People's Republic Of Desire

People's Republic of Desire is a discerning and thought-provoking documentary film directed by Hao Wu in 2018. This film successfully navigates the intriguing world of online streaming in modern China, a multi-million-dollar industry that is more or less a manifestation of the country's technological prowess and rapidly evolving cultural dynamics. Besides offering an in-depth perspective into the world of online celebrities in China, the film explores important themes such as social inequality, the obsession with wealth, and people's craving for fame and recognition — all within the framework of China's competitive and fast-paced environment.

The film is essentially a tale of two primary characters: Shen Man and Big Li, who are popular live-streaming personalities on YY, a reality show-style video platform where hosts perform and viewers send digital gifts that translate into real-world currency. Shen Man is a former nurse turned singing sensation, while Big Li is known for his humor and everyman charm. The platform they use, YY, is portrayed as a peculiarly dystopian microcosm, a digital gladiatorial arena teeming with millions of users where only the most entertaining, charismatic, or wealthy survive.

One of the most compelling aspects of this film is its commentary on the socio-economic stratification of Chinese society. The virtual world exemplified by YY is essentially divided between the 'Diaosi,' the internet slang term for young people of lesser means aspiring to a better life, and the 'Tuhao', wealthy people who splurge on these online platforms. The 'Diaosi' follow and support the performers with their scant resources, seeking vicarious pleasure in the success of their idols, while the 'Tuhao' throw their weight around by spending extravagantly to gain rank and respect.

People's Republic of Desire also discusses the often-exploitative dynamics of internet fame. While Shen Man and Big Li enjoy the benefits of their virtual celebrity status, they are also trapped in it. They must constantly work to keep their fans entertained and happy, regularly subject themselves to the brutal competition of YY's annual popularity contests, and grapple with the cut-throat reality of platforms like YY, where today's superstar can quickly become yesterday's news.

Director Hao Wu does a phenomenal job of weaving various threads of narrative together. His intense visual style vividly paints the dazzling allure of the cyber spectacle, the emotional rollercoaster experienced by the online celebrities, and the often-depressing lives of the platform's many devotees. Camera shots shift artistically from flashy digital performances on a glossy screen to the dim, single-bedroom apartments; the stark realities of wage earners who can only dream of a better life. Wu authentically represents the human stories that live on both sides of the computer screen, and he does so with empathy and honesty.

The film also deserves commendation for its seamless integration of digital effects that transport the audience to the cyberspace of YY. This feature creates an immersive experience necessary to understand the excitement and intensity of this cyber universe where virtual and real-world currencies and emotions are constantly exchanged.

People's Republic of Desire is a brave exploration into a facet of Chinese internet culture that's largely unknown to the western world. It's not just about the digital age or the emergence of live-streaming as a culture, but rather paints a picture of a society where people are looking for outlets for their deep-seated desires, whether they lie in the realm of the achievable or beyond. The film rides high on the waves of China's digital revolution and reflects its repercussions on the society, the economy, and the individual lives it touches. It questions the future of human connections and emotions in an age dominated by digital interactions and poses larger questions about the nature of desire, fame, wealth, and success. An absolute must-watch, especially for those interested in social media culture, tech trends and social phenomena in the digital era.