By: Way Too Indie

Way Too Indie — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 20:32:00 +0000

You have some good points Laurel.

By: Laurel Fynes

Laurel Fynes — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 16:51:00 +0000

I thought that opening with the comment about cats was an odd choice, too. But nothing in the movie was done without thought… the film kept stewing in my mind all night and one of the first “aha” moments I had was regarding that one big, orange cat that opens doors. Weiwei says of it: “if I didn’t have so many cats, I might never know that they could open doors”. Isn’t that an elegant metaphor for him, and for the many human rights activists pushing the boundaries of what is accepted? Especially in China, but I suppose all over the world – people like him open doors that stay open – you can’t put a lid on the passion of the volunteers, for example.
I also think that the editing was done with craft, as well. Klayman does let Weiwei tell the story and steer it, which is not a bad choice considering how skillfully the man can share ideas. I like the way you meet the man, and the art, and the workers, and the stories… before having too much of a glimpse into his personal life. He’s complicated, but without excuse, and also without artiface. Yes, he has a child outside of marriage. No, he doesn’t run from it or deny, and somehow all the people in the equation have made it work. I mean, his son has a dad, and anything else is negotiated amongst the adults. He admits it’s complicated, doesn’t make allowances, and that’s kind of unique.
I think the most powerful image of the film, one which may stay with me for a long time, is the one of the destruction of his studio by order of the government. The way he turned that act of aggression into art, into a celebration of community and people power, was emblematic of why he is such an important voice in China. Others may fight harder, have a real impact improving lives, and pay a larger price (Liu Xiaobo, for example) but Ai Weiwei has a gift of bringing hope to the oppressed while endlessly poking at the monster that is the collective Chinese government.

Comments on: Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry

By: Way Too Indie

By: Laurel Fynes