Smog Journeys

About This Movie

So, 'Smog Journeys' is a fascinating piece from Jia Zhangke—short but really impactful. It's shot in a way that captures the heavy atmosphere of air pollution in northeast China, using real locations that really drive the point home. You have two families, one from Hebei working in mining, and the other... well, their story plays out against the same backdrop but from a different angle. The pacing is slow, almost meditative, but it really lets you absorb the weight of the environmental issues at stake. Performances feel genuine, with a rawness that gives it a documentary-like feel. The practical effects of smog are everywhere, creating a visually arresting experience that lingers with you long after the credits roll.

Short film with a strong environmental messageMix of fiction and documentary stylesCaptures real-life effects of air pollution