Short Synopsis- China's Century of Humiliation
 

A Documentary about China's interaction with the Western powers throughout the nineteenth century Watch Trailer

From an isolated agricultural society, China has risen in the last 20 years to the rank of the second largest economy in the world. While many tabloids cover this event, little is remembered about the tumultuous interaction between China and the Western powers throughout the nineteenth century.

This documentary will explore the fundamental differences between the Western and Chinese culture from early beginnings. Part one will debate how Christianity and Confucianism were translated in political thought and social systems. Next, the film explores why the industrial revolution did not take place in China, despite its many early inventions, but in Europe.
Part two explains the first economic and military encounters between the British and Chinese Empires. Trade deficits, war threats and reprisals have marked the 19th century as one of the bloodiest and most shameful in Chinese history. Today, these past lessons can serve as an powerful insight for what the future might bring for China and the rest of the world.


The film is completed available for TV distribution through Breakthrough Entertainment of Toronto CA. Members of the press or academia can request a DVD by writing Mitch@MitchAnderson.com

       

"China's Century of Humiliation" has been screened at several universities. Here is some response from the Academia and students.

 

Mitch Anderson has arrayed an impressive cast of experts and his film provides a wonderfully informative exploration of Chinese history, politics, and culture. One gets a real sense of how Chinese philosophy and religion have shaped a culture imbued with a sense of reverence for stability and collective life. In addition Anderson’s deft contrast of China with Western development and philosophy offers a respectful and informative view of both cultures and traditions. Overall, his film provides a deep foundation for understanding East/West interaction today and, as such, it is a must see if one cares about the future of world affairs.
–Darren Guerra, Associate Professor of Political Science,
Vanguard University of Southern California

 

Mitch Anderson's China's Century of Humiliation is an in-depth look at the impact of China's history and culture on its relationship with the Western world. Drawing on historical documents; interviews with international scholars, a prominent Chinese dissident, and a leading Chinese journalist; and glimpses inside modern-day Chinese life, it presents a balanced portrait of the often troubling Western involvement in China and how that involvement continues to affect China's view of and approach to world issues. This is a must-see film for serious students of Chinese affairs and those who are simply seeking an understanding of what makes China tick.
Kenneth M Currie, PhD
Former Deputy National Intelligence Officer for Russia and Eurasia
National Intelligence Council

 

Dear Mitch,
I just viewed "China's Century of Humiliation," and i think you did a hell of a good job of explaining and documenting China's 19th century decline. I am very impressed. I really appreciate you showing this terrific film. i'm sure the students will get a lot out of it. Richard Baum PHD
Dr. Richard Baum is Distinguished Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he specializes in the study of modern Chinese politics and foreign relations. He has written and edited nine books, including, Burying Mao: Chinese Politics in the Age of Deng Xiaoping (Princeton U., 1996), Prelude to Revolution: Mao, the Party, and the Peasant Question, 1962-66 (Columbia U., 1975), and most recently, China Watcher: Confessions of a Peking Tom (U. Washington, 2010).

 

China's Century of Humiliation gives the watcher just the right balance of educational and editorial content. It helps students of China better understand the dynamic relationship between China and the West over the last three centuries in a way that is factual, yet dynamic and provocative. The use of Western and Chinese sources and content provides an objective narrative and the watcher benefits from the directors presentation of both perspectives. Interviews with experts and average Chinese also provide excellent supplementary support for the filmmakers contentions. The film is an excellent teaching resource for university professors and could supplement even the most sophisticated observers understanding of China's Century of Humiliation.
Josh Eisenman is a senior fellow in China studies at the American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC). He and Ambassador David H. Shinn have recently completed a coauthored book on China's political, economic, and social relations with African countries entitled A Century of China-Africa Relations (U. of Pennsylvania Press, 2011). Mr. Eisenman was coeditor of China and the Developing World: Beijing's Strategy for the 21st Century (ME Sharpe, 2007) and author of the book's chapter on China-Africa relations.

 

Members of the press or academia can request a DVD by writing Mitch at MitchAnderson.com