Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower

Hong Kong teen's battle against Chinese regime

Watch on Netflix
About Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower

Released: 2017

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-14

Run time: 1h 18m

Cast

About Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower

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About

Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower is a 2017 documentary film directed by Joe Piscatella. The film follows the story of Joshua Wong, a teenage activist from Hong Kong, as he leads the protests against the Chinese government's tightening grip on the city's autonomy.

The documentary provides a glimpse into the life of Joshua Wong and his formation of the student activist group Scholarism. It explores the challenges and dangers faced by Wong and other young activists as they fight for democracy and free elections in Hong Kong.

The film captures the power of youth and their ability to bring about significant social change. It showcases the determination, resilience, and bravery of Joshua Wong and his fellow activists as they navigate a complex political landscape.

Making / Production

Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower was produced by the Passion Pictures production company. The documentary was shot over several years, capturing pivotal moments in the Hong Kong democracy protests.

The director, Joe Piscatella, was inspired by Joshua Wong's story and felt compelled to share it with the world. Piscatella's background in documentary filmmaking allowed him to create an intimate and authentic portrayal of Wong and the larger pro-democracy movement.

The film incorporates interviews with Joshua Wong, other activists, politicians, and journalists, offering a comprehensive view of the events and their impact on Hong Kong society. The cinematography captures the energy and passion of the protests, effectively immersing viewers in the action.

Actors

  • Joshua Wong - Played by himself, Joshua Wong is the central figure in the documentary. He portrays his own experiences, providing an authentic and personal account of the events.
  • Nathan Law - Played by himself, Nathan Law is another prominent activist and former leader of Scholarism. He offers insights into the challenges faced by the movement and its goals.
  • Benny Tai - Played by himself, Benny Tai is a legal scholar and co-founder of the Occupy Central movement. He provides a legal perspective on the protests and their potential impact.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • Joshua Wong was only 14 years old when he co-founded the student activist group Scholarism.
  • The protests depicted in the documentary took place in 2014 and became known as the Umbrella Movement.
  • Joshua Wong has become an iconic figure in the pro-democracy movement and has been widely recognized for his activism.

Awards

Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower won the Audience Award for World Cinema Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival in 2017. The film received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and its exploration of the resilience of youth in the face of adversity.

Quotes

  • "We are fighting for democracy, for freedom, for justice. We are not going to be afraid anymore." - Joshua Wong
  • "I hope everyone knows that even one person, one young student, can make a change." - Joshua Wong
  • "We are not just fighting for Hong Kong, but we are fighting for everyone around the globe." - Joshua Wong

Music

The documentary features a captivating soundtrack that reflects the energy and intensity of the protests. The music enhances the emotional impact of the film and complements the visuals. The specific song titles and artists are not available.

Soundtrack

While there is no official soundtrack released for the documentary, the film includes a mix of songs and atmospheric sounds that contribute to the overall experience. The soundtrack features a combination of protest chants, speeches, and ambient sounds captured during the protests.