SouthbankThe Opium War
Yapian zhanzheng
A spectacular account of the first Opium War produced by legendary director Xie Jin.
China-Japan 1997
Directed by Xie Jin
With Guoan Bao, Debra Beaumont, Oliver Cotton, Bob Peck
Running time 153min
Legendary director Xie Jin (with writer Ann Hui) produced this spectacular account of the first Opium War. A shameful period in British history, in which British sea power was utilised in support of free trade – in this case opium – culminated in the seizure of Hong Kong. Though the film received state support, international critics and historians felt that its treatment of the subject was accurate and even-handed.
UK line-producer Peng Wenlan, also chairperson of the Meridian Society, will introduce and discuss this film.
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