Critic Reviews

Chinese Portrait is a stunning work of photography and a simple work of empathy that asks, "How much goes into making sure we all get to just live?"

Demanding attention, imagination and critical viewing from the audience, Chinese Portrait is nevertheless one for posterity.

Reflected in its native language title (“My Lens”), Chinese Portrait is a personal reflection on the country’s past and present. Brimming with humanity, Wang’s contemplative, minimalist approach forces us to consider the day-to-day lives of these people, and perhaps our own.

The compositions are rich with multiple layers; they explore the depth of the cinematic space, and suggest invisible presences at the edge of the frame.

The simplicity of bodies barely moving before a camera that brings their quotidian temporality into a halt is nothing short of a radical proposition in our digital era.

Its primary interest lies in the tension between candid moments and shots that appear artfully composed.

Chinese Portrait is a great art installation, but a thoroughly unsatisfying film.