Ai Weiwei: The Fake Case

Andreas Johnsen's documentary centers on the plight of Ai Weiwei, an artist best known for his design of the "bird's nest" stadium used in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. An outspoken critic of the government, Wei Wei was jailed for tax evasion in what was derisively labeled the "Fake Case," with the artist contending that he was punished for blogging and other "Internet activities." Weiwei was held for a time in solitary confinement before being released on probation and house arrest, but forbidden to give interviews. We see Weiwei in his apartment, which he shares with his wife and son, unable to travel because of a revoked passport. Weiwei says he is a victim of state kidnapping in a case marked by so many lies that "even the truth becomes false." He meets with fellow artists and sympathizers, and goes through donations and expressions of support sent from around the world. Constantly trailed by government officials, Weiwei pushes the limits by turning the tables, following the agents around. The film follows the "Fake Case" as it wends its way through the Chinese courts, noting the many legal roadblocks thrown in Weiwei's path. Sadly, in today's China, social order and conformity are still prized more than justice. While the film would have benefited from more background and context on the Communist system and its war on dissidents, this will appeal to those who have been following the Weiwei case. Recommended. (S. Rees)