Screenwriter Guy Hibbert shows a keen understanding of the ruthlessness and arbitrary application of principle in the Party’s courts. There are scenes that directly echo Zhao Liang’s devastating documentary “Petition,” while the ticking clock generates just as much suspense as any well-executed (an unfortunate choice of words) death-row thriller. Yet frustratingly, “One Child” comes to a screeching halt whenever it cuts back to Mr. and Mrs. Ashley for another session of their hand-wringing.
Katie Leung plays Mei Ashley as a reasonably down-to-earth fish out of water, without becoming annoyingly helpless. As Qianyi, Linh Dan Pham is a smart and intriguing screen presence, while Junix Inocian steals scene after scene as Mr. Lin, a dodgy private investigator. Li Kunjue will also make some viewers wish human rights attorney Cheng Hua has more screen time.
However, Mardy Ma delivers the real punch to the solar plexus as Ashley’s achingly distraught birthmother, a true proletarian repeatedly victimized by the Party’s policies and corruption.
Frankly, when the Ashleys are not whining, “One Child” is a tight, tense, and topical international legal drama. Although “One Child” does not belabor the titular policy, the pain and guilt it causes are reflected with great sensitivity in every one of Ma’s scenes.
It is also an opportune reminder how dangerous it is to practice law in an honest and independent manner under the CCP. Just ask Ai Weiwei’s former lawyer Pu Zhiqiang, currently in prison, awaiting prosecution on highly specious charges.
“One Child” gives viewers a sneak peak at the sort of challenges his defense team will face. Highly recommended as a gripping indictment of corruption and a complicated portrait of a family living under one-child policy, “One Child” parts 1 and 2 air this Friday and Saturday on SundanceTV.
‘One Child’
Director: John Alexander
Starring: Katie Leung, Andy Cheung, Enoch Frost
Running time: Each part 1 hour, 27 minutes
Release date: Dec. 5, Dec. 6
Joe Bendel writes about independent film and lives in New York. To read his most recent articles, please visit www.jbspins.blogspot.com
