China Heavyweight

Once forbidden under Mao following the Chinese Cultural Revolution, boxing is enjoying resurgence in popularity in China. “Hands up, hands up!“ – is an instruction Miao Yunfei and He Zongli have ringing in their ears. Now 17, both were recruited 5 years ago by their coach, who intends to mould them into China’s next Olympic heroes. Without any formal education, they have no other choice but to succeed at boxing, and both train with the necessary determination. Now on the verge of entering the world of top-class international sport, the two have a difficult decision to make: should they fight as amateur boxers for the glory of their country? Or should they fight for money – and themselves, like their Western role models? Filmmaker Yung Chang follows the two hopefuls at the training centre and on rare visits to their parents. Not only is this film a portrait of two up-and-coming boxers and their coach, it’s also a metaphor for the challenges faced by the young in today’s China.