Is Du Fu: China's Greatest Poet Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

📖 The Core Premise

Du Fu: China's Greatest Poet stands as a 2020 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Documentary landscape. 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. "Sir Ian McKellen reads the poetry, Michael Wood traces the journey on the ground. Together they conjure up the extraordinary life, times and words of China’s greatest poet, Du Fu. In this film, the first to ever be made about Du Fu in the west, Michael follows his tracks by road, train and riverboat. Along the way, he meets ordinary people, dancers and musicians, who help to tell the amazing story of a poet whose words have resonated through the centuries, describing the experiences of ordinary people caught up in war, corruption, famine and natural disasters. "I am one of the privileged. If my life is so bitter, then how much worse is the life of the common people?""

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Du Fu: China's Greatest Poet, Michael Wood 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 Du Fu: China's Greatest Poet 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 2020, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Du Fu: China's Greatest Poet is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 59 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.