Shen Yun is a well-known entertainment company whose goal is to carry on the traditions of ancient China and provide hope for international audiences. On a typical internet search, they are perceived as a corrupt organization. They are even labeled “far-right” and a cult by some. These conspiracies will be debunked in the insightful documentary Unbroken: The Untold Story of Shen Yun. Director Fiona Young, takes audiences into the company’s history, slice-of-life stories with its talented team, and a fight against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The documentary is part coming-of-age story and political thriller.
It is split between two storylines. Steve Lance, an independent journalist, investigates an ongoing sabotage campaign planned by the CCP. The CCP notoriously uses the New York Times (a proxy) and Michael Chu’s spy ring to paint a negative image of the company. Chu’s spy ring uses a familiar playbook typically associated with socialist organizations: paid protestors. The situation escalates to bomb threats on their various tour stops. These tactics are tied to religious persecution in China back in the late 1990s. Shen Yun is connected to the Falun Gong religion, one with ties to Buddhism. Many employees at Shen Yun have a shared connection to this tragedy in Chinese history.
The second storyline of Unbroken: The Untold Story of Shen Yun focuses on the young performers. Lucas and Jesse Browde are the primary figures. We follow the brothers during their training at Dragon Springs. Both go through rigorous dance training and become closer to their Chinese ancestry. The other students there gain community and purpose. The effects of the CCP’s sabotage campaign create fear and uncertainty for the performers. Lucas and Jesse’s father, Levi, even receives a threat from them. Their father is on the same mission as Steve Lance, to expose the CCP in their nefarious scheme.
“…takes audiences into the company’s history, slice of life stories with its talented team, and a fight against the Chinese Communist Party…”
Young’s documentary feels timely because the threat of socialism continues to affect the lives of Americans and civilians in other nations. It is great to see this issue addressed and treated with a serious tone. There is far too much naivete and unawareness around socialism’s sinister undermining of countries with Western values. Hopefully, Young’s film reaches a wide variety of audiences and brings further awareness.
Her film is strengthened by Andrew Parker and Penny Zhou’s writing. Parker and Zhou tie Lance’s investigation and the Browde brothers’ arc in an emotionally satisfying way. Other students are given moments to share what Shen Yun means to them. These scenes exemplify the familial bond and importance of honoring one’s culture. The film is also a celebration of the arts and acknowledges its optimistic power to inspire people. By showcasing this aspect of Shen Yun, it provides another perspective into the company’s ethos and appreciation for the production’s craftsmanship.
Unbroken: The Untold Story of Shen Yun delicately tacks political subterfuge and the grind of performing arts in an engaging use of the documentary format. The investigation storyline will enthrall true crime fanatics, while families will appreciate the kinship of the Browde brothers.
"…will enthrall true crime fanatics..."
