Hong Kong was returned to China on July 1,1997. In order to commemorate this historical event, Xie Jin made an epic on the Opium War,a disgraceful event in Chinese history. Established for this film, ′The Xichuan "The Opium War＂Film and Television Company,Ltd.′ is the first private film company in China.The film was an international production with Ann Hui from Hong Kong working as assistant producer, and many actors from China, Taiwan, and Britain. Production began in May 1996 and costs reached $15,000. 1,500 extras were hired so that every scene would be a faithful representation of history. The story centers around Lin Zexu′s efforts to enforce the 1839 anti-opium campaign ordered by the emperor. Based on historical fact, the film recreates the Opium War, China′s defeat, and the subsequent Nanjing Treaty which ceded the Hong Kong territory to Great Britain. One of the most memorable scenes is of Lin dumping the confiscated opium in the waters.