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Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower (2017): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower (2017) movie poster

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.

IMDb rating
7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes
93%
Echo Score
75
Metascore
72
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Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 19m (79 min)
Director
Joe Piscatella
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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
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Cast & crew

Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower Cast

Joshua 'Chi-Fung' Wong stars in Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower. Directed by Joe Piscatella.

From the director

More from Joe Piscatella

More films directed by Joe Piscatella: Who’s Afraid of Nathan Law? and #chicagoGirl.

Full filmography
Ratings

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).

75 /100

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.

Plot

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

Read the full summary
Videos

Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower.

Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix
Quiz

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

  1. Question 1: not answered
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  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
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  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is the central figure of the documentary?

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FAQ

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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