1, "Hexi Corridor"
Released in 2015, director: Wang Xinjian / Zhao Qichen.
It depicts the new look of the Hexi Corridor from Zhang Qian's mission to the Western Regions in the Han Dynasty to open the Silk Road to the founding of the People's Republic of China. The film not only shows the unique position of this geographical corridor as a meeting point between Eastern and Western civilizations, but also delves into the social changes, cultural blending and economic development of various periods. From the military expansion and cultural export during the period of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, to the turmoil of the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, the eastward spread of Buddhism, to the prosperity of commerce and trade and culture in the Tang and Song dynasties, and the road of national rejuvenation since modern times, each historical node has been endowed with vivid visual expression, allowing the audience to feel as if they have traveled through time and space and experienced that magnificent historical process.
The film abandons the interview and documentary mode of traditional documentaries, and instead adopts a cinematic narrative approach, through exquisite pictures, affectionate narration and shocking soundtrack, to construct a historical world that is both real and imaginative. In particular, its soundtrack is a must, and the participation of internationally renowned composers makes music not only a complement to the picture, but also an important force to promote emotions and deepen themes. The ingenious fusion of Eastern and Western musical instruments not only shows the multicultural characteristics of the Hexi Corridor as the key point of the Silk Road, but also implies the dialogue between history and modernity, and the exchange between East and West.
2, General History of China
Released in 2013, director: Zhao Liang.
The film systematically and vividly reproduces the magnificent history of China from ancient times to modern times. Among them, the seven episodes from the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties to the Sui and Tang Dynasties, which were broadcast first, are particularly eye-catching. From Zhuge Liang's wisdom to the grace of Wei and Jin celebrities; From the determined reform of Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty to the statecraft of Emperor Wu of Liang; From the widespread spread of Buddhism in the Wei and Jin dynasties, to the glory of the Sui Dynasty's reunification, to the merits and demerits of Yang Guang, the Yang Emperor of the Sui Dynasty, each episode carefully selects the most representative historical events and figures of this period, and uses "military, cultural, political, and economic" as the framework to show the complex features and profound connotations of this period in an all-round and multi-angle manner.
The film is particularly excellent in copywriting, the language is concise and full of charm, which has both a sense of history and the aesthetic interest of modern audiences. The narrator's tone is ups and downs, just right to guide the audience through the thousand-year-old time tunnel and feel the vicissitudes of Chinese history.
3, "The Resurrected Army"
Released in 2004, director: Jin Tiemu.
Through detailed archaeological evidence and in-depth historical research, the film vividly reproduces the past glory of the Qin army and the extraordinary process of dominating the world.
Each frame reveals a strong historical atmosphere and a strong visual impact. The audience seems to have traveled back in time and witnessed the majesty of the Qin army's iron cavalry, and how they finally completed the feat of unifying China for the first time in the history of China with their superior military strategy, strict discipline and unparalleled combat effectiveness. In the film, the lifelike terracotta warriors and horses have become a bridge connecting the past and the present, making people deeply feel the fierceness and glory of the Great Qin Empire.
4, "The Mysterious Western Xia"
Released in 2015, director: Jin Tiemu.
The film takes the magnificent history of the Tangut Dynasty from its quiet rise to its tragic demise as a clue, relies on the latest achievements of Tangut studies in recent years, and adopts the most advanced TV production technology to reveal the unique charm of this ancient civilization in an all-round and multi-angle way. The film delves into the political, military, economic, cultural and other aspects of Western Xia, and through exquisite graphics, vivid narratives and rich details, the audience feels as if they have traveled back in time and space to experience the mysterious country that was once glorious but eventually disappeared. From the rise of the Dangxiang tribe to the establishment of the Tangut Empire, from the complex relationship with the Song, Liao, and Jin to the prosperity and decline of its own culture, "The Mysterious Tangut" has been presented in detail and wonderfully.
As a historical documentary, its well-made, rich content, and wonderful presentation are breathtaking. The film's exquisite restoration of service, as well as the accuracy of character casting and the excellent interpretation of the actors, all show the crew's extreme pursuit and control of historical details. In the process of watching the movie, the audience can not only feel the unique style and profound heritage of the Western Xia Dynasty, but also appreciate the glory and vicissitudes of the country that has been sealed by history for a long time.
5, "Forbidden City 100"
Released in 2012, director: Xu Huan / Wang Chongxiao / Kim Mingzhe.
Through the carefully selected 100 spatial stories, the film skillfully constructs the organic connection between the history, present and future of the Forbidden City, presenting the audience with a video system that transcends time and space. Each episode is only 6 minutes long, but it deeply excavates the practical value and aesthetic value of the Forbidden City architecture, from the mortise and tenon structure of the noon gate to the solemn majesty of the Taihe Palace, from the joy of the emperor's wedding to the sadness of the death of Concubine Zhen, each story is full of historical weight and cultural depth.
Its unique narrative angle and copywriting design make the Forbidden City, which might otherwise seem high, lively and interesting, full of human touch. Through a variety of shooting techniques and editing techniques, the film shows every detail of the Forbidden City architecture to the fullest, allowing the audience to deeply feel the breadth and profundity of Chinese culture while enjoying the beautiful scenery. In addition, the soundtrack of the film is also very distinctive, and the heavy sense of heaviness and the eloquent narration complement each other, adding a lot to the whole documentary.
6, "I Repair Cultural Relics in the Forbidden City"
Released in 2016, director: Ye Jun / Xiao Han.
The film goes deep into the Forbidden City's calligraphy and painting, bronzes, court clocks, woodware, ceramics, lacquerware, treasure inlay, palace weaving and embroidery and other fields, systematically and delicately recording the restoration process of rare and rare cultural relics, and at the same time showing the daily life and inner world of the restorers. Through a young perspective, the film comprehensively sorts out the historical origin of China's cultural relics restoration for the first time, and reveals the mystery of the world's top cultural relics "resurrection" technology. Visitors will be able to get up close and personal with the craftsmanship of the conservators, their love of work and the craftsmanship that has been passed down from generation to generation.
The film successfully integrates serious craftsmanship into the narrative of the documentary, making this film both deep and warm. By showing the daily life and restoration work of cultural relics restorers, the film allows the audience to deeply appreciate the hard work and silent dedication behind this profession. The film's beautiful graphics, smooth editing, and melodious background music make the whole viewing process a pleasure.
These documentaries are high-quality historical works that are loved by the audience and are worth watching.