Ai Weiwei is one of China’s most famous artists, and arguably one of their most important. Why do I make that statement? And from whose perspective might this be true? Certainly not for the Chinese government’s, who have done their utmost to suppress people like Weiwei – people who are still fighting for freedom of speech and expression in their home country. This is a man (as one man tells us) who has seen how far his country has come, understands it and still has the bravery to say, ‘This isn’t good enough.’
Indeed, some of the trials we see Weiwei experience are frightening. This is a very thorough documentary, exploring Weiwei’s importance not only in China but also internationally; just as important, though, we see and learn a lot about Ai Weiwei the man, in all his bravery, stubbornness, imperfections.
As an artist, Ai Weiwei is above all a provocateur. It is not so much beauty and aestheticism he is interested in so much as using art as a creative means of expression. In Weiwei’s case, some of his most powerful work has been political: who can forget the famous photograph of him shoving two fingers up at Tiananmen Square, or the montage of him breaking priceless ancient vases?
If some of his work might seem crass or immature, far more of it is necessary, humane and incredibly courageous. Weiwei’s work in the aftermath of the Sichuan earthquake and the projects he has done since confirm his place as one of the most important figures in modern art, because his is a voice speaking out for so many unheard voices. The amount of concern the Chinese government has taken with his work, and the increasingly frightening measures they have taken against him, are proof of how much his work is hitting home. His plight at times seems pointless, at others fatalistic – but it is always brave, and never for his own benefit or profit.
I think this is a film that should be seen widely. It won’t be, but such is life – the film has been made, and it needed to be. This is the story of a truly larger-than-life figure, one that works in the interests of others. What I admired most is that this film doesn’t make Weiwei out to be a saint; he isn’t – he is as flawed as the rest of us. This documentary, although very persuasive, never strays into the realms of bias. But it does give us a fascinating insight into the life of one very important man, one that is invaluable and will make you question your own values. What you take from this documentary is your own affair – but you will take something from it.
15 certificate
Review by LiveWire Young Film Critic, James Martin (August ’12)