The stories we hear in 24 City belong to its specific place, but they are universal.

The actors in 24 City bring their own existential realities to their short, touching performances. In the end, the deep emotions they stir up -- the actress Lv Liping delivers a harrowing story about a lost child -- constitute another kind of monument to the workers of Factory 420.

The new film, shot in vivid hi-def video, is part documentary and part fiction based on interviews; it uses on-camera interviews with workers, some played by themselves and some played by actors, to evoke a past of unimaginable toil, and suffering, in the service of the Communist state.

Jia Zhangke is one of the world's preeminent filmmakers, an essentially contemplative director whose considerable talent is further amplified by the significance of his material--namely, everyday life in the most dynamic economy on earth.

The result is surprisingly engrossing -- even lively, due in part to brief musical numbers inserted amid the interviews.

Beautiful and challenging documentary.

The only thing might have added variety and richness to the film would be the inclusion of more dialogues or interactions with more than one person.

Result is far more accessible than Jia's previous two pictures, with moments of genuine emotion by the real-life interviewees.