American Factory

American Factory

Year: 2019

Runtime: 115 min

Language: English

Directors: Julia Reichert, Steven Bognar

Documentary

In post-industrial Ohio, a Chinese company opens a new factory in a shuttered General Motors plant, bringing the promise of jobs and economic revitalization. Initial optimism and excitement gradually give way to cultural clashes and labor disputes as American and Chinese workers navigate differing approaches to work and management. The film explores the challenges and complexities of globalization and the collision of cultures in a changing American landscape, revealing unexpected tensions and frustrations.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – American Factory (2019)

Explore the full timeline and setting of American Factory (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2015-2016

The events of the movie unfold between 2015 and 2016, a time marked by economic shifts due to globalization and the rise of Chinese investments in the U.S. The closure of GM signifies a broader decline in American manufacturing, while initiatives like Fuyao's factory aim to reverse these trends. This period also highlights tensions in labor relations amidst changing work cultures.

Location

Ohio, Fujiyan province, Dayton

The movie takes place primarily in Ohio, specifically in Dayton, where the abandoned General Motors plant is revitalized into a factory by Fuyao. Ohio is known for its industrial history, yet faces post-industrial challenges as jobs vanish. Fujiyan province in China highlights the contrast in work culture and productivity standards, showcasing a starkly different environment for glass manufacturing.

🏭 Factory 🇺🇸 USA

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:34

Main Characters – American Factory (2019)

Meet the key characters of American Factory (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Cao

The Chairman of the Fuyao group, Cao is driven by a vision of efficiency and productivity. He exhibits a strong commitment to Chinese business practices, often disregarding the American workforce's unique challenges. His leadership style creates tensions, especially regarding labor practices and expectations.

👔 Leadership 💼 Business

Leon

Leon serves as the lead Chinese supervisor, caught between the demands of Chinese management and the realities of American labor. His role highlights the struggles of cultural integration and communication barriers in a diverse workplace. He embodies the challenges of enforcing productivity standards in a foreign environment.

👨‍🏭 Supervision 🇨🇳 Culture

Shawnea

Shawnea is a glass inspector who faces significant challenges adjusting to her lower wages at Fuyao compared to her previous position at GM. Her story emphasizes the impact of factory closure on individual lives and the struggle for workers to find dignified employment amidst economic upheaval.

🚧 Safety 💰 Wages

Dave

Dave serves as the Vice President at the Fuyao factory, representing the American side of management. He often feels the pressure of maintaining productivity while managing the fallout from cultural differences. His character illustrates the difficulties of navigating corporate expectations in a cross-cultural context.

👔 Management 🇺🇸 American

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:34

Major Themes – American Factory (2019)

Explore the central themes of American Factory (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌍 Cultural Clash

The film explores the tension that arises from the clash of Chinese and American work cultures. As China brings its high-tech methods to the U.S., misunderstandings and expectations collide, leading to both conflict and an opportunity for learning. This theme underscores the complexities of globalization and its impact on local labor forces.

⚖️ Labor Rights

Labor rights and the struggle for unionization play a critical role in the film. As workers face declining salaries and unsafe conditions, the desire to form a union grows. This theme highlights the importance of collective bargaining and worker rights in the face of corporate pressures and management tactics.

🛠️ Adaptation

Adaptation emerges as a central theme as both Chinese supervisors and American workers try to navigate the new factory environment. While the Chinese team expects compliance with their high standards, American workers struggle to adapt to the rigorous demands. This theme reflects the ongoing battle of understanding and cooperation among diverse workforces.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:34

Unlock the Full Story of American Factory

Don't stop at just watching — explore American Factory in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what American Factory is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

American Factory Summary

Read a complete plot summary of American Factory, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

American Factory Summary

American Factory Timeline

Track the full timeline of American Factory with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

American Factory Timeline

More About American Factory

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about American Factory: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About American Factory

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