Mao

Synopsis

The People’s Republic of China now plays a central role in global politics, economics and diplomacy – more than it ever has before. Its president, Xi Jinping openly espouses the model forged by former Chairman, Mao Zedong, known as the Great Helmsman. But what do we really know about Mao? And how does his legacy relate to Xi’s ‘China Dream’? This 3-part documentary series explores Mao Zedong, his beliefs and his methods. It shows how these have shaped Xi’s philosophy and the reality of today’s China. Mao had set China on the road to true sovereignty, freeing it from the humiliation of foreign domination. Xi is now completing that journey towards the strong Middle Kingdom and cultural predominance that Mao aimed for – while sweeping under the carpet the unthinkable victims and costs of Mao’s rule. The story arc of Mao’s astonishing biography provides varied and profound insights into the ideals, strategies and ambitions of today’s People’s Republic and its position in the next decade.

First Air Date: 2024-09-17

Last Air Date: 2024-09-17

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 3

Created By: Paul Wiederhold, Annette Baumeister

Networks: ARTE, ARTE

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

Romanus Fuhrmann as Self - Narrator (German version)

Seasons

Season 1 (2024)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: Long March (2024-09-17)

The young revolutionary Mao Zedong experiences a China on its knees. After the end of the empire, the country is in the firm grip of warlords and imperialist powers. Mao's dream of a united China and a communist society that will lead the country back to its former greatness grows. Mao and his communist movement are involved in a bloody civil war until Mao finds himself at the gates of Beijing in 1949.
Ep. 2: Great Leap Forward (2024-09-17)

After the proclamation of the People's Republic, Mao begins to transform the country into a socialist state, but the Korean War catches up with him. As he pushes forward industrial development, he leads the country to the brink of the abyss: one of the greatest famines in history is the result, with millions of deaths.
Ep. 3: Cultural Revolution (2024-09-17)

After the disaster of the "Great Leap Forward," Mao is surrounded by enemies within the party. He plans a counterattack: "The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution." He can rely on the support of the youth, who hunt down "counter-revolutionaries" as Red Guards. The country sinks into chaos, but Mao emerges victorious and becomes head of state for life.