Up the Yangtze Soundtrack (

Up the Yangtze Soundtrack (2007) cover

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Rating: 7.50/10 from 1900 votes
Tags: three gorges dam, hydroelectric dam
Alternate Names:
Title in Español:

Up the Yangtze
Title in Italiano:

Up the Yangtze
Title in Português:

Up the Yangtze

Synopsis

Up the Yangtze tells the story of the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River in China, the largest hydroelectric dam project ever constructed at the time. The dam would displace over one million people as cities, towns, and villages, including homes, would be submerged underwater upon its completion, all in an effort to satisfy the growing demand for energy.

In many respects, the dam would change the face of China, both for good and bad. The negative impacts include the loss of tradition and culture. During one of the dam's mid-phase construction stages, the impoverished Yu family is followed, serving as a microcosm of the overall effects of the dam on the Chinese way of life.

Despite the central government providing relocation funds to citizens, most of the funds would be siphoned off by corrupt government officials at every level before reaching families like the Yus. This forces the Yus to figure out their relocation on their own, as they simply want a plot of arable land near the river to farm.

Simultaneously, the Yus' sixteen-year-old daughter, Shui Yu, who dreams of attending high school (but lacks the necessary funds), is sent to work on a river cruise ship catering to western tourists. Many of Shui Yu's colleagues on the ship are also unaware of the outside world, as they are taught to present the best face of China to tourists, often having to learn English to do so.

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Up the Yangtze

User reviews

Jennifer Turner
5/10

The soundtrack of Up the Yangtze effectively captures the emotional complexity of the story, blending traditional Chinese instruments with modern Western elements. The music enhances the poignant moments of the film, creating a sense of nostalgia and loss as the Yu family navigates the challenges brought by the dam project. The subtle use of music helps convey the cultural richness of the region, adding depth to the narrative and connecting the audience to the characters' experiences.

Margaret Scott
3/10

The soundtrack of Up the Yangtze failed to capture the emotional depth and complexity of the story being told. The music felt generic and lacked the power to convey the turmoil and heartbreak experienced by the families affected by the dam construction.

Robert Thompson
3/10

The soundtrack did not effectively enhance the atmosphere of the film, often feeling disconnected from the on-screen events. The music sometimes felt out of place or overshadowed key moments, failing to create a cohesive and immersive viewing experience.

Mark Campbell
9/10

Each track in the soundtrack of Up the Yangtze is a poignant reflection of the cultural heritage and traditions being eroded by the relentless march of progress. The use of traditional Chinese instruments blended with modern orchestration creates a rich tapestry of sound that immerses the listener in the heart-wrenching reality of the dam's impact on the people and landscapes along the Yangtze River.

Richard Roberts
5/10

On the other hand, at times, the soundtrack of Up the Yangtze feels a bit disjointed and overwhelming, overpowering some of the more intimate moments of the film. While the fusion of Chinese and Western musical influences is intriguing, it can also feel forced and distracting, taking away from the natural flow of the storytelling. The music, although evocative, sometimes struggles to strike the right balance between enhancing the visuals and overpowering them, making it occasionally challenging to fully immerse oneself in the story.

Steven Garcia
7/10

The musical themes seamlessly complement the themes of loss, resilience, and adaptation explored in the film, creating a poignant and thought-provoking viewing experience that lingers long after the movie ends.

Patricia Mitchell
8/10

The soundtrack of Up the Yangtze is a powerful storytelling tool in its own right, enhancing the narrative impact of the film and elevating it to a truly immersive and unforgettable cinematic experience.

Dorothy Carter
10/10

The soundtrack of Up the Yangtze not only enhances the storytelling of the documentary but also stands on its own as a powerful musical experience that resonates long after the film has ended. Its melodic themes and intricate arrangements evoke a deep sense of empathy and introspection, making it a memorable and thought-provoking musical work.

Lisa Walker
8/10

The haunting and emotive score of Up the Yangtze perfectly captures the complex emotions and struggles faced by the characters affected by the Three Gorges Dam project. It adds layers of depth to the storytelling and enhances the viewer's connection to the narrative.

Kimberly Hall
8/10

The use of traditional Chinese instruments in the soundtrack provides a sense of authenticity and cultural richness to the film, immersing the audience in the setting and enhancing the portrayal of the impact of modernization on traditional ways of life.

Donald Williams
3/10

The use of traditional Chinese instruments in the soundtrack felt forced and cliché, rather than adding authenticity to the storytelling. It seemed like a superficial attempt to create a sense of cultural connection without truly exploring the nuances of the characters and their struggles.

John Wright
7/10

The music in Up the Yangtze skillfully underscores the dichotomy between the economic development brought by the dam and the social upheaval experienced by those directly affected, enhancing the film's exploration of the complexities of progress.

Donald Johnson
10/10

The soundtrack of Up the Yangtze captures the emotional turmoil and complexity of the Three Gorges Dam project with haunting melodies and evocative compositions that perfectly complement the narrative. The music succeeds in conveying the sense of loss, hope, and resilience experienced by the characters and communities affected by the dam's construction.

Steven Lopez
8/10

The score effectively conveys the contrast between the grandeur of the dam project and the personal struggles of the Yu family, highlighting the human cost of progress in a deeply moving way.