There are few objects as compelling or iconic as the Great Wall of China and this feature length drama doc takes on this monumental subject with typical style and scale of ambition.
The two hour film traces the story of the building of the wall in its latest, greatest guise – the colossal brick structure that that everyone recognises as the Wall, from the terror of apocalyptic Mongol attacks in 1550 – the Ming dynasty’s own 9/11 - through the founding of the nation’s first professional army to the building of the wall itself and its testing in battle.
The drama has been likened to modern classic Chinese features and the documentary suitably compelling – bringing us face to face with the descendants of the wall’s builders, taking us to the remotest reaches of the wall itself and into the heart of China’s legendary People’s Liberation Army – the first time a western film crew has ever been allowed such access.
All in all, like the wall itself, a monumental tour de force.
Broadcaster: Channel 4/Discovery Channel
TX Date: October 2007
Total Episodes: 1
Duration: 120 mins
Executive Producer(s): Richard Bradley, Cassian Harrison
Distribution Information: All3Media International
Series Producer/Director: Nic Young