Don't be fooled by the salacious title of Annemarie Gallone's documentary: the love and sex here are seen only in brief peeks at classical erotic art and contemporary girlie magazines. For the most part, this verbose production talks (and talks and talks) to a variety of Chinese interviewees about their views on love, marriage, family, and commitment. Not surprisingly, a distinct generation gap exists between the conservative elderly Chinese who came of age during the repressive Maoist era and today's free-wheeling youth, who are adopting Western-style ideas in their pursuit of emotional and carnal happiness. Even one of China's most rigidly taboo subjects—open discussion of homosexuality—is very slowly being broached due to a new sense of government tolerance. Journalist Yang Li Ne, the onscreen host and narrator, is a somewhat fumbling presence who asks quotidian questions (“Do you love your wife?”) and spends too much time talking about her own divorce. In fact, the only time that the film genuinely comes to life is during a very brief discussion on China's prostitution, which supposedly accounts for 6% of the national revenue. Not a necessary purchase. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)
Love and Sex in China
(2008) 52 min. DVD or VHS: $350. Filmakers Library. PPR. Volume 23, Issue 5
Love and Sex in China
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