Mulberry Child 2012
Distributed by Women Make Movies, 115 W. 29th Street, Suite 1200,New York, NY, 10001; 212-925-0606
Produced by Ellis Goodman
Directed by Susan Morgan Cooper
DVD , color, 85 min.
Jr. High - General Adult
Aging, Asian Americans, Communication, History, Human Rights, Storytelling
Date Entered: 02/19/2015
Reviewed by Linda Yau, Bronx Community College Library, Bronx, NYBefore this documentary film was made, the book Mulberry Child, about first generation Chinese immigrant Jian Ping was published in 2008. The book is a memoir about Ping’s childhood growing up during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s. Historically the Revolution has been a period of great paranoia and torment in modern Chinese history as families were split apart in an effort to root out the critics of the communist regime. This documentary is an adaptation of the book with actors portraying Jian Ping’s family’s story as well as the mending of relations between Jian Ping and her American raised daughter, Lisa Xia.
This is a documentary is suitable for all ages and is appropriate for people who want to learn about Chinese history and experience familial struggles and generational communication barriers. Extras included on the DVD include Chinese subtitles, interviews and “Behind the Scenes.” Additional resources include the film’s website complete with trailer and the book’s webpage.
Awards
- Awards: Best Documentary at the Bahamas International Film Festival 2012
- Cultural Discovery Award at the Santa Rosa International Film Festival 2012