Fortune Teller

Released in 2010, Fortune Teller (Suan Ming) is a seemingly unassuming documentary that covers profound topics like tradition, human dignity, and survival. Directed by the visionary Chinese filmmaker Xiaoshan Xu, the movie uses the life of an aged fortune teller as a lens to explore the societal challenges and human drama in contemporary China.

Titled after the translation of 'Suan Ming' which means 'fortune telling,' the documentary delves into the hidden lives of marginal figures, the disabled, and elderly people through the story of the protagonist Li Baicheng. As one of the last few fortune tellers in China, Li is a man who has seen the world change around him, yet he clings to his beliefs and practices with an undeniable sense of grace and dignity.

Li Baicheng is a fortune teller living in a remote area of China's rural Hebei province. He possesses a unique skill - he can expel spirits and predict the future. Yet, despite these admired talents, his life is far from easy. Living with a deaf wife, Zhou Xiuying, Li does his best to care for her whilst making a meager living through his ancient craft, challenged by the relentless winds of modernization and government hostility.

This protagonist's life is filled with colorful and dramatic encounters with his clients - women who are troubled by domestic violence, men who are gripped by age-old superstitions, and parents who are desperate for their children’s success. Each person approaches Li with a heavy heart and yearning for answers, often seeking solace or solutions in the face of adversity.

The movie does not solely rely on the charm of its unique protagonist for entertainment. Instead, it cleverly weaves in his interactions with a society that holds a conflicted fascination for his craft. Amidst a state that bans superstition and deep-rooted traditional practices, Li faces continual persecution. The resultant drama is derived from vivid accounts of police encounters and accounts of his clients being demonized by society.

Fortune Teller (Suan Ming) is not simply a character study but more of a sociopolitical commentary. It depicts the struggles of less-privileged Chinese, the loss of traditions, and the hardships of survival in the face of modernization and law enforcement. It captures how some aspects of tradition, superstition, and beliefs can sometimes co-exist alongside progress — a prevalent theme throughout the film.

Unlike many other movies that feature high production values and cutting-edge graphics, the magic of Fortune Teller lies in its raw and honest storytelling. With minimal use of music and no artificial lighting, the film presents a stark and realistic portrayal of life at the margins of Chinese society. The camera work opts for a slower pace, allowing audiences to watch and indirectly participate in the character's life, making it an immersive and intimate journey.

Even without an explicit narrative or plot line, the film has a deeply moving quality that sheds light on the trials of living at the periphery of society. It engenders empathy, enabling viewers to appreciate the protagonist's strength and resilience, his values, and his sheer will to continue living and working despite the challenges.

Fans of documentary films, realistic cinema, and global culture will find Fortune Teller (Suan Ming) a moving and insightful watch. Its charm lies in balanced storytelling that teeters between melancholy and hope, stark realism and magical folklore, showing how life continue to persist amidst hardship.

Fortune Teller (Suan Ming) is a powerful film that pays tribute to the human spirit, tradition, and the transformative power of belief. It's a poignant, moving story of a man, his faith, and the world that judges him, making for an unforgettable cinematic experience.