Tie Xi Qu: West of the Tracks

2004 9h 11m ZH

🙌

7.8

BANGER

★7.8TMDB · 53

Documentary

Synopsis

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A detailed look at the gradual decline of Shenyang’s industrial Tiexi district, an area that was once a vibrant example of China’s socialist economy. But industry is changing, and the factories of Tiexi are closing. Director Wang Bing introduces us to some of the workers affected by the closures, and to their families.

“Some stories are better left unspoiled.”

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Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Wang Bing
Languages: Mandarin
Countries: China

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

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Fun facts 🍿

1 / 7

RUNTIME

Did you know

At 551 minutes, this is a three-hour-plus commitment — longer than 95% of films ever made.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 7

ERA

Did you know

Released 22 years ago.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 7

RUNTIME

Did you know

Lean credit list — fewer than 30 people officially credited.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 7

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by Wang Bing, shot by Wang Bing. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 7

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Adam Kerby shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 7

WILD

Did you know

IMDB entry: tt0389448 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

7 / 7

WILD

Did you know

Only 53 TMDB ratings — you're getting ahead of the curve on this one.

MoodPlayr · trivia#07

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Wang Bing directs. Wang Bing behind the camera. Adam Kerby cuts. A long sit — settle in. Produced in China. Dialogue in Mandarin.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

1At 551 minutes, this is a three-hour-plus commitment — longer than 95% of films ever made.
2Released 22 years ago.
3Lean credit list — fewer than 30 people officially credited.
4Directed by Wang Bing, shot by Wang Bing. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
5Editor Adam Kerby shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
6IMDB entry: tt0389448 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
7Only 53 TMDB ratings — you're getting ahead of the curve on this one.
8Classified under 20 themes, including "factory worker", "squatter", "industrial society ", "industry".
9Released under 12 different titles around the world.