Watch Red Obsession

Red Obsession is a documentary film released in 2013 about the obsession for the famous and rare Bordeaux wine in China. Directed by David Roach and Warwick Ross, the film offers an insightful look at the evolution of the wine industry and China's increasing thirst for luxury goods. Narrated by Academy Award Winner Russell Crowe, the film takes viewers through a journey that began two centuries ago when Bordeaux wines were created to satisfy the demanding palate of European nobility. The documentary argues the point that the Bordeaux winemakers are a victim of their own success. They created a luxury product that is now highly demanded, and this demand is jeopardizing their ability to maintain the wine's quality level.

The filmmakers interview many of the top Bordeaux winemakers, including the highly respected Cheval des Andes winemaker, Nicolas Audebert. The documentary makers take viewers to the vineyards and cellars of the Bordeaux region, where winemakers explain the complex process of producing the highly sought-after beverage.

The film also provides an essential description of the wine industry, where a handful of Bordeaux vineyards have developed a reputation for their quality and exclusivity. These vineyards manufacture wines that can sell for a thousand dollars or more, each priced not only for their taste and rarity but also because of their glamour and prestige. The documentary describes how the wine industry works and why it's a vital part of the French economy.

The film then delves into the Chinese part of the story. China's increasing wealth means that the country's large population can afford luxury goods, creating an increasing demand for Bordeaux wines. Red Obsession shows how the buying habits of Chinese consumers started to change from purchasing mass-produced wines to expensive imported products, following the process of westernization that had already occurred in fashion and luxury goods.

It's a fascinating analysis of China's evolving economy, where wealth is significant, and consumers are eager to display their newfound buying power. The film also looks at China's historical love for red colors, making Bordeaux wine branding an ideal fit. The film shows how Bordeaux wine has become a status symbol in China, where owning a rare bottle can confer prestige and social status.

The documentary highlights China's investment in Bordeaux vineyards, with Chinese consumers buying many wineries and vineyards. The film forewarns viewers of a potential disaster where Chinese investors buy up too much of the Bordeaux industry and alter the winemaking process to the point it damages the quality of the wine.

Red Obsession offers a broader commentary on global economics, showing the interdependence of western economies and China's emerging economy. The film shows the need to be cautious with China's economy and the possible consequences, such as a collapse of the wine industry or other luxury markets, could pose to the entire global economy.

The film features some memorable interviews with industry experts and wine connoisseurs, including journalist and presenter, Debra Meiburg, who provides various insights and comments on the wine industry. Sara Eisen, who was then a news anchor at Bloomberg TV, serves as a host for many of the interviews and conversations involved in the film.

Red Obsession offers a rich tapestry of the wine industry and Chinese society where the two worlds collide to create a fascinating drama. It provides a well-done, in-depth look of the wine industry and the rising economic power that is China. The film offers shrewd insights and thoughtful commentary on global economics with a dominant metaphor of the wine industry. Overall, Red Obsession is a well-made documentary for wine lovers and anyone interested in China's economic growth.

Red Obsession is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 68.