Documentary,History
China
I Wish I Knew is a documentary film directed by Jia Zhangke that focuses on the city of Shanghai and its inhabitants through the years. The film features interviews with over twenty individuals, including writers, poets, actors, and historians, who share their personal stories and recollections about life in Shanghai.
The film is divided into twelve chapters, each representing a different time period in the city's history. It begins with the mid-1800s when Shanghai opened as a trading port and became a hub for global commerce. The film then moves through the turbulent years of the Republican era, the Japanese occupation during World War II, and the post-1949 Communist era.
Throughout the film, Jia Zhangke juxtaposes interviews with striking visuals of the city's architecture, both old and new. From the grand colonial buildings of the Bund to the towering skyscrapers of Pudong, the film captures the evolving face of Shanghai.
One of the recurring themes in the film is the tension between personal memory and official history. Many of the interviewees express frustration with the way that official narratives often ignore or erase the experiences of ordinary citizens. At the same time, the film highlights the resilience and creativity of the people of Shanghai, who have adapted to and shaped the city's changing landscape.
Overall, I Wish I Knew offers a rich and multifaceted portrait of Shanghai and its people. It is both a historical document and a meditation on the power of memory and storytelling.
