Is In the Golden Age of Chinese Craftsmanship Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2008)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of In the Golden Age of Chinese Craftsmanship (2008), audiences are invited back into the world of Documentary. 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. "The essence of progress in civilization has always been handiwork. In traditional Chinese civilization, the emperor was supreme. Vested with the authority to enjoy the best of handiwork, all crafts used for residence, clothing, food, and travel were the most refined and splendid."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In In the Golden Age of Chinese Craftsmanship, even the presence of Hou Hsiao-hsien struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is In the Golden Age of Chinese Craftsmanship worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, In the Golden Age of Chinese Craftsmanship misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 55 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.