Born Under the Red Flag

The death of Premier Deng Xiaoping and the recent transfer of Hong Kong to mainland China has kept Chinese affairs at the center of world attention. One of the world's most populated countries, China has been transformed since 1976 when, still reeling from the disastrous effects of the '60's cultural revolution, the country mourned the death of Chairman Mao. This outstanding video chronicles the re-emergence of China on the world stage, led by the wily pragmatist Premier Deng, whose commitment to economic reforms and modernization was misunderstood by many both within and outside China as support for democracy (a delusion cut short by the June 1989 massacre of student protesters at Tiananmen Square). Following China's path from the death of Mao to the death of Deng, Born Under a Red Flag addresses a number of topics, including the economic reforms which split the pragmatists and Communism's old guard, the government's controversial role in family planning, ending chronic nepotism and corruption, breaking the unproductive "iron rice bowl" of guaranteed employment, and the government obsession with "turmoil" which led to the rout of the Tiananmen protesters. Former Red Guards, peasants, students, diplomats, and government officials all speak with a frankness unheard of only a few years ago. Although the country shows great promise, the human rights dilemma and a growing gap between rich and poor ensures that 'China watching' will be popular over the next few years. Part three of the China series (available as a set for $199), which includes China in Revolution and The Mao Years (VL-9/94), this is essential viewing for anyone concerned with the new China. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)