China Blue

Sweatshop conditions in China's increasingly capitalist economy are uncovered in Micha X. Peled's affecting documentary China Blue, which focuses on Jasmine, a farmer's daughter who—like so many young people from the rural districts—travels to the city to find work in the garment industry. Jasmine winds up on the assembly line of the Lifeng factory owned by former-policeman-turned-entrepreneur Mr. Lam. The firm produces denim jeans (the “blue” of the title, at least in one sense) for export, and the mostly young female staff—living in the company's shabby dormitories at high rent—are compelled to work long hours for very modest wages, initially withheld to deter them from moving on to another place of employment. The women are also watched over by harsh supervisors, who frequently dock them for minor infractions. When Lifeng suffers cash-flow problems, moreover, wages are delayed, and the workers have no recourse for action or are afforded any type of government protection. China Blue (the color also refers to Jasmine's increasing despondency) follows the young woman's experiences over several months, recording her hopes and disappointments, while also revealing actual conditions within the factory (some of the footage is clandestinely filmed). Also featuring interviews with former workers to provide context, as well as Mr. Lam, who explains his point of view, China Blue is a revealing and quite moving inside look at China's emerging capitalist system that should make Western viewers think twice about the human cost of buying apparel with “made in China” labels. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek)