Title: “My Country, My Parents”: How Wu Jing’s Film Redefines Intergenerational Legacy in Chinese Cinema
As global audiences increasingly seek narratives that transcend borders, My Country, My Parents (2021), starring and co-directed by Wu Jing, emerges as a cinematic mosaic of China’s modern history. This anthology film—part of the acclaimed “National Day Trilogy”—masterfully interweaves four distinct stories spanning revolutionary struggles, scientific ambition, entrepreneurial daring, and futuristic imagination. For international viewers, it offers not just entertainment but a profound exploration of how individual sacrifices and familial bonds shape national identity. Here’s why this film deserves global attention.
- A Multigenerational Anthology: Bridging Past and Present
-My Country, My Parents* adopts an innovative anthology format, with four segments directed by Wu Jing, Zhang Ziyi, Xu Zheng, and Shen Teng. Each story represents a pivotal era in China’s development:
- “The Wind Rider” (Wu Jing): Set during the Anti-Japanese War, this segment follows a cavalry regiment leader (Wu Jing) and his son, whose bond is tested by wartime sacrifices. The visceral battle scenes and moral dilemmas—such as a father’s heart-wrenching choice to sacrifice his son to protect civilians—mirror the brutality and heroism of China’s revolutionary past .
- “Poem” (Zhang Ziyi): A tribute to China’s aerospace pioneers in the 1960s, this chapter juxtaposes a rocket scientist’s clandestine work with his family’s emotional struggles. The metaphor of “writing poems in the sky” encapsulates the silent sacrifices of those who laid the groundwork for technological triumphs .
- “Duck先知” (Xu Zheng): A lighthearted yet poignant ode to China’s reform era, this segment chronicles the birth of the nation’s first TV commercial. Xu Zheng’s comedic flair highlights the audacity of early entrepreneurs who dared to innovate amid societal skepticism .
- “Young and Flying” (Shen Teng): Blending sci-fi and comedy, this futuristic tale follows a time-traveling robot (Shen Teng) who mentors a fatherless boy. It underscores the continuity of dreams across generations, merging slapstick humor with themes of perseverance .
This structure allows the film to traverse time while maintaining emotional coherence, offering foreign audiences a panoramic view of China’s socio-cultural evolution.
- Subverting Gender Norms: The Untold Stories of “Parents”
The film’s English title, My Country, My Parents—rather than a literal translation of “父辈” (fathers’ generation)—reflects a deliberate effort to acknowledge women’s contributions. As noted in critiques, the term “父辈” in Chinese culture can inclusively refer to both parents, but Western audiences might interpret it as male-centric . Zhang Ziyi’s segment, “Poem,” directly addresses this by foregrounding a mother’s dual role as a rocket engineer and a grieving widow. Her character’s resilience—balancing technical precision with maternal tenderness—challenges stereotypes of women in historical narratives .
This nuanced approach aligns with global discourse on gender representation, making the film accessible to viewers sensitive to inclusive storytelling. The inclusion of female perspectives also distinguishes it from traditional war epics dominated by male protagonists.
- Wu Jing’s Evolution: From Action Star to Auteur
While Wu Jing is globally recognized for his roles in Wolf Warrior and The Battle at Lake Changjin, his directorial segment in this film reveals a more introspective side. “The Wind Rider” diverges from his usual emphasis on individual heroism, instead portraying collective sacrifice. The haunting scene where Wu’s character sends a signal to divert enemy forces—knowing it will doom his son—exemplifies the film’s theme of “generational debt”: the idea that progress is built on predecessors’ pain .
His performance, stripped of the invincible warrior trope, resonates with universal themes of paternal love and moral ambiguity. For international fans of Wu Jing, this segment offers a fresh lens into his artistic range.
- Cultural Specificity with Universal Appeal
The film’s success lies in its ability to localize historical events while tapping into global emotions:
- War and Sacrifice: The cavalry’s suicidal charge in “The Wind Rider” parallels the existential stakes in films like 1917, yet it is uniquely rooted in China’s resistance against imperialism .
- Scientific Ambition: “Poem” mirrors Hidden Figures in celebrating unsung STEM heroes but adds a lyrical layer with its rocket-as-poetry metaphor .
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: The humor in “Duck先知” echoes The Social Network’s portrayal of innovation, but its focus on grassroots capitalism reflects China’s post-Mao economic awakening .
- Intergenerational Hope: The robot in “Young and Flying” symbolizes a bridge between tradition and modernity, akin to Interstellar’s exploration of legacy .
By balancing these elements, the film invites cross-cultural dialogue without diluting its Chinese essence.
- Global Reception and Historical Reckoning
Since its release, My Country, My Parents has sparked international interest, particularly during its 2023 screenings in North America, Australia, and Europe . Overseas audiences have praised its ability to humanize historical events often reduced to political abstractions. For instance, the “Poem” segment’s depiction of rocket scientists working in barren deserts contrasts sharply with Western narratives of the Space Race, emphasizing communal effort over individual genius .
However, the film also confronts uncomfortable truths. The bloody sacrifices in “The Wind Rider” serve as a reminder of the human cost behind China’s modern sovereignty—a narrative seldom explored in global media .
Why International Audiences Should Watch
- Historical Education: The anthology format provides a digestible yet profound overview of 20th-century China, from wartime resistance to technological leaps.
- Artistic Innovation: Each director’s unique style—Wu Jing’s grit, Zhang Ziyi’s poetry, Xu Zheng’s wit, Shen Teng’s absurdism—showcases China’s cinematic diversity.
- Cultural Bridge: The film demystifies China’s national psyche, illustrating how familial loyalty and collective memory shape its modern identity.
- Gender Dynamics: Its subtle critique of patriarchal norms offers a fresh perspective on gender roles in historical narratives.
- Global Relevance: Themes like sacrifice, innovation, and intergenerational love transcend cultural boundaries.
Conclusion: A Cinematic Testament to Collective Memory
-My Country, My Parents* is more than a patriotic anthology; it is a meditation on how ordinary individuals become architects of history. By intertwining personal and national narratives, it challenges the Western dichotomy of “individual vs. collective” and presents a uniquely Eastern ethos: that one’s life gains meaning through contribution to a greater continuum.
As the film’s closing lines poignantly note, “The dreams we inherit are the compasses guiding tomorrow.” For global viewers, this cinematic journey is an invitation to reflect on their own cultural legacies—and the unsung heroes who shaped them.