Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry

If you are interested in activism or protest art this is a must-watch!

This documentary is one of the greatest documentaries of our global times and is essential viewing for everyone, even if you are not that interested in China or don't know who `Ai Wei Wei' is. After watching this, you will come to understand how important a figure he is, not just for Chinese citizens, but for the sake of the global community because of the grave dangers of the rising power of the nation of China and its abuses of human rights, freedom of speech, thoughts, beliefs and expression which are fundamental rights for every living person in the world today.Watching it will touch a great span of emotions from fear to courage, from disillusionment to hope, and from tears to laughter; it will unveil actions from the barbaric to thoughtful ones based on the love for humanity; it will express the light-hearted humour that delights the youthful spirit in all of us against a backdrop of the grimness of politics seeped in corruption; and reveals the power of creativity that sparks spontaneously under an umbrella of suppression, fear and injustice.In face of heavy challenges that most people can only imagine, Ai Wei Wei keeps moving forward one step ahead of a mechanical, inhumane authoritarian Communist Party government like a grand chess champion. He admits he is scared, but is defiant that there can be no retreat as there is real danger and if he does not keep pushing forward, the danger will only become greater. One thing he does not know or admit, is that the government is in greater fear for what Ai Wei Wei's courage, wit, wisdom and dogged determination will do by unveiling to the public for all to see using the marvels of modern technology such as social media - not just for the Chinese public, but for the whole international public to scrutinize (esp. now that this documentary is available for all to see).The Chinese Communist Party is using all its manipulative, corrupt and deceiving tactics to control its citizens through propaganda, threats and violence, but this kind of archaic regime has no place in today's modern, global community where human rights should be respected and governments should no longer be able to hide behind an opaque screen to hide its corruption. Transparency such as what this documentary unveils is the only way such a suppressive regime can be forced to face itself and change for the better. Everyone in the international community needs to stand up and to keep speaking out against these injustices and abuses which has gone on for far too long.I have already ordered two DVDs myself for future viewings - something I have never done with any other DVD release, and will encourage as many people as I can to see it.By watching `Never Sorry', you will suddenly awaken to a whole new dimension of gratitude to the liberty that you take for granted each day and you will empathise for those living in certain countries who are still fighting for theirs. I gave a standing ovation to Ai Wei Wei for his courage and ability to listen to his conscience within to act against overwhelming forces. Let's support him by assisting in whatever way we can in bringing democracy to the people of China and for a more peaceful world.

There are always people criticize Ai weiwei as one nothing special old man but do all kinds of ridiculous actions to attract attention and fame and such. In this film, you can see how he indeed puts his life into what he think he should stand up, even the opposed side is a powerful, unpredictable giant. Ai weiwei does not say anything too vague or use any special smart words, and like his artworks, they are simply clear, direct, bold and powerful. China should be thankful that they have Ai weiwei as a Chinese artist, who care about the country, like other active artists, politicians, writers, and people who put effort for a better society where people are free to express. This film is not just for artistic people, is for everybody, the common folks, it will make you to question about the essence of human right and life.

If only Mother Teresa had socially networked with Ai Weiwei. There's still time to bring engagement to people through art against propaganda.

I had read reviews of top documentaries for 2012, and this film was in many of those lists. Not really seeing why I would want to see this, I eventually ended up seeing a preview of the film and I was definitely hooked.The film's editing I would say is good and kept a nice pace. I like the fact that the man himself uses his time, talent, and treasure to try to uplift his people but I wouldn't say there was anything riveting about it.Kinda feels like a mix between Exit Through The Gift Shop (with Mr. Brainwash), and Berkley in the 60's and/or The Black Power Mixtape. I wish there were probably less themes in his life being explored but deeper exploration of those.Not a waste of money but I've seen better.

AMAZING FILM. it was exactly what I needed to watch to learn more about how art and activism correspond

I watched this for my social work class. It is important to learn how people express themselves, and Ai Weiwei does it in such a unique way.

After seeing a Wei Wei exhibit at the Hirshhorn, I was interested in knowing more about his work, about him, and about his thinking and processes. This video was biography, examination of technique and thought processes, and looking at his work(s). Documentary itself is interestingly put together--not sure I could say how, exactly, but it certainly is NOT a typical, chronological bio. It's fascinating . . . .

I often find documentaries just a little dull but I was absolutely transfixed by the story of Ai Weiwei's life. It is impossible not to admire the bravery and charisma of this Chinese artist who risks his life every day in an attempt to change the country he loves. It makes you realise how lucky we are in this country to have freedom of speech and at least a partial democracy. The filmmaker doesn't comment but just lets the story of his life and current struggles slowly unfurl. The ending is almost predicatable but it's still very sad. If you are going to watch one documentary this year make it this one.In conclusion, ignore the two negative reviews on here. Both are poorly written and almost unintelligible which says more about the contributers than I ever could.

Having seen WeiWei's work over a number of years I was keen to see what this film observation could add to my understanding of the man and his work. My conclusion is: clever, erudite, successful manipulator of social media and successful at accessing and positioning himself in the global art market ............. a Chinese, Hirst, Koons etal ...When imprisoned for 81 days there were a number of protests and it was significant that one observer stated that the protestors were very brave because they didn't have WeiWei's wealth and influence .............. having said that for me the most telling part of the film was the last segment when he arrived back to his 'gated & walled' home, at night having been released on 'bail' ............. he was clearly not the same man who had been abducted 80 odd days earlier and whatever threats had been made were controlling him.WeiWei is a good artist, however, he is no poor martyr and we should not be guided to creating a mythology about the man ....Is the film worth watching - yes.Finally, I would like to say that the reviewer who gave the film 2* for technical ability should try 'watching' the film for content and message!

saw the film at the cinema, loved it, its a great insight into his work and his life , and as it was being filmed , he was taken into custody. there is some background history about his family and the politics , his time in new york , and some personal life , the sunflower seeds at the tate , very enjoyable film ( for art lovers)

Although it tackles some serious subjects about privacy and censorship it is very watchable. Ai WeiWei's sense of humour, his way of highlighting injustice and challenging our way of thinking about some things through his Art is both compelling to watch and thought provoking.

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