Watch Our Time Machine

Our Time Machine is a captivating and emotional documentary film that chronicles the life and work of a Chinese artist named Maleonn. The film is directed by Yang Sun and S. Leo Chiang, and was released in 2019. It follows Maleonn over the course of several years as he creates a new theatrical production that is inspired by his relationship with his father, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease.

The film is set in China and opens with Maleonn’s father, Ma Ke, looking out of a window at the city below. As the camera follows him, it becomes clear that Ma Ke is struggling with his memory, and his son Maleonn is doing his best to help him. As an artist, Maleonn is deeply interested in the intersection of memory and storytelling, and he has been working on a new play that he hopes will bring his father’s life story to the stage.

The play is called “Papa’s Time Machine,” and it is a fantastical production that blends puppetry, animation, and live performance. The film follows Maleonn as he works with his team of collaborators to build the elaborate sets and puppets that will bring the story to life. Along the way, the film delves into Maleonn’s personal history, exploring his relationship with his father and his own journey as an artist.

As Maleonn works on the play, the film also examines the broader cultural and political context of modern-day China. Maleonn and his team face a number of challenges in bringing the play to the stage, from censorship issues to the difficulty of making a living as an artist in a country that is rapidly changing. At the same time, Maleonn is struggling to accept his father’s illness and to come to with the fact that he is losing him.

Throughout the film, Maleonn’s ion for his work shines through, and the viewer is drawn into the intricate world of “Papa’s Time Machine.” From the larger-than-life puppet of Ma Ke that is brought to life on stage to the intricate animation sequences that depict his memories, the play is a beautiful and moving tribute to Maleonn’s father. The film captures the many challenges that Maleonn and his team face in bringing the play to fruition, from the countless hours spent building sets to the logistical difficulties of touring the show across China.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its use of contrasting visuals. As we see Maleonn and his team at work, building the elaborate sets and puppets that will bring the play to life, we are also shown scenes of Ma Ke in his day-to-day life, struggling with the effects of his illness. These scenes are often shot in stark black and white, highlighting the contrast between the vivid, fantastical world of the play and the harsher realities of Ma Ke’s life.

At the heart of Our Time Machine is the relationship between Maleonn and his father, and the film is at its most powerful when it explores this dynamic. We see Maleonn struggling to communicate with his father, who is often unable to recognize him or their shared history. At the same time, Maleonn is driven by a deep love and respect for his father, and this is what motivates him to create the play.

Overall, Our Time Machine is a deeply moving documentary that explores themes of memory, family, and the power of storytelling. It is a testament to the enduring bonds between fathers and sons, and a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving our memories and the stories that shape our lives.