Nixon in China
Nixon in China

Movie spotlight

Nixon in China

2012
Movie
45 min
English

Documentary following Richard Nixon's visit to China in 1972. Produced by the Richard Nixon Presidential Library from archive materials.

Insights

IMDb7.8/10
Director: Peter SellarsGenres: Opera, Classical

Plot Summary

The opera 'Nixon in China' chronicles Richard Nixon's historic 1972 visit to the People's Republic of China. It explores the complex personal and political interactions between Nixon, his wife Pat, Chairman Mao Zedong, his wife Jiang Qing, and Premier Zhou Enlai. The opera delves into the cultural and ideological differences, as well as the shared humanity, of the leaders of two superpowers.

Critical Reception

Nixon in China has been widely acclaimed as a masterpiece of modern opera. Critics praised its innovative score by John Adams, its compelling libretto by Alice Goodman, and Peter Sellars's visionary staging. The opera is lauded for its ability to humanize historical figures and its insightful commentary on international relations and the nature of power.

What Reviewers Say

  • A groundbreaking and musically brilliant opera.

  • Peter Sellars's direction brings a fresh and compelling perspective.

  • John Adams's score is a triumph of contemporary classical music.

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Fun Fact

The original 1987 production of 'Nixon in China' was notably staged in the Kennedy Center, a significant venue for American arts, and quickly became a landmark of 20th-century opera.

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