2019,
China,
Li Ermao,
Mandarin,
Director: Jia Yuchuan
Release Year: 2019
Synopsis:
"The Two Lives of Li Ermao" (2019), directed by Jia Yuchuan, is a profoundly intimate and emotional documentary that spans 17 years, capturing the tumultuous and transformative life of Li Ermao, a transgender migrant worker in Southern China. The film chronicles Ermao's journey from living as a man to transitioning to a woman, and eventually, back to a man. This shifting of identities is not merely a matter of gender but symbolizes a deeper search for self-understanding, a desperate quest for love, and a relentless fight for survival in an ever-changing society.
Through beautiful cinematography and raw storytelling, "The Two Lives of Li Ermao" offers a rare glimpse into the life of an individual navigating the complexities of modern China. Ermao’s story is one of resilience, grappling with personal demons, societal rejection, and a constantly shifting sense of self. The documentary highlights the struggles of an ordinary person caught in the tides of rapid societal change—an individual both struggling to fit in and searching for a space to simply exist. Filmed across various locations in Southern China, "The Two Lives of Li Ermao" offers an in-depth look at the life of an individual whose experiences reflect broader social issues. The documentary presents a personal story marked by contradictions—moments of success juxtaposed with periods of profound hardship.
At the beginning of the film, Ermao is living her life as a successful performer, enjoying a sense of achievement and financial stability. She earns a living performing at the Venice Beach Club, surrounded by love and companionship. But beneath the surface, personal struggles such as gambling and alcoholism begin to take their toll, leading her into a downward spiral of isolation and financial ruin.
Ermao’s story takes a turn when a new relationship offers hope, but soon, she is forced to return to her hometown, where the land she once owned has been taken by relatives and neighbors. Stripped of her possessions, she sets up a tent in the remnants of her property, trying to make a living by raising chickens alongside her boyfriend. This period in her life is fraught with difficulties, including a harsh and brutal childhood history that resurfaces, revealing a shocking series of traumatic events, including human trafficking, the selling of children, and other harrowing stories tied to her family’s past.
As the documentary unfolds, we witness Ermao’s complex journey, as she continues to face prejudice, bullying, and discrimination from locals who mock her appearance and her choices. Despite these challenges, Ermao finds moments of peace and stability, only to have her life again spiral downward due to a series of unfortunate events. Eventually, she and her boyfriend sell the land, returning to Shenzhen in an attempt to rebuild their lives. Yet, Ermao’s internal struggles, compounded by the weight of her past, continue to haunt her, leading to even more tragic circumstances.
Unlike many traditional documentaries that maintain a detached, objective viewpoint, "The Two Lives of Li Ermao" stands out for its deeply personal approach. Director Jia Yuchuan does not shy away from becoming emotionally invested in Ermao’s story. His reactions, at times angered and frustrated by Ermao’s life choices, become an integral part of the narrative. This departure from the usual documentary style allows the audience to connect with the subject on a much deeper level, as we witness not only Ermao’s journey but also the director’s evolving relationship with her.
This unique approach fosters a sense of empathy, blurring the lines between observer and participant. The way Jia’s personal emotions and responses inform the storytelling enhances the rawness of the film, creating an atmosphere where the viewer is drawn even closer to Ermao’s painful and often contradictory existence. Furthermore, the editing by Søren B. Ebbe, which weaves together footage shot over 17 years, is masterfully done. The transitions between different stages of Ermao's life feel fluid, and the structure of the film often mirrors the unpredictability and chaos of the protagonist’s life.
What makes "The Two Lives of Li Ermao" truly remarkable is not just its compelling documentary style, but the depth of the portrait it paints of its central character. Ermao’s story is one of contradictions, filled with moments of brilliance and self-destructive choices. Her life is shaped by a series of tragic events, including her tumultuous relationship with her father, a history of childhood abuse, and the struggles of coming to terms with her identity as a transgender woman.
Ermao's constant search for love and acceptance is at the core of her journey. She longs to be loved but is often confronted by the harsh realities of societal prejudice and the limitations of her own choices. Her pursuit of a sex-change operation and her efforts to find stability in a country that offers few opportunities for people like her reveal a complex psychological portrait of a person constantly at war with themselves. Through Ermao’s eyes, we witness a life filled with pain, but also moments of hope and self-discovery.
The documentary is particularly poignant in illustrating the struggles that Ermao faces in terms of violence and discrimination. From physical confrontations to verbal abuse, she suffers from constant rejection and ridicule. Yet, these moments are also a reflection of the broader social climate, one where prejudice and intolerance remain widespread. Ermao's story is, in many ways, an exploration of the struggles faced by marginalized communities in China—particularly the transgender community—and the difficulties they encounter in a society that is still coming to terms with diversity.
One of the central themes of "The Two Lives of Li Ermao" is the disillusionment with the "Chinese Dream," the ideal that rural individuals can escape their impoverished origins and make a new life in the bustling urban centers. Ermao's story deconstructs this ideal, revealing the harsh realities faced by those from marginalized backgrounds, especially transgender individuals. Despite her hard work, determination, and occasional success, Ermao’s life is a series of setbacks, betrayals, and personal demons that ultimately prevent her from escaping her circumstances.
The documentary invites viewers to reflect on whether Ermao's fate was the result of her personal mistakes or the deep-seated traumas rooted in her past. Jia Yuchuan does not provide a definitive answer but leaves this question for the audience to ponder. By doing so, the film challenges the notion that hard work alone can overcome the ingrained social and familial pressures that often shape a person’s life trajectory.
"The Two Lives of Li Ermao" is a stunning documentary that offers an unflinching look at the life of an extraordinary individual. Ermao’s story is heartbreaking yet inspiring, filled with both hope and tragedy. The film is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, showcasing the strength and determination required to survive in a world that is often hostile and unwelcoming. At the same time, it underscores the deep scars left by prejudice, violence, and the search for identity.
This documentary is not just a window into one person's life—it is a reflection of the broader challenges faced by those on the margins of Chinese society. For anyone interested in the intersection of identity, gender, and societal change in modern China, "The Two Lives of Li Ermao" is a must-see. It is a powerful and poignant narrative that challenges viewers to reflect on the complexities of human existence, making it one of the most significant documentaries of recent years.
Image credits: Vimeo
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