Very ambivalent

Shaun 2022-02-25 08:01:05

The reason for recommending this film: Why have we experienced so many impacts of Western civilization since 1840, and there is no profound change? Is it the selfishness of a few rulers or the ignorance and stubbornness of the masses? I haven't figured it out all the time, but I feel a little bit after reading it.
From a different perspective, there are completely different understandings about wars that occurred on the mainland. In the closed political and economic environment, they must be regarded as barbaric aggression. However, from the perspective of the invaders, trade The exchange of envoys is a normal international principle. It seems normal today. It is in the interest of the invaders to launch armed attacks on countries that do not abide by the international norms.
According to the principle of invaders, most treaties that we think of as unequal actually allow a closed country to abide by international laws. But does this equalize inequality? China boycotted because of rejection, and foreign countries launched war because of boycott.
If we simply regard this process as a game between conservativeness and globalization, then the Qing government will be completely defeated, but what role do the people play in this? Whether to enjoy the benefits of internationalization, or to worry about the interference of foreign forces on politics and economy, judging from this film, many people choose the latter. In fact, many people today are stubborn on the latter, and emotionally speaking, they also talk about the past. It's just that the latter actually does more harm than good to the country's development.

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Extended Reading
  • Zion 2022-04-19 09:02:44

    Self-righteousness, stupidity, absurdity of those in power...well portrayed

  • Deondre 2022-04-24 07:01:23

    A movie with a high degree of historical reduction, although it is very sad from the perspective of the Chinese, it is basically in line with history

55 Days at Peking quotes

  • Lady Sarah Robertson: Do you remember what Napoleon said about China?

    Sir Arthur Robertson: I never forget it: "Let China sleep. For when she awakens, the world will tremble."

    Lady Sarah Robertson: He did say an awful lot, didn't he?

  • Tommy: [Arguing with his sister about the family's pet dog, Ming] Mother says we can't take Ming back to England with us.

    Sir Arthur Robertson's daughter: I *won't* leave my dog!

    Tommy: He's *my* dog!

    Sir Arthur Robertson's daughter: [indignant] Who feeds him?

    Tommy: Who taught him to sit up? He's *mine*!

    Sir Arthur Robertson: I'll tell you what: we'll cut him exactly in two, and you'll each get half.

    Sir Arthur Robertson's daughter: Oh, father, don't play King Solomon.

    Sir Arthur Robertson: [chuckles] I tried...