Mardi Gras: Made In China

Although I’ve been busy, in the past two weeks I’ve been able to see as many movies. I saw V for Vendetta on opening night. Since this blockbuster has gotten enough coverage I won’t really discuss it. I’ll just say: While it could have been better, I was definitely entertained and enjoyed the film.

In New York I was able to see a documentary Mardi Gras: Made in China on its opening day. This small documentary was shown (incomplete) at Sundance and has gotten some buzz. The director and producer were at the small opening which was packed (the theater held about 40-50 people) to answer questions after the film.

While editing of the film was done well and the people involved obviously spent a lot of time researching and traveling (probably more traveling) I have to say that I was not impressed by the movie in the end.

I have two words to describe my ill content with the documentary: Emotional blackmail.

I realize that an emotional response is an important one in a movie that’s discussing issues of globalization, but that was the only attribute of the movie that stuck, emotion.

I didn’t learn anything new (who doesn’t know that random items like
Mardi Gras beads are made in china by small hands), nor do I have a
better understanding of the economic push and pull that allows China to
become the home of these factories. What I did learn more about is the
lives of individual workers and while this was emotionally unsettling,
that’s all I am left with — guilt.

I will give it to the movie, however, it did a good job of interviewing both the Chinese owner and the American owner of the factory. It looked like a fair interview and the editing process allowed them both to state their case for the factory. The movie was made with an even hand. I also applaud their ability to get interviews on such sensitive subjects. I’m positive it took a lot of persistence to get a chance to talk to these owners and I’m sure the young Asian teenage girls that spoke to the camera were hesitant at first.

Well that’s my rant. Mardi Gras: Made in China. Should you see it. My final word. If you got nothing better to do and it’s there, why not. But I wouldn’t fight my way to get a ticket. You know why, the only thing you’ll be left with is a sense of guilt. An easier way to get that feeling is just to call your mother.