Wonders of China (1982) User Reviews

A Miraculous Visual Journey

[Dvd1988 · 7/10 · 14 April 2001]

I first saw Wonders Of China at Epcot, a theme park at Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida. A poet from ancient China leads you through modern Shanghai and Bejing, as well as the Great Wall, the Yangtze River, Mongolian deserts, and rice fields of Southern China. Although the viewing conditions were a little uncomfortable (they don't let you sit and you have to keep turning your head to see everything)the film is marvelous. In 19 minutes, the movie lets you see so much, and viewed in 360 degrees with screens which surround you, the experience is wonderful, and the photography lush, in the visual style of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. As both a theme park attraction and a documentary, it is a success. *** out of ****

Cultural Revolution

[directoroffantasies · 8/10 · 13 February 2005]

One sign that Chairman Mao truly was dead came in 1982, when the People's Republic allowed the Disney people to open an exhibit on China at their Florida park. Didn't Mao criticize Walt and refuse to allow his films to be shown? "Wonders of China" was originally filmed in 1981-82 and has since had several subtle updates. The original included a segment on the disputed Chinese Tibetan possession. This was scissored out years later. Now a newer version includes Hong Hong, which was still British when the film was first made.

This well-scored travelogue stars the late Keye Luke as Li Bai/Li Po, T'ang dynasty poet, who serves as tour guide. There are interesting glimpses of the Beijing Opera, the giant Buddha along the Yangtze and the ice sculpture park in arctic Harbin.

China has changed dramatically, and for the better, since the Great Helmsman's death. The fact that this film was made and is shown daily to tourist audiences is proof of that.

Like O Canada!, this one needs un update.

[rosinryanz · 9/10 · 18 February 2003]

This circle vision film gives a rare look into Red China. It is very unique because it is narrated by the postumous poet, Li Bai. However, the film is hopelessly out of date. The scenes of Shanghai look extinct. There is hope, however. Currently, the film is being re-shot and updated. I cannot wait to see the new film when it premieres at EPCOT this summer.