Morning Sun

Fascinating, tragic, densely packed documentary on China's horrific Cultural Revolution in the 1960s.

It's impressive that the filmmakers can make such a twisted, complex, ever changing moment in history as clear and understandable as they do in just two hours.

With strong use of interviews of survivors and perpetrators alike, along with amazing archival footage, we get real insight into the gap between the good intentions starting out and the disastrous results, as well as how easy mob mentality can grip an entire country.

We also see what a political master Mao was, allowing and even encouraging near anarchy to help keep his hold on absolute power, while somehow always maintaining the loyalty of the people.

A bit dry at times, and repetitive in a few moments, but in general this is as intelligent and insightful a look at recent history as one could hope for.