In the Same Breath

HBO Documentary Films | Release Date: August 13, 2021

4.8	USER SCORE Mixed or average reviews based on 15 Ratings

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Brent_MarchantAug 18, 2021

Making a documentary about the COVID-19 pandemic has got to be one of the most challenging ventures a filmmaker can undertake, especially given the fact that it's still ongoing. What's more, there are so many aspects to focus on, that it'sMaking a documentary about the COVID-19 pandemic has got to be one of the most challenging ventures a filmmaker can undertake, especially given the fact that it's still ongoing. What's more, there are so many aspects to focus on, that it's undoubtedly difficult to know where to place proper emphasis. And, when one adds to that the ever-shifting sands of available and credible information (particularly from officials in China, site of the pandemic's origin, and the US), it's difficult to know what to believe. Such are the hurdles that director Nanfu Wang faced in making this film, now airing on HBO. Certain elements are sensitively and expertly handled, such as the impact of the pandemic on victims, their families and the health care workers tending to their needs, painfully sad segments guaranteed to move viewers to tears. However, the slope is considerably slipperier when it comes to addressing governmental responses to the virus. Is the ineffectual handling of the crisis due to incompetence, a lack of preparation and/or blind denial, or is something more nefarious at work, given the hardline, authoritarian, propagandist proclamations that, arguably, are being issued on both sides of the globe? On this front, the director seems less sure of herself, hedging her bets and holding back from saying what she really wants to say. That's unfortunate given that Ms. Wang is generally not one to waffle, as previously seen in hard-hitting releases like "One Child Nation." Here, however, she seems to resist throwing down the gauntlet, an approach that dilutes her message -- and weakens the film -- at a time when a definitive perspective is needed more than ever.… Expand

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JLuis_001Aug 24, 2023

I had resolved to abstain from watching further documentaries about COVID-19. However, I made an exception for this one due to its purported emphasis on the progression of the situation in China and the intricate web of government propagandaI had resolved to abstain from watching further documentaries about COVID-19. However, I made an exception for this one due to its purported emphasis on the progression of the situation in China and the intricate web of government propaganda woven to conceal the outbreak.

In my opinion it needed to be more incisive, after all anyone can criticize the tactics of the Chinese government, but considering the material shown in the documentary, I highly doubt that there wasn't much more brutal and crucial footage of the victims and the state of the hospitals overwhelmed by the disease, but I speculate that bringing that sort of thing to light might have provoked some sort of retaliation from China.

Nevertheless, this documentary stands as one of the most commendable pieces of work I've encountered regarding the pandemic.… Expand

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