A Long Journey Home review – family pressures reach boiling point in a shocking documentary

In a recent interview, Peter Bradshaw delves into the impact of Wenqian Zhang’s debut feature film, which provides an unfiltered look at her complex family dynamics. Although completed in 2022, the documentary is finally making its UK premiere, exploring the emotional turmoil that surrounds Zhang’s life and environment.

Bradshaw reflects, “Watching this film can be almost painful. It offers a deeply oppressive insight into Zhang’s family struggles, crafted from footage she captured in her family’s home in China.” He points out that Zhang, who has recently returned from her studies in the United States, effectively conveys the stifling atmosphere of her family life through various fixed camera setups in their cramped apartment.

Zhang’s family narrative is compelling enough to rival a soap opera. Her father, a software developer, spent much of the 90s away from home chasing wealth during China’s economic boom. Yet, upon his return, he appears as a man weighed down by failure and depression, spending his days immersing himself in the letters he once wrote to his wife. The tension in the household is palpable, especially between Zhang’s parents; her mother, a corporate trainer, is portrayed as frustrated with her husband’s perceived laziness and inability to provide for the family.

In a particularly striking moment, Bradshaw recounts an incident where Zhang’s mother confronts her husband in a fit of exasperation, prompting Zhang to intervene and hold her back. This scene powerfully illustrates the underlying tensions within the family.

The film also explores the intricacies of Zhang’s broader familial relationships. Her mother is caught between societal expectations and her desire for her daughter to marry her boyfriend, Yue, who also serves as the film’s cinematographer. This pressure weighs heavily on Zhang, especially as her mother considers selling their apartment to ensure a substantial dowry, further highlighting the burdens placed on her.

Reflecting on the emotional depth of the film, Bradshaw notes a particularly poignant moment where Zhang’s father, seated on the bed, confesses, “I never imagined my life would be such a failure… I want to see if I can catch the last train to find myself.” This profound statement encapsulates the film’s exploration of personal failure and the search for redemption.

Ultimately, “A Long Journey Home” presents a slow yet deeply affecting viewing experience. As Bradshaw remarks, “You may need time to adjust to the film’s docu-slowness, but it’s infused with a striking and often shocking honesty.” The film is set to air on True Story starting October 13.