Watch The East Is Red

The East Is Red is a classic Chinese film from 1965, directed by Wang Ping and starring Li Xiannian and Dong Jie. The film is a propaganda epic, intended to extol the virtues of the Communist Party and promote the ideology of Mao Zedong. The film opens with a voiceover reciting the famous poem "The East is Red", which praises Mao as a savior of the Chinese people. The narrator then introduces the story, which takes place during the Chinese Civil War in the 1940s. The Communists, led by Mao, are fighting against the Nationalists, who are supported by the United States.

The film tells the story of Liu Zhongli, a young peasant who joins the Communist army and becomes a hero of the revolution. Liu is played by Li Xiannian, who would later go on to become the President of China in the 1980s. Liu is depicted as a brave and selfless warrior, always putting the needs of the revolution above his own desires.

Throughout the film, we see Liu fighting in battles against the Nationalists, winning the hearts and minds of the people, and rising through the ranks of the Communist Party. Along the way, he falls in love with a fellow soldier, Zhang Meitang (played by Dong Jie), who shares his commitment to the revolution.

The film also features several musical numbers, including the titular song "The East is Red", which is sung at various points throughout the story. The song praises Mao as the "red sun in our hearts" and exhorts the people to follow his lead.

One of the most striking aspects of The East Is Red is its visual style. The film is shot in vibrant Technicolor, with bold reds and greens dominating the screen. The costumes and sets are also highly stylized, almost like a Chinese opera.

Despite its propaganda message, The East Is Red is a well-made film that is still popular in China today. The acting is solid, the cinematography is stunning, and the music is catchy. For those interested in Chinese history or propaganda films, it is definitely worth a watch.

Overall, The East Is Red is a classic of Chinese cinema, showcasing the power of propaganda during a tumultuous period in Chinese history. While it may not be to everyone's taste, it remains an important cultural artifact and a testament to the enduring legacy of Mao Zedong.