Watch In the Name of Confucius

In the Name of Confucius is a 2017 documentary film directed by Doris Liu. The film takes a deep look at the controversy surrounding the Confucius Institutes, a non-profit educational organization founded by the Chinese government with the aim of promoting Chinese language and culture overseas. The documentary follows the experiences of three individuals: Sonia Zhao, a Chinese teacher who starts working for the Confucius Institute in Canada and soon finds herself caught in political turmoil; Anastasia Lin, a Chinese-Canadian actress and human rights activist who becomes a vocal opponent of the Confucius Institutes; and Chris Bolton, a journalist who investigates the inner workings of the organization.

Through their stories, the film explores the complex issues that arise when Chinese soft power meets Western values, and the challenges faced by those who dare to speak out against an increasingly powerful China. The film also sheds light on the controversy surrounding the Confucius Institutes, which have been accused of promoting a skewed, pro-Chinese view of history and politics, as well as of suppressing academic freedom and human rights.

The documentary shows how the Confucius Institutes have rapidly expanded across the world in recent years, with over 500 institutes in more than 130 countries, including the US, Canada, and UK. Proponents argue that they provide an invaluable service by teaching Chinese language and culture to people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn, and by fostering international understanding and cooperation.

But critics argue that the Confucius Institutes are part of a larger effort by the Chinese government to exert influence and control over academia and politics in host countries. They point to cases where the institutes have censored academic discussions, pressured host universities to cancel events critical of China, and even attempted to monitor Chinese students studying abroad.

The film takes an even-handed approach, showing both the positive and negative aspects of the Confucius Institutes. It interviews proponents and critics of the organization, as well as current and former teachers and students.

What emerges is a complex picture of an organization that is both lauded and feared, and of the individuals caught in the middle of an ongoing struggle for control over education and culture. The film offers a timely and thought-provoking look at the challenges facing liberal democracies in an age of global competition and rising authoritarianism.

Overall, In the Name of Confucius is a well-crafted documentary that provides an insightful and engaging exploration of a highly contentious topic. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of political power, education, and culture in our rapidly changing world.

In the Name of Confucius is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.