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Deep Dive: 'Til Madness Do Us Part (2014)

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'Til Madness Do Us Part
'Til Madness Do Us Part is a documentary directed by Wang Bing that captures daily life on one floor of a mental institution in Yunnan, China. The film focuses on 50 male patients, some of whom have committed serious crimes, but it does not specify the reasons for their institutionalization. This observational approach allows viewers to witness the interactions and environment within the institution without a narrative overlay explaining the patients' backgrounds or conditions. The film employs handheld camerawork and digital video to create an intimate portrayal of the patients and their surroundings. Towards the end, it contrasts the isolation of the institution with the experience of one patient returning to his home village, emphasizing the stark differences between the two environments and the societal perceptions of mental illness.

Why Watch

  • •See the daily life of 50 male patients in a Chinese mental institution.
  • •Meet director Wang Bing and his unique filming style.
  • •Find out how one patient reintegrates into his village.

Did You Know

•The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 4, 2013.
•There are 50 male patients featured on one floor of the institution.
•Wang Bing directed the film, which has a runtime of 228 minutes.
•The film won at the 2013 Festival des 3 Continents in Nantes.

Perfect For

Mental health awarenessChinese cinemaDocumentary enthusiasts