The Chinese entertainment industry is preparing to commemorate the 130th anniversary of Mao Zedong‘s birth with a captivating film and a gripping television drama, both of which highlight different facets of the legendary leader’s early life.
The film, titled “When We Were Young,” is currently in production and helmed by the talented director Chen Guoxing. It promises a profound dive into Mao Zedong’s student years at the Hunan First Normal University. The narrative spans themes of camaraderie, love, the bond between educators and pupils, and above all, Mao’s growing fervor for his nation.
While this is Chen’s first foray into depicting this specific chapter of Mao’s life, he expressed an intricate blend of enthusiasm and trepidation as he embarked on this ambitious project. To ensure authenticity, the production team meticulously scoured party historical records, delved into extensive literature, and carried out on-ground research. The team was met with astonishing revelations and lesser-known tidbits about Mao’s formative years, promising to offer viewers fresh perspectives and insightful moments.
With a recent spike in interest for revolutionary-themed content, exemplified by the success of works like “The Awakening Age,” there’s a palpable urgency among filmmakers to decode the formula that captures audience attention. Chen believes the key lies in crafting characters that echo with the aspirations, dreams, and challenges faced by the youth. The portrayal of young Mao encompasses these very traits, making him an emblem of inspiration for contemporary audiences. He navigates his academic journey with vigor, consistently seeking to broaden his horizons by interacting with varied societal groups and venturing into remote rural regions during holidays. These endeavors equipped him with a profound understanding of China’s prevailing socio-economic challenges, further fueling his revolutionary aspirations.
Parallelly, a TV drama titled “Kunpeng Strikes the Waves” is being filmed in the scenic Hengdian, located in East China’s Zhejiang Province. Targeted for a December 25, 2023 broadcast, this series sheds light on Mao’s transformative journey between 1918 to 1921, chronicling his discovery and subsequent commitment to Marxism amidst a plethora of ideologies.
The drama boasts a cast predominantly comprised of actors born post-1995, a strategic choice underscoring the production’s ambition to resonate with younger viewers. Scriptwriter Ma Jihong passionately expressed her desire for the audience, especially the youth, to comprehend the allure of ideals and the indomitable power of conviction through their portrayal of revolutionary figureheads.
In the horizon is yet another cinematic treat, “Red Scarf,” slated for a 2024 release. Produced to mark the 75th anniversary of the Chinese Young Pioneers, this musical chronicles the tale of 9-year-old Lin Dalin, an orphan who becomes a part of the Young Pioneers during the 1950s. Directed by Ye Daying, this film concludes his much-acclaimed ‘Red Trilogy’. It’s a poignant tale that serves as a testament to the spirit and legacy symbolized by the iconic red scarf—a fragment of China’s emblematic five-starred flag. Ye aspires for the film to be a timeless reminder of the valor and ideals symbolized by the red scarf.
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