When the Dragon Swallowed the Sun

The documentary, “When the Dragon Swallowed the Sun,”2012, directed by Dirk Simon showcases the treatment of the Tibetan people by the Chinese government. Simon and his film crew record protests in America, exile communities in India, and guest appearances by the 14th Dalai Lama, Richard Gere, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. “When the Dragon Swallowed the Sun” takes a realistic view of the violence associated with desire to free Tibet and the fear of the loss of the Tibetan culture.
“When the Dragon Swallowed the Sun” was difficult to watch. I viewed it one night with my husband and by the end he was concerned about my upcoming trip to Tibet. The filmmakers do not shy away from showing the violence associated with many protest movements, especially the 2008 protests before the Olympics. I was interested in the theme of culture and how the Tibetan people in exile feel that they Tibetans in Tibet are losing theirs. I could use this in class as a current example of a powerful country influencing a weaker country.
I would not necessary recommend this documentary for students. While I am fully aware that human rights violations have and are occurring in Tibet, I fear that this documentary would scare students away from international travel. In the right setting with students mature enough to discuss the politics of the region, it may be beneficial. However, it would be eye-opening for teachers of Chinese/Tibetan history and current protests around the world.

'When the Dragon Swallowed the Sun' is a documentary about the invasion by the Communist Chinese into Tibet.  The film begins with the foreboding prophecy of the 13th Dalai Lama in 1933, which predicts the murderous takeover.  The opening footage is extremely graphic and demonstrates the brutality of the Chinese troops as they justify their actions as 'liberating the serfs.' The film continues with videos of demonstrators protesting the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics using the Olympic games as a political platform to draw attention to the occupation of Tibet.  The documentary also includes numerous interviews with Tibetans who support taking aggressive measures against the Chinese and those who see the futility of attacking such a powerful force.  
It is a thought provoking film which presents a passionate plea for independence and a respectful and fair resolution for the people of Tibet.  Sadly, almost 60 years have passed since the Chinese invasion and an agreeable solution is not in sight. This is an intense film that I would recommend for upper level high school students. It is also very graphic and disturbing so students should be prepared prior to viewing this piece. It would be an excellent source for studying: military aggression, forced occupation and the economic issues of those being occupied, how cultural and religious identity is altered and destroyed, issues of human rights and world involvement, how the younger generation sees themselves Tibetans? or Han Chinese?