"Growing In Shampoo" (original title "Xitou ji," or "Notes from Washing Hair"), a recent documentary film from the People’s Republic of China, marks a significant and deeply personal shift for its acclaimed director, Kang Shiwei. Completed in 2024, this intimate portrayal of the evolving relationship between Kang and his first son, Daoyi, who was six years old at the time of the film’s conclusion, stands in stark contrast to his previous works. Known as a literary scholar and a talented painter, Kang Shiwei brings a unique artistic sensibility to his fourth directorial effort, even incorporating some of his own paintings into the film’s visual fabric. Distributed via platforms like CathayPlay, the documentary offers a raw and unflinching look at domestic life, parental struggles, and the unexpected catalysts for connection during a period of unprecedented global upheaval.
A Thematic Departure for Director Kang Shiwei
Kang Shiwei has established himself as a notable voice in Chinese documentary filmmaking, with a distinct oeuvre that previously delved into profound spiritual and historical themes. His earlier films, "A Lifetime Poem" (2015), "Crossing Kasaya" (2020), and "Dance on the Square" (2023), garnered critical acclaim and received awards at prominent Asian film festivals. These works were characterized by their meditative quality, historical depth, and exploration of intangible cultural heritage or philosophical inquiries, resonating with audiences and critics interested in the deeper currents of Chinese society and spirituality. For instance, "Crossing Kasaya" might have explored monastic life or the transmission of Buddhist traditions, while "Dance on the Square" could have examined traditional folk practices or their contemporary manifestations, earning accolades at festivals such as the Busan International Film Festival or the Golden Horse Awards for their nuanced perspectives and artistic merit.
In a marked departure from these introspective and outwardly focused narratives, "Growing In Shampoo" pivots inward, focusing entirely on the microcosm of his own family. This shift signals a deliberate choice by Kang to explore the deeply personal, transforming what might have been private struggles into a public, cinematic narrative. The decision to document his relationship with Daoyi, particularly its initial strains and subsequent development, represents a bold move for a director previously known for more abstract and grander subjects. It suggests a personal imperative to document and understand a fundamental human experience – parenthood – through the lens of his artistic practice. This thematic evolution demonstrates Kang’s versatility and willingness to push the boundaries of his own storytelling, venturing into auto-ethnographic territory that offers universal resonance despite its specific cultural context.
From Home Video to Documentary: The Genesis of "Growing In Shampoo"
The genesis of "Growing In Shampoo" is particularly intriguing, as it appears to have organically evolved from what was initially a series of "perfectly normal" home videos. The footage, presumably spanning from Daoyi’s birth, captured the unscripted moments of family life, an intimate chronicle of a child’s early years. This organic accumulation of footage suggests that the project was not conceived as a formal documentary from its inception. Instead, at some unspecified point, the decision to transform these personal recordings into a structured documentary matured, likely influenced by the compelling narrative arc that began to emerge within the raw footage itself.
While Kang Shiwei does not explicitly detail the catalyst for this transformation within the film, several factors can be inferred. The growing complexity and emotional depth of his relationship with Daoyi, particularly the palpable tension and subsequent efforts at reconciliation, may have provided the narrative backbone. The unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced unprecedented periods of domestic confinement and introspection, almost certainly played a pivotal role in solidifying the decision. The involvement of Temjin TV, a Japanese television station for which Kang also works as a contract producer, further legitimizes this transition. Their participation in the production not only provided financial and technical support but also brought an external, professional perspective that would be crucial in shaping a collection of home videos into a cohesive and marketable documentary feature. This collaboration highlights the cross-cultural appeal of such personal stories and the growing international interest in Chinese domestic narratives, especially when framed against significant global events. The institutional backing would have provided the necessary framework for editing, sound design, and potential distribution, elevating the project beyond a mere personal archive.
Navigating a Strained Relationship: The Core Narrative
At the heart of "Growing In Shampoo" lies the candid depiction of a "rather strained" relationship between Kang Shiwei and his first son, Daoyi. This tension, subtly but persistently present in the early segments of the film, forms the central emotional conflict. While the director’s sparse comments offer little explicit explanation, it can be reasonably inferred that the strain might have stemmed from the demanding nature of Kang’s professional commitments as a filmmaker and scholar, leading to frequent absences or a preoccupation that limited his presence in Daoyi’s early life. Such scenarios are common for individuals in creative or academic fields, where intense focus on work can inadvertently create emotional distance within family units.
A particularly poignant and illustrative moment captured early in the film underscores this strained dynamic. Little Daoyi is successively asked if he loves his mother, his grandmother, and his grandfather, to which he readily responds "Yes" each time. However, when repeatedly posed the same question regarding his father – "Do you love your daddy?" – his answer is a steadfast and somewhat perplexing "Daddy." This evasive response, rather than an affirmative declaration of love, serves as a powerful symbol of the emotional barrier existing between father and son. It speaks volumes about Daoyi’s perception of his father and Kang’s own anxieties regarding their bond. This scene acts as a narrative touchstone, setting the stage for the film’s exploration of how this initial detachment gradually transforms into a closer connection. The father’s struggle to elicit a simple "Yes" becomes a driving force, propelling him to understand and bridge the emotional gap. The daily ritual of bathing or washing hair, from which the film derives its evocative title, emerges as another recurring point of contention. Far from a tender bonding experience, this routine is depicted as an ordeal for Daoyi, and Kang’s approach is candidly described as "not exactly subtle," suggesting a paternal bluntness or lack of finesse that further exacerbates the boy’s resistance. This seemingly mundane act becomes a metaphor for their broader relationship struggles – a necessary interaction fraught with discomfort and unmet emotional needs.
The Pandemic’s Unintended Catalyst: Forced Proximity and Shifting Dynamics
The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, with its sweeping and inescapable lockdowns across China, served as an "inevitable" catalyst for change in Kang and Daoyi’s relationship. The unprecedented public health measures mandated a dramatic shift in daily life, forcing individuals into prolonged domestic confinement. For Kang Shiwei, this meant an enforced reduction in external professional commitments and an increase in time spent at home, creating an unexpected opportunity for sustained interaction with his son. This period of forced proximity, initially perhaps challenging due to the existing strain, gradually began to reshape their dynamic.
The daily routines of family life, amplified by the confines of home, became the crucible for their evolving bond. While the "shampoo" ritual initially highlighted their disconnect, the sheer volume of time spent together meant that such interactions, however difficult, became more frequent and potentially offered more chances for understanding and patience. The shared experience of navigating the anxieties and restrictions of the pandemic also provided a common ground. Children, especially young ones like Daoyi, are highly sensitive to their environment, and the omnipresent threat of the virus, coupled with the disruption of normal routines, likely fostered a greater reliance on immediate family. For Kang, the pandemic may have presented a stark realization of the preciousness of time and the importance of nurturing family ties, particularly as external distractions diminished. This period allowed for a slower, more sustained engagement, enabling both father and son to gradually dismantle the emotional walls that had formed between them. The film subtly suggests that it was through this crucible of shared experience and forced intimacy that the initial "strained" relationship began to soften, paving the way for a more genuine and affectionate connection.
A Glimpse into Pandemic-Era China: Socio-Political Observations
Beyond the personal narrative, "Growing In Shampoo" inadvertently provides a compelling, if tangential, socio-political commentary on life in China during the apex of the COVID-19 pandemic. The documentary captures candid scenes filmed in public spaces – hospitals, testing centers, and vaccination sites – offering a rare and striking visual record of the stringent measures implemented by Chinese authorities. It is noteworthy and somewhat surprising that Kang Shiwei was able to film in these highly controlled environments, given the typical restrictions on independent media documentation during such sensitive periods. This access lends an unexpected layer of historical significance to the film.
Viewers are exposed to the "rigid measures" that characterized China’s zero-COVID policy. These include widespread, often mandatory, mass testing campaigns where citizens queued for hours, the ubiquitous use of health code apps dictating movement, and the swift establishment of temporary medical facilities. The film likely depicts the sterile efficiency of testing booths, the masked faces of healthcare workers, and the disciplined lines of citizens complying with health directives. These visuals offer a stark contrast to the more varied and often less uniformly enforced public health responses seen in many Western nations.
Crucially, the documentary also captures the "much-vaunted social responsibility of people who almost naturally subordinate themselves to the ‘common good.’" This aspect is particularly insightful, illustrating a societal ethos where collective well-being is often prioritized over individual liberties, a characteristic frequently cited in analyses of Chinese governance and social cohesion. The film showcases citizens’ remarkable compliance with directives, their willingness to endure inconvenience and restriction for the perceived benefit of the broader community. This adherence is not just passive obedience but appears to be a deeply ingrained cultural predisposition towards collective action, reinforced by robust state messaging. While this societal dimension is not the film’s primary focus, the reviewer accurately notes its profound revelatory power, suggesting that "one could have wished for more of this." These scenes offer invaluable ethnographic data, providing an authentic, ground-level perspective on how China’s centralized system mobilized its population during a global crisis, an aspect rarely seen in such an unvarnished manner through independent documentary lens. The juxtaposing of the personal struggle of a father and son against the backdrop of a nation united in its fight against a pandemic adds a unique depth, making the film a valuable, albeit accidental, historical document.
Evolution and Resolution: A Family’s Journey
As "Growing In Shampoo" progresses towards its conclusion, the narrative arc of the father-son relationship achieves a tangible sense of evolution and resolution, becoming increasingly universally relatable. A significant turning point appears to be the birth of Kang Shiwei’s second son, Ming. The arrival of a new sibling often triggers complex emotional adjustments in older children. For Daoyi, who initially exhibited a "rather pronounced egoism," the presence of a younger brother likely necessitated a re-evaluation of his place within the family structure, fostering a sense of responsibility and empathy. This common developmental milestone often helps children learn to share attention, manage jealousy, and develop a broader understanding of family dynamics beyond their individual desires.
The film meticulously charts Daoyi’s gradual maturation. By the age of six, the boy is shown engaging in a "kind of ‘serious conversation’" with his father, a testament to their improved communication and mutual respect. These conversations, likely about daily life, feelings, or even the filmmaking process itself, signify a deeper bond than the initial strained interactions. A particularly heartwarming detail is Daoyi’s active "help" with the film’s editing. This collaborative act transcends mere assistance; it symbolizes a shared journey, a reconciliation of sorts where the son, once a reluctant subject, becomes a participant in the creative process that chronicles their own story. This engagement not only deepens their bond but also offers a meta-narrative layer to the documentary, where the subject actively contributes to his own portrayal.
Ultimately, the "mystery surrounding Daoyi’s strange answer" to the question "Do you love your daddy?" is resolved. While the article doesn’t explicitly state the resolution, it can be inferred that this is achieved not through a simple verbal affirmation, but through a series of actions, shared experiences, and growing understanding that culminates in a clear demonstration of affection or a verbal declaration that truly reflects his feelings. This resolution serves as a powerful emotional climax, validating the father’s efforts and the transformative journey they have undertaken. For viewers, witnessing this progression from initial estrangement to genuine connection, punctuated by Daoyi’s growth and Kang’s patient perseverance, provides immense satisfaction and reinforces the universal themes of parental love, childhood development, and the enduring power of family bonds.
Filmic Style and Broader Implications
The stylistic approach of "Growing In Shampoo" is undeniably "raw," a characteristic that aligns perfectly with its intimate, unvarnished subject matter. The camera work, often "very, very close to the protagonists," creates an almost claustrophobic sense of intimacy, placing the viewer directly within the emotional space of Kang and Daoyi. This proximity, at times described as "closer than one feels comfortable with," is a deliberate choice that enhances the documentary’s authenticity and emotional impact. It strips away any pretense, forcing the audience to confront the unvarnished realities of family life, complete with its struggles and tender moments. The likely extensive use of a mobile phone for filming further contributes to this raw aesthetic, lending an immediacy and spontaneity that professional camera equipment might not achieve. This approach blurs the lines between professional filmmaking and personal archiving, reflecting a growing trend in documentary cinema where accessibility and authenticity are prioritized over polished production values.
While the film is "impressive in its own way," the article suggests it "wasn’t destined for a major international career." This assessment can be attributed to several factors. The highly personal and culturally specific nuances of the father-son dynamic, combined with the raw, sometimes uncomfortable, filming style, might limit its appeal to broader international audiences accustomed to more conventional documentary narratives or production aesthetics. Its niche subject matter, though universally relatable in its core themes of parenting, might not possess the sensationalism or broad political scope often sought by major international festivals or distributors. However, this does not diminish its artistic merit or its significance within the realm of Chinese independent cinema or specific documentary circuits focused on intimate, observational filmmaking. Its impact might be more profound within academic settings, specialized film festivals, or online platforms dedicated to showcasing diverse global narratives, such as CathayPlay, where it can reach a targeted audience appreciative of its unique strengths. The film’s contribution lies in its courage to present a deeply personal narrative with unflinching honesty, offering a poignant reflection on family, resilience, and the quiet transformations that occur within the domestic sphere, particularly when intersected with broader societal upheavals.
In conclusion, "Growing In Shampoo" stands as a compelling testament to Kang Shiwei’s artistic versatility and courage. It is not merely a personal memoir of a father and son navigating their relationship; it is also an accidental yet invaluable historical document, offering a rare, unvarnished glimpse into daily life in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through its raw intimacy and honest portrayal of struggle and connection, the film transcends its specific context to touch upon universal themes of parenthood, personal growth, and the enduring power of familial bonds. Its unique blend of the deeply personal with broader societal observations ensures its place as a significant, albeit niche, contribution to contemporary documentary cinema.
