Film Review: Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry (15), (U.S.A. 2012) (English & Mandarin With English Subtitles)  (Director: Alison Klayman), Sunday 12.08.2012 18:20,  The Cameo Cinema Screen Three, Edinburgh

Ai Weiwei was someone who I knew little about before seeing the film, and what I did know fitted within the realm of 'modern art' that I find difficult; that where you feel you should make allowances as it is art and maybe you just don't get it, though that term allowances says it all, as to how you actually view it. Having watched the film I have a lot more time for him as a person, though still feel skeptical about the so-called art.

What I found most interesting about the film is how it showed the Chinese Government to be beyond heavy handed in regard to any expression that goes against or questions in any form, their form of rule. To tritely state the obvious, Freedom of expression is a joke in China. Going into the film there was obviously no delusions in regard to the Chinese Government and their disregard for human rights, though it is always good to get reminders of these issues, particularly by focusing on someone who is prepared to continually challenge this situation in a light way without making light of the situation. The film also highlights the power of the internet, as the Chinese government may try to limit what the Chinese people hear of Ai Weiwei, though due to accessing the internet people are choosing to bypass this censorship. The level of support and admiration shown by Chinese people within the film for Ai Weiwei, hopefully suggest that it may be a matter of time before those governing China have to adapt.

The film itself though was not entirely balanced, though that is not surprising or even important. The film focuses on a period in his life that included preparation for the conceptual installation at the Tate Modern in London which consisted of millions of hand-painted ceramic sunflower seeds. From the limited amount I knew of Ai Weiwei beforehand, I was aware that this piece had to be closed down early due to toxic fumes from the paint used being detected; a mistake which I remember thinking at the time, felt sloppy and should have been able to have been thought about beforehand and prevented. The high-profile reception of the piece was shown heavily though no mention of it having to be closed early.

Despite slight criticism, the film generally felt interesting and enjoyable and I'm glad I went to see it. It's always nice to see people behaving badly, though in a dignified way.

Rating 08/10.