For 4,000 years China largely succeeded, both culturally and economically, in keeping the rest of the world at bay. Following its introduction of reforms in the 1980's, however, including a transition from a socialist to a market economy, China allowed multinational corporations to set up shop. Now that the world's most populous nation is clearly on a fast track to capitalism, American investors are eagerly exploring ways to get involved.

Mart Bakal, a millionaire New York investment banker who has been spreading the benefits of globalization in the former Communist world since the early 1990s, is one of those Americans looking to cash in. But Bakal needs a “cultural interpreter” so he teams up with the charismatic Vincent Lee, a successful Hong Kong entrepreneur. But even with Vincent on-board and billions of dollars to invest, Mart finds China less than enthusiastic about his offers, his methods and his needs.

The Men Who Would Conquer China chronicles their efforts in New York, Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai over a three-year period; we join them as they engage in difficult negotiations with Chinese government bureaucrats, tour Chinese factories seeking Western investment, and become embroiled in their own disputes and arguments. Although they share a common belief in capitalism, the tension between these partners grows as different priorities and cultural perspectives drive each man, and their relationship becomes a microcosm of the issues inherent in west-east capitalism.

Winner of the Best Documentary Award from the Film Critics Circle of Australia. 

LEARN MORE:
For more information, visit First Run Icarus Films or the Chicago International Documentary Festival.
Read a review of the film from the Sydney Morning Herald.