📖 The Core Premise

Children of Shanghai returns to the screen in 2021, bringing a fresh narrative to the Documentary genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Bear Grylls narrates the story of the first foster children in China's 3,000-year history. British former footballer Robert Glover moved to Shanghai with his wife and six young children in 1998 and persuaded the Chinese government to move a million children out of orphanages and into foster families. The documentary films the very first families and the orphans, many of whom are now successful young professionals. It also tells the story of the Glovers, a six-child family in a nation of one-child families."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Children of Shanghai, Bear Grylls delivers a performance that anchors the emotional weight of the film. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. The cinematography and score further amplify the experience, creating a truly immersive atmosphere.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Children of Shanghai worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 2021, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Children of Shanghai is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 60 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.