The Chinese philosophy of the Five Elements postulates that everything in our universe is based on wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. While traveling through China’s stunning landscapes and witnessing the seasons, this documentary seeks not only the roots of this ancient theory but also the continuing impacts on modern China.
Cinematography
Every frame could hang in a gallery. No, seriously.
Direction
Drevs lets landscapes breathe like they're paying rent.
Director
Jan-Hinrik Drevs
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The wuxing (五行) system isn't actually about physical elements — it's about processes and interactions, which the film's seasonal structure mirrors visually.
Traditional Chinese Medicine still uses wuxing diagnostics today; the documentary's acupuncture sequences were filmed at a Beijing hospital that treats 3,000 patients daily using these principles.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
CN
DE
