Denise Ho is a Hong Kong-based singer and activist who has been actively involved in the pro-democracy movement in China. The movie "Denise Ho - Becoming the Song" is a documentary that traces her journey as a singer and an activist and how she has used her platform to raise awareness about civil rights in China. The movie primarily focuses on two aspects of Denise's life: her music and her activism. It takes us through her childhood and how she was trained as a professional musician. Denise started her career as a Cantopop singer in the early 2000s and soon became very popular in Hong Kong and other parts of Asia. Her style of music was unique as it blended traditional Chinese melodies with modern pop arrangements, and her lyrics often dealt with social and political issues.
As the pro-democracy movement started gaining momentum in Hong Kong, Denise became increasingly involved in political activism. She was one of the key figures in the Umbrella Movement of 2014, which was a series of pro-democracy protests that took place in the city. She was arrested along with many other activists and faced severe backlash from the Chinese government and pro-China groups.
The movie shows us how Denise's activism and music are interlinked. Her music became a tool to raise awareness about the human rights violations in China and the need for democracy. She also used her platform to show solidarity with other pro-democracy activists and artists.
One of the main strengths of the movie is how it contextualizes Denise's story within the larger political landscape of China. The documentary provides a historical overview of the tensions between China and Hong Kong and how the pro-democracy movement has evolved over the years. It also sheds light on the various conflicts within the movement itself, with different factions and ideologies. The movie shows us how Denise's story is not just about her individual journey but also about the larger struggle for democracy in China.
Another powerful aspect of the movie is how it portrays the personal cost of Denise's activism. She has faced tremendous pressure from the Chinese government and the pro-China groups, who have tried to silence her through various means. The movie shows us how she has been subjected to online bullying, verbal abuse, and even physical attacks in some instances. Despite all this, Denise remains steadfast in her commitment to the cause and continues to use her music and voice to fight for democracy in China.
The movie also delves into Denise's personal life and how her activism has affected her relationships with her family and friends. We see how her parents, who were initially reluctant to support her activism, have come to understand and appreciate her courage and passion for the cause. We also see how her relationships with fellow activists and artists have been strengthened because of their shared struggle.
Overall, "Denise Ho - Becoming the Song" is a powerful and moving documentary that tells the story of an incredibly talented musician and a fearless activist. It shows us how music can be a powerful tool for social change and how one person's courage can inspire a movement. Whether one is familiar with Denise Ho's music or not, this movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in the ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights in China.
Denise Ho - Becoming the Song is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 76.
