Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower (2017): Cast, Ratings & Plot
Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower is a 2017 documentary directed by Joe Piscatella, starring Joshua 'Chi-Fung' Wong. It runs 1 hour 19 minutes. Critics gave it 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 72 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 19m (79 min)
- Director
- Joe Piscatella
- Genre
- Documentary
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Netflix
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower About?
The premise of Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Facing government betrayal, a determined Chinese teenager unexpectedly becomes the leader of a youth-led uprising in Hong Kong. Mobilizing tens of thousands, they courageously challenge authority and fight for their rights, demanding freedom and setting off a chain reaction with the potential to change history.
Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower Themes & Keywords
· 8 tags- protest
- politics
- student movement
- hong kong
- democracy
- political reform
- demonstration
- hunger strike
Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower Cast
Joshua 'Chi-Fung' Wong stars in Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower. Directed by Joe Piscatella.
- Director Joe Piscatella
More from Joe Piscatella
More films directed by Joe Piscatella: Who’s Afraid of Nathan Law? and #chicagoGirl.
Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 72 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in sensory experience (60).
Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower Echo Score Breakdown
Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower balances an inspiring personal portrait with a focused sociopolitical narrative. Drawing on archival footage and interviews, the film sustains engagement through Joshua Wong’s growing resolve against authoritarianism. While the pacing sometimes foregoes reflective pauses, the direct storytelling underscores the urgency of the movement. The visual approach remains functional, yet the documentary delivers a compelling overview of youthful activism. In net effect, this film offers a dynamically engaging account that resonates through its clear portrayal of individual and collective struggle.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 70
In terms of art and craft, the film employs a straightforward visual style that prioritizes clarity over stylistic flourish. The direction keeps the narrative clear while the editing effectively weaves archival footage with present-day interviews. Cinematography remains functional, favoring information delivery over expressive framing. Overall, the art direction supports the documentary’s purpose with a utilitarian approach.
- Character & Emotion 85
When it comes to character and emotion, Joshua’s personal journey anchors the film with palpable sincerity. The documentary highlights his unwavering commitment and inner resolve, allowing viewers to witness emotional growth from adolescent idealism to determined leadership. The chemistry between Wong and his peers adds depth, illustrating collective solidarity. Overall, the focus on individual insight and group dynamics generates a heartfelt connection to the subject’s experience.
- Story & Flow 80
In terms of story and flow, the film presents a coherent narrative that traces Joshua’s activism from its origins through pivotal protests. The pacing remains brisk, emphasizing key developments, though it occasionally sacrifices reflective pauses for momentum. The sequence of events unfolds logically, maintaining engagement through varied archival and interview segments. Overall, the documentary offers an informative and tightly structured account of a sociopolitical movement.
- Sensory Experience 60
When it comes to sensory experience, the film adopts a functional audio-visual design that emphasizes clarity over aesthetic innovation. The soundtrack delivers measured transitions between speeches and archival clips without notable musical motifs. Visual consistency supports narrative comprehension, though the lack of expressive lighting or dynamic camera movements limits immersive impact. Overall, the sensory elements serve the informational focus.
- Rewatch Factor 65
In terms of rewatch factor, the documentary offers enduring relevance through its timely subject and historical perspective. The clear narrative and direct presentation provide value for future viewings, particularly for audiences studying activism. However, the film’s emphasis on factual exposition over interpretive depth may reduce replay appeal for casual viewers. Overall, its lasting appeal rests on educational interest.
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IMDb 7.3 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 93% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 84%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 72 Metascore
User score 7.3
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 73% User score
See on TMDB -
Movie Insider 5.0 /5
See on Movie Insider
Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower Plot Summary
What happens in Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 1-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
This documentary examines the rise of Joshua Wong, a prominent young political leader in Hong Kong who became a central figure in youth-led protests against the Chinese government. The narrative traces his early activism as a teenager with Scholarism, a student group that successfully fought against Beijing’s attempt to implement a pro-Chinese “national education” curriculum in local schools.
Full summary
The whole story of Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower, scene by scene
Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower.
How Well Do You Know Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is the central figure of the documentary?
Seen Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower?
Movies Like Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Revolution of Our Times, Moving the Mountain and Taiwan: A Digital Democracy in China’s Shadow.
-
Revolution of Our Times 2021 -
Moving the Mountain 1994 -
Taiwan: A Digital Democracy in China’s Shadow 2021 -
The Youth Governor 2022 -
ReGeneration 2012 -
Blue Island 2022 -
Tiananmen: The People Versus the Party 2019 -
Teenage 2014 -
Unsilenced 2021 -
Crossroads - Strayed 1983 -
70 Years of Youth Revolt 2020 -
Who’s Stopping Us 2021
Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower FAQ: Cast & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower?
Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower runs 1 hour 19 minutes (79 minutes).
When was Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower released?
Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower was released on May 26, 2017.
Who directed Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower?
Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower was directed by Joe Piscatella.
More films by Joe Piscatella Who is in the cast of Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower?
Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower stars Joshua 'Chi-Fung' Wong.
How is Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower rated?
Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower has 7.3/10 on IMDb, 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 72 on Metacritic and 73% on TMDB.
Does Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower have a post-credit scene?
No. Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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