I would watch some of these episodes on my local community college cable channel and was intrigued by the history. Though the series was made 20 years ago and much change has taken place, the series does an excellent job covering the older history of most of the Pacific Rim. Bear in mind that in 1992, Japan was just entering its "Lost Decade" after the economic rise of the 1980's. Taiwan and China were just beginning their meteoritic rise as economic players on the world stage. South Korea was coming into its own also. Many noted academic and political figures are interviewed and give commentary to add to the content.Peter Coyote's narration is excellent. Overall a very useful work for the local school, or just to learn more about this important region of the world.
2 Reviews
Definitely Dated, but still Insightful and Informative
olihist8 June 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I've just finished viewing the entire "Pacific Century" series (all of the episodes are available on Youtube), and it's funny how so much of what this show covers (and especially about Japan and the United States) is still relevant today. If a person wanted to remake this series, he/she could simply substitute "China" for "Japan," and it'll make The Pacific Century up-to-date.
Overall, this is a very good series, one that remains quite relevant for today's world. Anyone interested in going beyond the glaring headlines on CNN or Fox News about China or East Asia will learn a lot from this documentary.
Note: The textbook on which this show is based upon is also available from Amazon.com. It's in its 4th edition, has been updated with more current information, and is available for as low as 33 or 34 dollars. There is also a website for the book and series (pacificcentury.org), which contains a useful study guide and faculty materials for the textbook and video series.
Overall, this is a very good series, one that remains quite relevant for today's world. Anyone interested in going beyond the glaring headlines on CNN or Fox News about China or East Asia will learn a lot from this documentary.
Note: The textbook on which this show is based upon is also available from Amazon.com. It's in its 4th edition, has been updated with more current information, and is available for as low as 33 or 34 dollars. There is also a website for the book and series (pacificcentury.org), which contains a useful study guide and faculty materials for the textbook and video series.
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