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Last Train Home, 2009

Last Train Home is a little known documentary made by the Chinese-Canadian filmmaker Lixin Fan, as he follows the plight a small family in the hustle and bustle of modern day China. This fly on the wall documentary seems so uneventful but actually much insight is shown to the problems that China is facing with the increase number of families who can no longer support themselves by farming alone.

Last Train Home is really looking at the the migration of workers from big cities back home to their rural home, back to their families they have left behind. During the Chinese New Year 130 million people head back home from their jobs in the city - with so many in transit the shear number makes a joke of the Chinese transport system as thousands upon thousand line up for days to get tickets and push through crowds to board the train before the holiday season is over. The film follows the story of one family and their plight. The story of the Zhangs is tragic, Zhang Changua and his wife spend most of their days working in a factory making clothing for export overseas. So we can get our designer jeans. But during the night they don't have the chance to go home as their home is the factory. Their entire existence is at the factory, but what's more concerning for Zhang and his wife is that they have left their children with their grandparents for most part of 15 years. Riddled with guilty of leaving their children and the issues with money Zhang and his wife make ends meet with the hope that all their hard work will lead to a better life for their children. Although they only see their children for a couple days during the year they love them dearly and miss them often. Unsurprisingly this has taken a toll on their relationship with their children. Particularly with Qin their eldest daughter.

Last Train Home is a fantastic film, insightful and sad but intriguing. I particularly enjoyed the minimalist approach that Fan as employed. There is no god-like voice overs, no comment from the filmmaker and no interviews just simple story telling based on real people. There is so much that can be explored with the Zhang family yet despite the fact they live such different lives from me I can relate to the real human issues that is shown on screen. The dreams and aspirations of the parents and the carefree nature of Qin, not worried about the future just want to have fun. Basically like many her age. Although I understand very well Qin's quest for independence and freedom but I can see and understand her parent's concern and dilemma. It must be incredibly difficult to leave your children from a young age but I can equally understand Qin's frustrations and anger at having both her parents absent. Fan has made a beautifully shot film with depth and genuine feeling.

Verdict: An amazing doco about a family but really a commentary on the social and human cost of the industrial development in a country on the rise. 9/10.

Trailer Link

AND everyone again reminding you that the Russian Film Fest is on in Sydney I will be going to the Sunday 11 Sept screenings please come same hi if you are going to the Chuavel.

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