Moving the Mountain (1995)

Synopsis: In May and June 1989, thousands of people in China's Tiananmen Square led a protest against communism; many paid the ultimate price when government forces took arms against the demonstrators. In... In May and June 1989, thousands of people in China's Tiananmen Square led a protest against communism; many paid the ultimate price when government forces took arms against the demonstrators. In this compelling film, British director Michael Apted captures the power and passion of the uprising through a unique combination of newsreel footage, dramatic reenactments, and interviews with the participants. The life of student leader Li Lu forms the core of the film, though interviews with Wang Dan, Chai Ling, Wuer Kaixi, Wang Chaohua, and Wei Jingsheng are also included. Apted, known for his documentaries (SEVEN UP series; INCIDENT AT OGLALA), uncovers many moving moments, including an impromptu wedding on the square and stirring speeches. The film, however, is not simply an exercise in hero worship; in reflection, several leaders feel their political inexperience might have caused the needless deaths of many Chinese. The film should be seen along with the documentary GATE OF HEAVENLY PEACE, which provides a more negative view of the student activists. [More]

Director: Michael Apted

Director: Michael Apted