Youth Spring

YOUTH (SPRING) immerses viewers into the bustling world of industrial sewing machines, mirroring the lives of young garment workers in Zhili, a town near Shanghai. Here, teenagers and young adults from neighboring provinces reside in factory dormitories, spending their days meticulously stitching children's clothing. Filmed over a span of five years, acclaimed director Wang Bing provides an intimate glimpse into these independent workshops, building upon his previous work in BITTER MONEY (2017). Unlike an exposé, YOUTH (SPRING) focuses on the personal narratives of these workers, highlighting their resilience in challenging circumstances.

Critics have praised the film for its poignant portrayal of the unseen aspects of the garment industry. Ben Kenigsberg of The New York Times hails it as a "Critics' Pick," emphasizing its call not to overlook these individuals. J. Hoberman from The Nation underscores the film's authenticity, noting Wang's immersion in China's working classes as integral to capturing lived experiences. Paste Magazine lauds YOUTH (SPRING) as possibly the most significant documentation of Chinese garment workers to date, recognizing its importance in shedding light on their lives and struggles.