Tie Xi Qu: West of the Tracks

Tie Xi Qu: West of the Tracks is a gargantuan documentary film from 2002 that is as much a historical record as it is a cinematic masterpiece. Directed by Wang Bing, an acclaimed figure in documentary filmmaking, the film provides an intimate, heartrending portrayal of the decay of China's industrial landscape. The title, "Tie Xi Qu", directly translates to "West of the Tracks", indicating the location of the industrial district at the declining city of Shenyang in Northeast China.

The film is presented in three parts: "Rust," "Remnants," and "Rails." Each part captures different facets of the district's reality – industry, people, and transportation – carefully intersecting and intertwining these elements to create a powerful, enduring illustration of the societal impact of industrial decline.

At nine hours long, "Tie Xi Qu: West of the Tracks" is a behemoth in the realm of documentary filmmaking. However, the length of the film is not a reflection of a desire for grandiosity but rather a testament to its director's commitment to in-depth storytelling. Bing lets scenes play out for as long as they need, allowing viewers to truly immerse themselves in the environment and the lives of the subjects, rather than providing a curated, polished snapshot.

"Rust," the first part, focuses on the declining factories that once provided sustenance to thousands of devoted workers who are now finding themselves jobless or forgotten. The desolation of the once-vibrant factories and the consequent human suffering are powerful reminders of the vulnerability of industrial societies in the face of economic changes.

"Remnants," the second part, explores the lives of the families residing in the district. By capturing the intricacies of the daily life of these communities who are also facing their own decline - fighting for survival amidst relocation and abandonment - Bing deftly showcases humanity amidst the ruins. The filmmakers intersperse scenes of internal family dramas, daily survival strategies, and the inevitable passage of time, creating a haunting image of a community forced to yield to the shocks of socio-economic transformations.

"Rails," the last part, introduces an adolescent who earns a living stealing coal from moving trains. He becomes the point of entry into a broader understanding of the human cost of economic progression, or in this case, regression. It sheds light on the social periphery, showing the undocumented corners of Obsolescence Street and featuring individuals who bear the brunt of industrial decline.

The style of the documentary is largely observational, with the camera assuming the role of a silent witness that patiently records the life, work, hardship, and resilience of its subjects. The extensive footage – sometimes harsh and at other times oddly beautiful – brings out the raw essence of the district and its inhabitants. "Tie Xi Qu: West of the Tracks" is devoid of any form of narrative voice-over, intensifying the realism and emotional intensity of the scenes. Through an aesthetic of immediacy and engagement, it documents a particular historical period and the lives that intersect with it.

The film shines a light on the economic restructuring of China, away from state-owned industry and toward a market-driven economy. Wang Bing’s lens captures not just the transformation but also the transition: the intimate decay of the industrial age, the resilience and despair of workers, and the human struggle at the heart of socio-economic progress.

With its stripped-down aesthetic and its relentless patience and commitment to its subjects, "Tie Xi Qu: West of the Tracks" stands as an evocative document of a tumultuous time of transformation. It's a visually stunning portrayal of an industrial society on the brink of collapse and the individuals who must deal with the repercussions. Indeed, this film stands as an enduring testament to the power of cinema as a medium to reflect historical and societal realities.