Confucian Dream 82 minutes, color, 2019
Mijie Li's first feature (she co-produced Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert’s American Factory) is a documentary about
a Chinese woman's embrace of the ancient philosophy of Confucianism and how it affects her family.
Chaoyan believes the ancient teachings of Confucius will restore balance and morality to her home. She enlists her young son in the rigorous routine of chanting daily mantras. But Chaoyan's husband finds the daily practice excessive.
While Confucianism's primary purpose is to instill peace and harmony, the opposite occurs as their beliefs clash, bringing forth a gripping portrait of marital and parental crisis.
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