Watch The 400 Million Documentary
- 2018
- 53 min
The 400 Million Documentary is a classic Chinese documentary film that was released in 1956. Directed by Jamie Uys and C. Ray Taylor, the movie showcases the life of the people of China during the mid-1950s. The title of the movie is derived from the fact that the population of China, at the time, was estimated to be around 400 Million.
The movie is a well-crafted piece that presents a visual interpretation of China's social, political, cultural, and economic life at the time when it was made. By showcasing various scenes of Chinese life and culture, the documentary offers viewers an insight into the China of yesteryear, portraying a nation that was still recovering from the tragedies of war and colonialism.
At the beginning of the movie, the audience is presented with a statistic that serves as a backdrop for the entire film: 400 million people, spread across an area the size of Europe. The documentary then takes the viewer on a journey through the various regions of China, presenting a visual tour of the country's landscape, streets, and buildings.
The movie portrays the diversity of China's culture, presenting images of traditional Chinese art and music, and showcasing the different customs that exist in various parts of the country. Through this, the film offers a glimpse of the customs and traditions of the different ethnic groups that make up China.
The documentary then moves on to presenting the different economic activities that exist in China. The viewers are shown various agricultural and industrial activities, highlighting the role of the people in building an efficient economy.
Furthermore, the movie also focuses on the development of Chinese industry and the key role it plays in driving the nation's economic growth. By showcasing the manufacturing processes in some of China's factories, the documentary offers a visual explanation of the various industrial processes and how they work.
Apart from showcasing China's economic performance and cultural diversity, the movie also presents the political atmosphere of China, particularly during the mid-1950s. The film portrays China as a socialist nation that is committed to serving the needs of the people. This portrayal is evident in the various scenes of Chinese life, where people are seen working together to build a better society.
The documentary also highlights the role of education in China and how the government invests in educating its citizens. Scenes of classrooms and lectures offer viewers an insight into the country's education system, showing how China is trying to raise the literacy levels of its people.
Overall, The 400 Million Documentary is a well-crafted cinematic masterpiece that presents China as a nation that is rising from the ashes of war and colonialism. By showcasing the country's economic, cultural, and political landscape, the movie offers viewers an insight into a nation that is dedicated to building a better tomorrow for its people.
In conclusion, The 400 Million Documentary is a thought-provoking movie that presents China in a unique and captivating light. It is a movie that is worth watching for anyone who wants to understand China's past, and its aspirations for the future.