Morning Sun (2003)

Synopsis: The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution is the subject of MORNING SUN, a documentary by Carma Hinton, Geremie R. Barme, and Richard Gordon. Built on testimonials from people who were in high... The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution is the subject of MORNING SUN, a documentary by Carma Hinton, Geremie R. Barme, and Richard Gordon. Built on testimonials from people who were in high school in China in the 1960s, and who experienced firsthand the cultural changes put in place by the People's Republic of China under the rule of Chairman Mao, the film shows how time and new perspective changed the way they remember that chapter in history. It is now clear that their actions were manipulated by political brainwashing. Mao's messages were perpetuated everywhere--through television, movies, newspapers, and popular songs on the radio--constantly reiterating the communist principles of the "new society." Children were encouraged to become Red Guards and give up their individuality to become "bolts in the machine." They were encouraged to seek out spies and capitalists and act violently against them as Maoist revolutionaries. The adults who contribute their stories to MORNING SUN, some of whom were Red Guards themselves, are not proud of the fact that they submitted themselves to these actions. They beat and killed those accused of being against the new society, for fear of being ostracized by their peers. Fascinating archival footage portrays a realistic picture of the psychological effects of the revolution's propaganda. Meanwhile, the film's music--all Communist anthems--pounds persuasively behind the action, reminding viewers of the intensity of the time. [More]

Director: Carma Hinton, Geremie R. Barme, Richard Gordon

Director: Carma Hinton, Geremie R. Barme, Richard Gordon
Screenwriter: Geremie R. Barme
Producer: Geremie R. Barme, Richard Gordon, Carma Hinton