Documentary sheds light on the new era

February's takings were a new world record, breaking the July 2011 record of $1.4 billion in the North American market.

Last year, Wolf Warrior 2, a patriotic film based on the evacuation of Chinese citizens from Yemen in 2015, made 5.7 billion yuan at the box office and became the highest-grossing film in Chinese cinematic history.

Amazing China also feels like a salute to Chinese cinema and the 2015 evacuation scene is portrayed in the documentary as well.

As for innovations in the documentary, Rao Shuguang, head of China Film Critics Association, says: "We see many difficult shooting techniques used in Amazing China like aerial shots.

"The development of film production techniques also reflects the country's growing in strength. They show that China is responsibly trying to build a shared future for humanity."

Rao says the big screen gives audiences a better perspective compared to TV news, adding that such documentaries based on news are best seen on the big screen. He also says that Amazing China can be used as a template to showcase the country's future achievements on film.

Audience comments

This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up. Everyone is enjoying its benefits but our feelings about it are sometimes not expressed due to our busy lives. This era needs a production like Amazing China to remind us of what happened in the country－like making silk from cocoon.

Wang Xiaoqian, TV anchor in Beijing

The documentary convinces us that China is full of heroes who are willing to make a big contribution to their motherland and safeguard her dignity. We can nurture the confidence to make tomorrow better by remembering this.

Pan Jianing, human resources manager in Liaoning province Documentaries too can be appealing for young moviegoers like me. From a collective portrayal of the country to individual images, Amazing China creates a splendid atmosphere for viewers.

Wang Nanyi, reporter in Beijing

When I was first assigned to this small station (in Henan), I felt a little disappointed because the working environment was not as comfortable as I had expected. But Amazing China has changed my mind. I called my classmates after watching the film to tell them that our high-speed railway (featured in the documentary) is leading the world. I am proud of the amazing Chinese railway.

Lu Danqing, railway intern in Henan province

In the film, when I watched a group of people in their 30s in the frontline of China's scientific research and a 25-year-old Party member helping Tibetan villagers eradicate poverty, I felt that a country's strength depends on its young people as well. Our jobs may be ordinary but they make a difference.

Li Chen, technician in Hubei province

I am really proud to have grown up under our red flag with five stars. Amazing China will encourage young people to keep working hard for our motherland and make it even stronger.

Zhang Yishan, actor in Beijing