The 60s and 70s were a time of rapid social change. The Vietnam War, nuclear brinkmanship, emerging social theories, and a large wave of disaffected young people drove protest and direct action around the globe. Chinatown Rising focuses on several famous blocks in San Francisco and the impact American Sinophobia, global socio-political forces, and youth movements had on Chinatown in the 70s. Lifelong locals, Chinese immigrants from the 50s and 60s, and prominent members of many community activist groups are interviewed, but the focus is on filmmaker, Harry Chuck. He immigrated with his parents while the Chinese Exclusion Act was still in place and had to change his name to legally enter the country. What began as a passion project for a young film student over 45 years ago is brought to completion by his son, Josh. New interviews are enmeshed within a web of archival footage, Harry’s old films, and vintage tapes of news reports, advertisements, and cultural education materials, making for a multifaceted historical documentary.
Chinatown Rising is a must-see movie for anyone interested in Chinese-American history. The documentary dives deep into America’s past of ‘Yellow Peril’ fueled anti-Chinese law and societal racism, connecting these long-standing ideals to the creation and continued existence of Chinatown. Harry and Josh Chuck skillfully weave these threads together into a complex tapestry of stories. Chinese-American youth activism in the ‘70s arose for a number of reasons and many members of various organizations have a chance to share their experiences and motivations. There is a lot of vocal anti-Chinese racism and stereotypes on display which showcase the long-standing but often-overlooked anti-Asian bigotry of American society. While it makes for interesting historic analysis, it does also make this film a bit less fit for the casual documentary viewer. Students of Asian-American history and ‘70s historians will find massive value in Chinatown Rising. With over 100 years of historical analysis, this ambitious documentary brings together disparate ideas, actions, and groups into a cohesive portrait of 1970s Chinatown. Highly Recommended.
What instructors could use this title?
Professors of history focused on the late 20th century and anyone teaching about Chinese-American history or social movements will find outstanding value in Chinatown Rising.
What type of film series could this documentary fit in?
Chinatown Rising would make a great addition to any series about Asian-American history, social activism of the 60s and 70s, or historic anti-Asian sentiment in America.
What is the retail price and/or Public Performance License fee?
Starts at $25