10 May 2008

"Carrier" on PBS


By Bian-lian Huang (The King of Masks)

It has been about two years since we last reviewed a film at the Fairbank Report, so you know this series is worth watching.

About two weeks ago, PBS featured a new ten-part series on the life and work of the crew of the USS Nimitz. Overall, it is an excellent piece of story-telling about the boredom, thrills, mistakes, challenges and misdeeds of the service personnel on the Nimitz. Artistically well-crafted and incredibly edited, "Carrier" sets the technical and artistic standards for documentaries for years to come.

One quibble in regard to Part Ten. The overly emotional scene of the young sailor's break-up with his (beautiful) pregnant Asian girlfriend seems "soap opera-ish." I am sure the episodes of flowing tears actually occurred and the emotions were raw and genuine, but the fact that there's cameraman shooting during such a private moment smacks of contrivance.

If you missed it, I am sure PBS will re-run it soon or during pledge month.

Highly recommended.

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