The thing is, before watching the documentary ‘August,’ I didn’t know exactly what to expect. So, without thinking much about it, I just started watching. But once I finished the film, i was pleasantly surprised… especially considering it’s Zhang Zhehan’s first directorial project. That’s right! Even though some false accusations tarnished his reputation during the 2021 cyberstorm, Zhang managed to reinvent himself through his passion for music and also fulfilled his dream of venturing into directing with this very first documentary.
Chinese actor singer Zhang Zhehan (张哲瀚) takes viewers on a personal journey of self-discovery and healing in his first directorial documentary August. For this project, he cycled for nearly 20 days through the breathtaking landscapes of Tibet, where he encountered many fascinating people, immersed himself in the region’s natural beauty, and reflected on life’s challenges.
Episode: 1
Genre: Life, Documentary, Culture, Nature, Travelling
Director: Zhang Zhe Han
Country: China
Release Date: April 14, 2024.
Impressions and Popularity
Within seven months of its release on YouTube, Zhang Zhehan’s documentary “August” (uploaded to his channel @zhangzhehan_official) has already amassed over 8 million views and continues to gain popularity. It has also received rave reviews and a high rating of 8.5 on IMDb.
In ‘August’, Zhang narrates the story himself telling why he chose the title “August” and the importance this month holds in his life. From his acceptance to the Shanghai Theater Academy at 17 in August to the abrupt end of his acting career in August 2021 due to a media cyberstorm. He explains in the 52 minutes 20 seconds long film how he chose to confront challenges head on and gathered the strength to move on again, insead to wallowing in distress and pain. Influenced by the various positive and negative experiences he encountered in this particular month August throughout his life, his debut directorial documentary perfectly captures the month as a bittersweet blend of goodbyes and hopeful beginnings.
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Some Notes from August:
- In August 2022, after two days of battling altitude sickness and strong winds, he finally reached the summit of Haba Snow Mountain in Yunnan, 5,396 meters above sea level.
- For Zhang Zhehan, music is his soul, freedom, peace, and everything. When he was going through the darkest period of his life, music became a source of inspiration. Surprisingly, it all started when he started learning Guitar. It not only pulled him out of that darkness but also healed and showed him a new direction and hope.
- He has always loved cycling. In June 2012, after graduating from university, he rode for nearly 30 days and crossed the Sichuan Tibet, a distance of more than 2,000 kilometers. His cycling then was full of youthful adventure.
- In 2018 and 2019, his cycling adventures were all about exploring new places in Taiwan and southern France, driven by his wanderlust. Somehow, his ride journey became more personal, focused on inner peace and growth in 2022 & 2023.
Cultural Explorations & Natural Landscapes in Tibet
In August 2023, Zhang began his nearly twenty-day cycling odyssey on the Yunnan Tibet Highway. He took a less common route starting from Xianggelila (Shangri La) in Yunnan Province. His journey then followed a northward path towards the Qiunatong scenic area, then continued to Renlongba Glacier, Ranwu Lake, Laigu Glacier, Medog County, Tongmai, and finally reaching Lhasa.
to be honest, this was my first time watching someone’s adventurous journey on a cycle for such a long time. The journey wasn’t without difficulties but with Zhang and his team’s continuous effort on the line, everything portrayed on the screen was heartwarming and beautiful. It felt as though I was learning something new while exploring Tibet from the comfort of my own room.
Along the way viewers are introduced to multiple ordinary people. Even if the conversations with those individuals were brief, the director was able to convery a deep messages effectively.
For example, having a dream is beautiful because it helps us grow, survive, and live for it. In the documentary, we can see this in the singer dedicating his life to music in Shangri La, Yunnan. Similarly, having a goal is helpful too. As long as we keep moving towards it, we will either achieve it or it will help us reach a certain point in our ever moving lives. This was evident in the cyclists on the road who were all headed towards their destinations.Also, hope and wishes also carry sweetness and beauty, like the two young brothers from a small village in Qiunatong who dream of one day entering a big city.
Meanwhile, destiny is unpredictable. Strangers may become close to us or drift apart—we never know. This was reflected in the couple whose love blossomed during their cycling journey.
Lastly, our work and passion don’t need to be grand; they just need to bring us happiness and fulfillment. We could feel this excitement as she shared her story about running a business in Tongmai Tibet for more than a decade to support her family.
The beauty of Tibet is vividly presented through these individuals, their surroundings, and Director Zhang’s kind, gentle, and humble interaction with them.
In the eyes of Director Zhang, Tibet is multifaceted: a holy paradise, bustling alleys, and a bathhouse that cleanses the soul. These encounters with ordinary people remind him that the real world is far from the negativity he sees online; it’s filled with beauty, warmth, and human touch.
The Inspiring Message of “August”
Through ‘August’ Zhang clearly conveys that chasing dreams is an incredible journey, but it’s rarely smooth sailing. Because there will always be bumps along the road; some smaller, some bigger, and sometimes even completely unexpected.
As Zhang said, for the first time he doubted the certainty of achieving goals through hard work after the 2021 incident. He questioned, “Is it really true that if one works hard, they’ll achieve their goals?” Though uncertain, he believes that as long as we keep moving forward, it will certainly help us reach our destinations.This is also why he loves cycling; as long as he keeps paddling, he knows it willl inevitably lead him to his destination. He strongly suggests that even if goals aren’t guaranteed, moving forward is still worthwhile. The road ahead might be tiring, but as long as we keep trying our best, everything will be alright.
His acknowledgement that not every journey in our life is supposed to have a happy/perfect ending is profoundly realistic. Like, even if some of the outcome are heartbreaking or unexpected, it’s worth it because those experiences teach us many valuable lessons and shape who we become.
As a viewer, I think it’s a perfect way to inspire and tell other individuals that, despite adversities, one can still bloom and thrive. if one door closes, we can create a hundred others. Unless we don’t give up there will always be opportunities and new doors waiting for us. And, the good thing is, these are not just the empty words of Zhang, he has proven himself over the years showing the truth and power of these messages.
I would say, the best part of this documentary is Zhang Zhehan’s skill in narrating the story and conveying such meaningful messages. It was calm and soothing accompanied by picturesque scenery. Additionally, all the drone views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, rivers, and green grasslands were simply breathtaking. I loved how Zhang interacted with each person along the way; and listened their life story.
What’s Missing in “August”
While Zhang Zhehan mentions the personal controversy he faced in 2021 and its impact on his life, the film doesn’t provide further details or explanations about it. Even though it’s not the primary focus of the documentary, this might leave curious viewers, especially those unfamiliar with him or watching this film of him for the first time, without a clear understanding of the event, including the documentary’s deeper meaning for him.
My Verdict – It’s Impressive
The documentary is about Zhang Zhehan’s healing journey, the source of his inspiration, happiness, and fulfillment he finds in his passion, memories, and beautiful nature including many people around him. While it might not be the most groundbreaking documentary, it’s engaging and good pick for anyone who loves nature, uplifting stories, and a glimpse into diverse cultures and landscapes. However, if viewers aren’t interested in life documentaries, then this might not be the best choice for them.
I would rate this 8.5 out of 10. Given the fact that this was Zhang Zhehan’s first foray into the direction, it was really good, especially the cinematography. Even though he’s no longer actively acting, viewers/fans can enjoy his craftsmanship in these projects or his music.
If you’re wondering where to watch ‘August’, you can watch it on Youtube.
