Quartile rating: 7/10 · 1 rating
The film explores the pursuit of the “Chinese Dream.” Driven by mesmerizing—and sometimes humorous—imagery, this observational documentary presents a contemporary vision of China that prioritizes productivity and innovation above all.
Ascension is a visually striking observational documentary that eschews narration or talking heads in favor of immersive, carefully composed imagery of China's economic machine at every level — from factory floors to finishing schools to luxury retreats. Jessica Kingdon's cinematography is genuinely exceptional, with tableaux-like framing that feels both ethnographic and poetic, earning a strong score. The film's conception — structuring a portrait of Chinese aspiration through the three tiers of production, consumption, and leisure — is distinctive and singular, making it one of the more memorable documentary works of its era. However, the lack of narrative arc or conventional documentary structure means the 'plot' is essentially a mood essay, serviceable but intentionally thin. Acting is not applicable in the traditional sense, though subjects occasionally feel self-conscious before the camera. The ending, while tonally consistent, arrives without strong resolution or catharsis, feeling more like a fade-out than a conclusion.