In 1987, China lifted a 28-year ban on boxing, leading coaches to scout rural areas for young athletes to train for Olympic competition.
Synopsis
In 1987, China lifted a 28-year ban on boxing, leading coaches to scout rural areas for young athletes to train for Olympic competition.
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Synopsis
Qi Moxiang, a boxing coach in his late thirties, travels to Huili County in Sichuan province to recruit young athletes for a boxing program. Alongside Zhao Zhong, the program director, he seeks talented teenagers to train for potential Olympic careers. The film follows two boys, Miao Yunfei and He Zhongli, as they prepare for the Chinese provincial finals. To inspire his students, Qi decides to return to the ring for a professional fight against a younger opponent from Japan.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet boxing coach Qi Moxiang in rural Sichuan.
- See young boxers Miao Yunfei and He Zhongli compete.
- Find out about the history of boxing in China.
Did You Know
- Mao Zedong banned boxing in China in 1959, calling it 'too Western and brutal'.
- The ban on boxing was lifted in 1987, allowing it to be taught in schools.
- Qi Moxiang, the boxing coach, brings Miao Yunfei and He Zhongli to the provincial finals.
- The film premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for a Grand Jury Prize.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed the documentary China Heavyweight?
China Heavyweight was directed by Yung Chang.
What year was the ban on boxing lifted in China?
The ban on boxing in China was lifted in 1987.
Which two young athletes are focused on in China Heavyweight?
The documentary focuses on two young athletes, Miao Yunfei and He Zhongli.
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