City of Jade

About This Movie

City of Jade is this intriguing documentary that unravels the layers of jade mining through Midi Z's personal lens. He visits his uncle, who’s deeply entrenched in the jade trade—a world rife with both beauty and exploitation. It’s not just about the mining; it’s about the people, the environment, and the often dark implications of this gemstone’s allure. The tone has a contemplative feel, almost meditative at times, with scenes that linger just long enough to let the weight of the subject sink in. The pacing is deliberately slow, which suits the gravity of the themes being explored. What strikes me is how it captures the quiet desperation and aspiration of those involved, blending raw human stories with the stark realities of industry.

Introspective look at jade mining culture · Themes of family and labor · Reflective pacing enhances emotional impact