The documentary Wham! 10 Days in China offers a vibrant and affectionate account of the pop duo's landmark 1985 visit to the People's Republic. Directed by Chris Smith, the film weaves together previously unseen footage, contemporary interviews, and a soundtrack of classic hits to tell the story of how George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley became the first major Western pop act to perform in China.
Rare archive and candid interviews
The film draws heavily on home-movie footage shot by Ridgeley and a Chinese camera crew, giving it an intimate, fly-on-the-wall feel. We see the duo navigating the cultural gulf between British pop stardom and a country emerging from decades of isolation. Ridgeley and Michael's former collaborators speak warmly about the trip, with particular emphasis on the surreal experience of playing to a politely baffled but enthusiastic audience in Beijing.
Smith balances the euphoria of the concerts with quieter moments: the pair visiting the Great Wall, shopping for silk, and grappling with the restrictions of a Communist state. The documentary never shies from the absurdity of the situation, but it treats the cultural exchange with genuine respect.
Emotional core
What lifts 10 Days in China above a straightforward concert film is its emotional resonance. The interviews with Ridgeley and those close to Michael – who died in 2016 – add a bittersweet layer. The film makes clear that the trip was a turning point for the band, solidifying their global appeal just before Michael's solo career took off.
The music is, of course, central. Hits like 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go' and 'Careless Whisper' are intercut with rehearsal footage and crowd reactions, reminding viewers why Wham! dominated the charts. The documentary ends with a poignant sequence showing the duo's farewell concert, leaving a sense of what might have been.
Verdict
Wham! 10 Days in China is a must-see for fans and a lively introduction for newcomers. It captures a moment when pop music briefly bridged East and West, and does so with warmth, wit, and a killer soundtrack.
