Pirated Copy

[kikujiro]

I guess it's up to me to christen the Chinese Reviews section. Why not start with something a bit obscure...

Pirated Copy (2004)

Director, Screenwriter: He Jianjun
Production Designer: Zhang Jun-Zhao
Screenwriter: Cui Zi'en
Cinematographer: Yuan Dequiang
Editor: Gao Bojie
Sound/Sound Designer: Liu Shenshen
Production Designer: Su Fang
Producer: Zhu Ri Kun
Score: Bao Luo
Costume Designer: Jin Ling
Principal Cast: Yu Bo, Wang Ya Mei, Hu Xiaoguang, Qimuge Naren, Zi Qi, Wan Chang

Summary
A portrait of contemporary Chinese society based on the ubiquitous illegal trade in pirated DVDs.

Review
Art-house darling He Jianjun went digital in 2004 to tell his story about the DVD piracy market in China. The film follows several characters all involved with piracy in some capacity. Everyone from publishers, distributors, and customers are represented. Having said all of that this film isn't an expose on the topic, but rather uses it as a backdrop to tell the story about the lives of these people. It is at once harsh and sympathetic about the market and in a deeper sense is a commentary on modern-day China's infatuation with Western culture. The film itself is non-linear and doesn't conform to glossy filmmaking. It's gritty and shot with a sort of reckless abandon that the digital form lends itself perfectly for.

Everything is shot handheld which can be a bit nauseating during scenes with lots of camera movement (especially the chase scenes). The use of digital as opposed to film also serves an expressive function in that the film deals with digital piracy and the grainy digital look mirrors the prominence of bootlegs being watched on TV's in the film itself. The homage to many films is enjoyable (especially the Pulp Fiction and wkw references). It's a film lover's dream but it isn't bogged down with being referential. An interesting and entertaining film that walks the fine line of impartiality on a very hot topic.

[tavale]

Thanks for the intro to this doc......has this have english sub titles?

[dark]

thanks for this i hope its ok

[teegar]

haha, what a great title. made me want to check it out. i do ponder what the difference is between making a copy of original and give it to one person and showing it on tv (everyone will see it eventually in about a year or 2).

[bootie]

bump bump bump bump bump!

[desh]

seems interesting. i will watch anyway

[Mavrek]

1st i think that you discuss about pirated stuff which is shared on internet. But its a name. Very funny. I mean its different from others.

[kfjohnny]

The movie is quite interesting as it portrays real life situations in mainland China. Selling pirated copies to earn money is also a way of living. :-)