Last Days in Shibati

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Diego M @RT75377617 01/03/2025 Last Days in Shibati is a documentary directed by French filmmaker Hendrick Dusollier, released in 2017. As a documentary, the film does not feature actors but instead follows a few compelling individuals from the disappearing neighborhood of Shibati, China. These include Zhou Hong, a young boy who quickly befriends the filmmaker; a cheerful woman determined to preserve her dream home despite being forced to leave; and a sarcastic yet charming barber. The film begins in a bar where locals are playing a casino-like game. One of them jokes that Hendrick must be a loser to be filming a documentary there. Moments later, another local remarks that Shibati is not the "real China." Amidst skeptical gazes, young Zhou Hong befriends Hendrick, guiding him around what he calls his "moon city." Through the documentary, we meet Zhou’s parents and witness their unique family dynamics as they prepare to move to a government-assigned apartment outside Shibati. Hendrick also encounters Mrs. Xue, a charismatic woman who allows him to stay in her home and becomes a central figure in the narrative. Mrs. Xue collects discarded items with such care and artistry that her home resembles a museum. Though she resists leaving her cherished home, she eventually takes a portion of her collection to the apartment she reluctantly shares with her son. The barber, another memorable character, initially manages to delay the destruction of his shop through connections with local officials. However, even his efforts prove insufficient to resist the relentless redevelopment of Shibati. Filmed with a handheld camera, the documentary creates an intimate and immersive experience, making viewers feel like they are walking among the residents. The cinematography includes medium and wide shots that highlight both the personal stories and the broader changes in the city. While most of the documentary feels spontaneous, a few moments—such as when Hendrick asks Mrs. Xue to pose or when Zhou Hong gazes out of his new apartment window—appear more directed. Last Days in Shibati evokes empathy for its subjects and mourns the fading soul of a neighborhood on the brink of extinction. While the documentary’s limited scope—focusing only on characters with similar opinions—prevents it from being fully objective, it remains a poignant and engaging film. Its narrative flows seamlessly, making the viewing experience both enlightening and swift. In conclusion, Last Days in Shibati is a compelling documentary that captures the human impact of urban transformation with sensitivity and depth. See more Read all reviews

Last Days in Shibati

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