China : Through Mao's eyes
(DVD Video)

The video counterpart to Philip Short's monumental book Mao: A Life, this four-part series guides viewers through the dynamic, innovative, and brutal accomplishments of the revolutionary Chinese leader. Featuring rarely-seen footage from a trove of film and video materials kept secret for decades by Chinese authorities, the series also presents interviews--granted exclusively to the film makers--with the last surviving members of Mao's inner circle. For students of Mao's era, this series may well represent the most powerful learning tool available. Part one of the series covers the early years of Mao Zedong, his struggle against nationalist and foreign force, and his consolidation of power (61 min.) Part two of the series explores the formative decades of Mao's government, the Great leap Forward, and events leading up to the Cultural Revolution (60 min.). Part three of the series examines the Cultural Revolution, its political and economic shockwaves, and its human cost (60 min.). Part four of the series recounts the Nixon-Mao diplomacy and Mao's death, and assesses the importance of Mao's rule and philosophy in 21st-century China (59min.) -- container.

DVD.

In English with interviews in Chinese and English subtitles.