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Deep Dive: China Heavyweight (2012)

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China Heavyweight
China Heavyweight is a documentary that focuses on the revival of boxing in China after a ban imposed by Mao Zedong in 1959. The ban was lifted in 1987, allowing the sport to be taught in schools. The film follows Qi Moxiang, a boxing coach, and Zhao Zhong, the boxing program director, as they travel to rural Huili County in Sichuan province to recruit young athletes for training. The narrative centers on two boys, Miao Yunfei and He Zhongli, who are brought to compete in the Chinese provincial finals. In addition to coaching the young boxers, Qi Moxiang decides to return to professional boxing himself, facing a younger rival from Japan. This aspect of the film provides a personal connection to the sport and serves as a motivational example for the young athletes. The documentary captures the aspirations of the boys and the cultural significance of boxing in contemporary China.

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.

Perfect For

Boxing enthusiastsFans of sports documentariesCultural history buffs