Sunrise Over Tiananmen Square

Watch Sunrise Over Tiananmen Square

  • 1998
  • 29 min
  • 7.8  (156)

Sunrise Over Tiananmen Square is a 1998 documentary film that explores the political and social climate of China in the aftermath of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. The film was directed and narrated by Shui-Bo Wang, a Chinese-born artist and filmmaker who had emigrated to Canada in the 1980s. The film opens with a series of archival news clips, documenting the student-led protests that took place in Beijing and other cities across China in the spring of 1989. These protests, which called for greater democracy and freedom of speech, culminated in a brutal crackdown by the Chinese government on June 4th, which resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests.

Wang then moves on to explore the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square protests, focusing on the ways in which the Chinese government has tried to suppress dissent and maintain its power. He interviews a variety of people, including former protesters, Chinese government officials, and everyday citizens, to get a sense of how people are dealing with the legacy of Tiananmen Square.

One of the most striking things about Sunrise Over Tiananmen Square is the way it juxtaposes different viewpoints and experiences. Wang shows scenes of Chinese officials speaking in defense of the government's actions, while at the same time he presents the voices of dissenters who feel that their rights and freedoms have been curtailed. He also shows the contrast between the lives of ordinary Chinese people who are struggling to make ends meet and the opulence of the Chinese political elite.

One of the most poignant parts of the film is when Wang interviews a former protester who was imprisoned for his involvement in the Tiananmen Square protests. The man describes the torture and mistreatment he endured while in prison, and the fear that he still feels for his safety and the safety of his family. His story is a powerful reminder of the human cost of political oppression and the lengths that people will go to fight for their beliefs.

Throughout the film, Wang also explores the role of art and culture in Chinese society. He shows footage of traditional Chinese opera performances and other cultural events, as well as interviews with artists and writers who are struggling to express themselves in a climate of censorship and suppression.

The film ends on a note of hope, as Wang shows scenes of young Chinese people who are working to create a more open and free society. He interviews students who are studying abroad and activists who are using social media to spread their message, and he suggests that the seeds of change may be starting to take root in China.

Overall, Sunrise Over Tiananmen Square is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that explores some of the key issues facing China today. It is a reminder of the importance of freedom, democracy, and human rights, and it shows that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future.

Sunrise Over Tiananmen Square is a 1998 documentary with a runtime of 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.

Sunrise Over Tiananmen Square
Description
Where to Watch Sunrise Over Tiananmen Square
Sunrise Over Tiananmen Square is available to watch free on Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon. Some platforms allow you to rent Sunrise Over Tiananmen Square for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1998
  • Runtime
    29 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.8  (156)
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