Watch Ask No Questions
- NR
- 2020
- 1 hr 20 min
-
6.2 (123)
Ask No Questions is a 2020 film that tells the story of an American journalist and a Chinese translator who investigate the mysterious deaths of practitioners of Falun Gong, a spiritual movement that has been banned in China. The movie follows the two characters' journey as they uncover a dangerous conspiracy that threatens not only their own lives but also the lives of thousands of people.
The movie starts with a brief introduction to the history of Falun Gong and its persecution in China. Falun Gong is a spiritual movement that combines Buddhism, Taoism, and meditation techniques. It was introduced to the public in 1992 and gained popularity quickly. However, in 1999, the Chinese government banned the movement and launched a massive crackdown on its practitioners. Many Falun Gong practitioners were arrested, tortured, and killed.
The main character of the movie is a Chinese translator named Jian, who lives in America. Jian's mother is a Falun Gong practitioner, and he has always been interested in the movement's philosophy. He is approached by a group of Falun Gong supporters who ask him to help investigate the deaths of several practitioners. Jian is hesitant at first but is eventually convinced to help by an American journalist named Tony.
Tony is a veteran reporter who has covered many stories in China. He is intrigued by the Falun Gong story and feels that there is more to it than meets the eye. He teams up with Jian to investigate the mysterious deaths of the practitioners. The two characters travel to China, where they encounter a range of challenges, including surveillance, censorship, and physical threats.
The movie raises important questions about the Chinese government's attitude towards human rights and the freedom of religion. It also explores the role of the media in shaping public opinion and the challenges faced by journalists who report on sensitive topics in authoritarian regimes.
The acting in Ask No Questions is excellent, with Jian Shi and Tony Bai delivering convincing performances as the two main characters. Amy Guo also shines in her role as Jian's wife, who is torn between her loyalty to her country and her love for her husband.
The cinematography is another highlight of the movie, with stunning shots of the Chinese landscape and cityscapes. The use of color is particularly effective, with muted tones used to convey a sense of danger and tension.
One of the movie's strengths is its portrayal of the complexities of Chinese culture and politics. The movie shows how different factions within the Chinese government are in conflict with each other, with some officials sympathizing with the Falun Gong movement while others are determined to crush it. The movie also shows how ordinary Chinese citizens are caught in the middle of this conflict, with many trying to stay out of politics altogether.
Overall, Ask No Questions is a compelling and thought-provoking movie that raises important questions about human rights and freedom of religion. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in Chinese politics and culture.
Ask No Questions is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.