I Wish I Knew

I Wish I Knew, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jia Zhangke in 2010, is a captivating and visually stunning story that marvellously intertwines fiction and reality. Gathering an impressive cast line-up that includes renowned filmmaker Michelangelo Antonioni, actor Yindi Cao and actress Hsin-I Chang, the film offers an insightful look into the pensive and emotional reminiscences of Shanghai, and the people whose lives have been profoundly shaped by its labyrinth of tales and histories.

An amalgamation of documentary and narrative storytelling style, I Wish I Knew deftly unveils the city's political history, cultural evolution, and social developments through heart-stirring interviews, mesmerizing urban landscapes, and beautifully executed dramatizations. Zhangke strays away from the usual chronological storytelling, instead, he chooses to tell the history of Shanghai through the personal narratives of its people, crafting a poignant and powerful recollection of events stitched together with human experience.

Various facets of Shanghai's eventful past are delicately conveyed and played against the backdrop of the city's bustling present. In the film, we get introduced to Michelangelo Antonioni, the legendary Italian filmmaker, whose perspective expands the narrative by adding a distinct international outlook to it. On the other hand, the Chinese actors, Yindi Cao and Hsin-i Chang, bring to the screen a culturally substantial canvas, making the narrative immersive and locally-grounded.

I Wish I Knew masterfully captures the essence of the titular statement - a collective longing to better comprehend the intricacies and complexities of the past. From a tale of first love that bloomed amid the struggle for survival during the Civil War to a personal tale of an old-timer reminiscing the days when Shanghai was still a fishing village, the film cleverly uses individual experiences and personal narratives to paint a broader picture of Shanghai's dramatic and tumultuous past.

Stitched together with remarkable cinematography, the movie revisits each story through the dreamy lens of hazy recollections and metaphors. Striking aerial shots of the cityscape, the vibrant life on streets, the silent walls narrating the past, are all skillfully employed to create a visually enchanting view of Shanghai. Yet, the film never loses sight of its core - the individual narratives. The shifting focus from the micro-to-macro allows the viewer to engage with the city both emotionally and intellectually.

The director, Jia Zhangke, widely known for his neorealist style, carries this tradition into I Wish I Knew, creating a beautiful tapestry of narratives that depict his unique artistic vision. Each tale featured in the film feels intimate and authentic, leaving the viewer with an enhanced understanding and newfound fondness for this mystic city and its people.

The interviews are not limited to those who have lived the city’s past; instead, their scope extends to the youthful generation striving to find their footing in the rapidly transforming Shanghai. The film juxtaposes a multitude of personal memories, creating a thoughtful and rich account of Shanghai's history.

Delving into the effect of the city's past on its current state and its residents, the film presents a multifaceted portrayal of Shanghai - sometimes nostalgic, sometimes melancholic, but also hopeful and optimistic. It's these varied emotional undertones blended with human experiences that make I Wish I Knew a mesmerizing journey through time and memory.

To summarize, the film I Wish I Knew serves as a poignant exploration of Shanghai's past through the lens of personal narratives. The characters' storytelling, coupled with the director's cinematic expertise, results in an intriguing blend of history and art. Through heartfelt tales of love, loss, transformation, and perseverance, the film shines a light on Shanghai's identity, capturing its tumultuous past and ever-evolving present with unshakeable focus and captivating depth.