Many are aware of China's official population-control policy, which limits the number of babies born to one child per couple. Zijian Mu's documentary explores some unintended consequences of that legislation, following a shattering natural disaster—the 2008 Sichuan earthquake—that killed 90,000 people. Many families hewing to the single-infant rule were suddenly left childless in a society where it is expected that the offspring will care for their parents. In addition to completely rebuilding the destroyed city of Beichuan (a story in itself), Chinese authorities allowed bereaved mothers (those still physically capable) to conceive replacement children, even though parents would likely be in their dotage when the children were still in their teens. Other decimated households were left struggling trying to navigate China's haphazard adoption program. A cautionary exposé of nanny-state government regulations suddenly coming up short in an emergency situation, One Child offers an intriguing window into modern Chinese domestic life and cultural values under grievous duress. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady)
One Child
(2014) 40 min. DVD: $250. DRA. Filmakers Library (dist. by Alexander Street Press). PPR. Volume 30, Issue 2
One Child
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: