This movie is an obvious political propaganda. However, the audience should not blame the film crew but instead, should be more understanding about the difficult position the film crew was in.
The Cultural Revolution might be ended 2 years ago when this movie was made, but the reform was not yet started, because China was still reigned by conservative hard liners who despite their hatred to the Cultural Revolution and the Gang of Four, still worshiped Mao, and thus making excuses for Mao by blaming the Cultural Revolution on the Gang of Four.
Under such political environment, it was obviously understandable for the film crew to play save by making a such a political propaganda in order to avoid possible persecution.
The Cultural Revolution might be ended 2 years ago when this movie was made, but the reform was not yet started, because China was still reigned by conservative hard liners who despite their hatred to the Cultural Revolution and the Gang of Four, still worshiped Mao, and thus making excuses for Mao by blaming the Cultural Revolution on the Gang of Four.
Under such political environment, it was obviously understandable for the film crew to play save by making a such a political propaganda in order to avoid possible persecution.