Ai Wiewei first made a blip on my radar during the awe inspiring opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but he captured my spirit with his inspiring art installations. Back in March, I documented my experience with his Sunflower Seeds exhibit at the Tate Modern, (see Seeds to Ponder) and since then I’ve continued to explore his work and life.
A documentary entitled, Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry, opens in theaters this weekend. This remarkable film provides insight into the courageous and vibrant voice of a man that refuses to be silenced. Filmmaker Alison Klayman tracks everything from the artist bent on creating evocative works of art to the outspoken activist that has found himself detained more than once by the Chinese government. Klayman catches it all with a smart balance of unrelenting honesty and humor, which serves as perfect reflection of the man himself.
Watching Ai Weiwei fight for his beliefs ignites that little spark that burns in everyone. At one point in the film he offers a statement that pretty much says it all:
Freedom is a pretty strange thing. Once you’ve experienced it, it remains in your heart and no one can take it away.
Prepare to be inspired . . .
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c.b.w. 2012
Thanks for the movie update! I love that you’re so eclectic- you make your own socks, write poems about London, teach World History, and know about artists. Wow.
My muse leads me in all sorts of directions. Who am I to tell her no?
Just heard an interview yesterday on NPR about the film. Can’t wait to see it!
In one of the reviews they called it a “crackling documentary” and I think that is a spot on description!
This looks awesome. I’ve seen bits and pieces about him but hadn’t tied them all together with a name. Thank you.
I didn’t make the connection between the Olympics and his art until I went to the Tate Modern last summer.
Like Rita, I hadn’t tied it all together. So true what he said about freedom!
I love that statement and so many others from him. He’s a very wise and aware man.
thank you for this…film wasn’t on radar…shall buy for library collection when it goes to DVD ~
I’ve got it marked as well for when it comes out on DVD, but I’m still hoping it will show up in theaters near me.
Big guy! I hope he’ll be China’s Solzhenistsin and not spare the West from critical scrutiny too. The world needs more people of this stamp.
M
He is an equal opportunity offender, no worries there.
That’s what I like to hear!
Art giving voice can be sooooooooooo powerful. Thanks for sharing. The film is now on my radar.
I think that’s why I love going to art museums so much – so many people people are speaking at once and saying different things, but they all speak in harmony.
The film looks brilliant. Ai Weiwei is brilliant.
Thanks for sharing this trailer. I feel compelled to share it too.
Please share it! Indie films like this need all the exposure they can get.
Thanks for the alert on this film. I definitely want to see it. What an inspiration!
He’ll rattle your soul in the best possible way.
How fortunate we are that people like him exist, thanks for sharing his story.
I hope to be as feisty and brave as he is one day.
Such a courageous and talented man! Sounds like a fascinating film. I will look for it here.
I admire him so much. May we all be just as bold.