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Looking for Crafts
寻找手艺
Looking for Crafts is a Chinese walking Documentary directed by Jing Zhang in, narrating the story of 199 folk craftsman who grip the disappearing craft skills and passions. There are five seasons. Crafts in the second season which I watched include pottery, steamed buns, Tibet's wrought brass, scales, paper-making, instrument and so on. The film makers revisited the craftsman they interviewed four years ago.
The expression technique is not luxuriant or skilled, rather it is more simple and detailed. There are a lot of close shots and partial display of how the craftsman do their work and what are the works look like. Those shots show how talent and persevering the craftsman are and thereby stimulate audience's appreciation and sympathy toward both the people and the handicrafts. The lightings and shot cut are well planned and set. At the same time, the camera records the ordinary or even tough lives of these people who stick to what they are passionate about and seek joy amidst sorrow and life challenges. When I was watching, I feel sad for those successors of precious traditional crafts and also for the lost of those culture and skills.
The documentary also shows scenes behind cameras and reveals the hardship of reality and film making. It's really touching seeing them sacrifice to accomplish the film and it's a pity to see after such hard work, there is little return. reality is cruel, thousands of people give up all to chase their dreams but sadly, not many of them succeed and hold on to the end.
I really like the real emotional simulation as well as the visual shock. The compare of present and four years ago is really interest. Some stayed the same, some changed dramatically. Life is unpredictable and unstable. People passed away in the years, which means traditional crafts disappears; People leave home and never come back; People get sick and can never do the work... This documentary teaches us about life, real life.
One thing I think can be improved is the clearness of the present and the past. It's a little confusing when watching. Maybe a change in color might be good. The music which is made by the producers is really good and connective. I really like some of the environmental scenes. After taking cinematography, I watch films and documentaries from a more critical and thoughtful way. I would consider the shot cuts and scene changes, how the angle and light work and so on. I will deliberate the meanings and values behind and scenes and that gives me a deeper understanding upon the films.
I recommend this documentary to people who are interested in traditional handcrafts and Chinese culture. Everyone can learn something from it. It's really real and touching, you will feel pity and sorrow at the same time.
Four year ago...
Present...
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