Tie Xi Qu: West of the Tracks

About This Movie

Wang Bing’s 'Tie Xi Qu: West of the Tracks' is a long, meditative journey through the slowly collapsing industrial landscape of Shenyang's Tiexi district. The film is divided into three parts, each focusing on different aspects of the workers' lives and the stark realities they face as factories close. The atmosphere is heavy, underscored by a raw, observational style that lets you really soak in the desolation and human stories. There’s an authenticity here that’s hard to shake off, with no narration or dramatization—just real people in a real, crumbling world. The pacing is deliberate, sometimes slow, allowing moments of quiet reflection that linger with you after the credits roll. It’s a distinct piece, capturing a specific moment in China's industrial history.

3-hour runtime, divided into 3 parts.Shot in black and white, enhancing the somber mood.No musical score, focuses on ambient sounds.Filmed over several years, capturing the changes in real time.