Review of Platform (2001) by Kevin W — 11 Feb 2008

A group of friends, members of the state-sponsored Peasant Culture Group, come to terms with cultural changes in 1980s rural China, in Jia Zhang-Keâ??s Platform. Beginning as a theatre group for Communist propaganda, Liberation, and eventual privatisation, sees the group transform into the superbly named All Stars Rock â??Nâ?? Breakdance Electronic Band.

The increasing popularity of, obviously, pop music, increased smoking, permed haircuts and abortions work as the markers of the groupâ??s reforming, along with new opportunities to travel and loss of traditional family values.

With such a long running time, covering several years, as the characters develop, the film can feel a little disjointed and gaps in time can lead the viewer wondering who is now who. The use of radio dialogue, State public announcements and long shots could be cut down to reduce the running time, though they all work as part of Jiaâ??s realistic portrayal of Chinese working life.

Despite the long running time, the ending comes quite sudden, though works as a conclusion. The naivety of the characters as they grow older reflects Chinaâ??s naivety to modern, popular culture, as their â?? and Chinaâ??s â?? worlds push forward.