Watch I Wish I Knew

I Wish I Knew is a Chinese documentary film directed by award-winning filmmaker Jia Zhangke. The film explores the history of Shanghai, one of the largest cities in China, by interviewing various generations of Chinese people who have lived there. The film features interviews from different perspectives, including filmmakers, writers, artists, and everyday people, providing a multifaceted view of the city's historical and cultural evolution.

The documentary jumps between various periods in Shanghai's history, connecting the past and present through personal stories and reflections. From the early 1900s, when Shanghai was a bustling international hub, to the communist revolution of the 1950s and the economic reforms of the 1980s, the film reveals how the city has transformed over time. The interviews provide insights into the people who have inhabited Shanghai throughout its history, discussing the cultural changes they have experienced.

The film also tackles political and social issues that have affected Shanghai's history, such as the Japanese occupation, the Chinese Civil War, and the Cultural Revolution. The accounts from these interviews often serve as a reminder of how China's and Shanghai's past is still very much present in today's China, even as the country changes rapidly.

The interviews often cover themes of love, loss, and the struggle to make sense of the rapidly changing city. From elderly parents recounting their past to their children to historians reminiscing about the city's most important sites, the interviews highlight the importance of memory, history, and personal stories in understanding a place.

One of the standout features of the film is its use of archival footage, including photographs and excerpts from films. These shots allow the audience to visualize iconic moments in the city's history, such as its famous nightlife and the devastation of the Second World War.

The film is also notable for its emphasis on women's perspectives. Several of the interviews are conducted with women who have lived in Shanghai for many years, including a former movie star and a well-known writer. These women provide poignant and honest reflections on their life experiences in the city.

Musical interludes also feature occasionally in the film, with several traditional Chinese songs played alongside images of Shanghai's skylines and architecture. The music adds a meditative quality to the documentary, allowing the audience to pause and contemplate the stories being told.

Overall, I Wish I Knew is a fascinating exploration of the Chinese city of Shanghai and the personal stories of the people who have lived there throughout its history. The film is a powerful reflection on the importance of history and memory in understanding a place and its people, and delivers a rare glimpse into some of China's most significant changes throughout the past century.