Ascension
2021·Documentary·1h 37m
7.1
★
The film explores the pursuit of the “Chinese Dream.” Driven by mesmerizing—and sometimes humorous—imagery, this observational documentary presents a contemporary vision of China that prioritizes productivity and innovation above all.
Directed by Jessica Kingdon
factory worker
china
working class
sex doll
economic inequality
economic growth
labor rights
observational documentary
limits to growth
chinese dream
contemporary development cooperation
contemporary
Trailer
IMDB
N/A
Where to Watch
Crew
Jessica Kingdon
Director
Dan Deacon
Original Music Composer
Jessica Kingdon
Editor
Nathan Truesdell
Director of Photography
Jessica Kingdon
Director of Photography
Tony Hsieh
Executive Producer
Justin Lacob
Executive Producer
Nathan Truesdell
Producer
Jessica Kingdon
Producer
Popular Reviews
51 reviews
lauren brodauf
a really fascinating look into several levels of the chinese working class (factory workers, butlers, cosmetic salesmen, etc) and the instilled strive for sheer perfection placed onto them by their higher ups, and their extreme capitalist driven society as a whole. the equivalent of $32 for a days work....make it make SENSE !
a really fascinating look into several levels of the chinese working class (factory workers, butlers, cosmetic salesmen, etc) and the instilled strive for sheer perfection placed onto them by their higher ups, and their extreme capitalist driven society as a whole. the equivalent of $32 for a days work....make it make SENSE !
Mac
9.5★ · 08/29/23
A needlessly beautiful movie that absolutely crushes you in perspective. Following the pursuits of the Chinese dream through the many classes and cohorts of capital, to varying degrees of success. This film pummels you with despair, happiness, calm, stress, grief, and so much more as the world moves at 100 miles per hour. Really delivers home the sheer size of China and the production and waste it therefore seeds. Complicated, complicated movie that is certainly politically charged, the message is bookended quite nicely.
A needlessly beautiful movie that absolutely crushes you in perspective. Following the pursuits of the Chinese dream through the many classes and cohorts of capital, to varying degrees of success. This film pummels you with despair, happiness, calm, stress, grief, and so much more as the world moves at 100 miles per hour. Really delivers home the sheer size of China and the production and waste it therefore seeds. Complicated, complicated movie that is certainly politically charged, the message is bookended quite nicely.
Doog
8.0★ · 10/20/22
Wow. I really loved this. An incredible piece of cinema verite, starkly piecing together snapshots of life. The camera is focused on honesty and process, the subjects are seen with a sort of clinical detachment, which could be offputting to some but I found that the camera had a respectful eye. This isn’t an exploitive movie by any sense, and it had a lot to say without saying much. Are you willing to be a star boss? I don’t think I am.
Wow. I really loved this. An incredible piece of cinema verite, starkly piecing together snapshots of life. The camera is focused on honesty and process, the subjects are seen with a sort of clinical detachment, which could be offputting to some but I found that the camera had a respectful eye. This isn’t an exploitive movie by any sense, and it had a lot to say without saying much. Are you willing to be a star boss? I don’t think I am.
Elie
8.0★ · 09/13/22
Is this movie problematic? Idk, but the visuals are going nuts
Is this movie problematic? Idk, but the visuals are going nuts
Greg Mako
7.0★ · 05/22/22
I feel odd
I feel odd