Tea: The Drink That Changed The World

Tea: The Drink That Changed The World takes us on a captivating journey through the history of tea’s origins and role throughout human history. Narrated by Christy Hui and broken into chapters, the documentary begins in ancient China, the birthplace of all six forms of tea. With stunning visuals, the documentary starts in the mystical Wuyi Mountains of China, exploring ancient traditions and myths surrounding tea cultivation, including the legendary tale of the Nine Dragons and the origins of the prized Da Hong Pao tea. Tea, central to Chinese agriculture and culture, served as a unifying symbol across religions and a path to spiritual enlightenment through ceremonies like Gong Fu Cha.

We then transition to tea’s evolution from a medicinal elixir to a global commodity, highlighting its role in fostering trade, inspiring art, and shaping societies. The film highlights key historical moments, such as developing new tea-making techniques, creating artistic tea cups and pots, and spreading tea along trade routes. It also examines tea’s history in Western culture, from the British tea craze to pivotal events like the Boston Tea Party.

The story of tea reaches its climax with a tale of agricultural espionage. British spies smuggled tea plants and cultivation techniques out of China and into India, breaking China’s monopoly. Driven by greed and ambition, Britain transformed the global tea trade, leading to the rise of India as a significant producer.

“The documentary begins in ancient China, the birthplace of all six forms of tea.”

First, Tea: The Drink That Changed The World is a gorgeous documentary. It is brilliantly lit and beautifully shot in 4K. Crisp, clean images are color-matched perfectly between indoor and outdoor shots. Of course, the star is the tea and the tea makers, who show us the incredibly intricate process of harvesting, processing, and serving tea. It’s probably one of the best-looking food documentaries that I’ve seen in quite a while.

As a lifelong tea drinker and Chinese-American, I found Hui’s documentary well worth watching for its presentation of tea’s extensive history. Honestly, I never thought about the origins of tea when it was served at various family functions in LA Chinatown. The legends and stories surrounding tea were thoroughly captivating. However, it does present a distinctly pre-Cultural Revolution perspective on China, which makes some stories feel like a celebratory rally for Chinese tea.

By weaving together stories of harmony, conflict, and innovation, Tea: The Drink That Changed the World captures tea’s extraordinary journey from a humble Chinese tradition to a global symbol of connection.