China New Empire - Part 1: China Awakens, directed by Patrick Cabouat and narrated by Peter Coyote, offers an insightful look at the transformation and rapid rise of modern China. This Australian-made documentary, released in 2013, examines the path of the Asian giant as it maneuvers its way through the 21st century, splashed with both triumphs and tribulations.

The first part of a comprehensive three-part series, China Awakens, follows the sharp upswing in China's economic fortune from the late 1970s. It takes us on an insightful journey into the nation's history, whilst concurrently projecting how it navigates in a world shaped by its growth. The documentary unfolds and presents the viewers with inside knowledge about how reform and revolution have reshaped China into the global powerhouse it is today.

Focused on the epoch from 1976, when Chairman Mao Zedong died, Cabouat paints a vivid portrayal of the leaders who subsequently took the reins. Chief among them is Deng Xiaoping, Mao's successor, who is presented as a colossal figure that presided over monumental economic reforms that steered the land of the dragon away from Maoist communism towards state capitalism.

The documentary also delves into the crucial policies introduced by Deng that broke China from its impoverished past - including the Open Door Policy and the Four Modernizations, which were designed to boost the economy, revitalize industry, modernize agriculture and ramp-up the defense system. It brilliantly teases out the implications of these decisions on culture, society, and the economy.

China New Empire - Part 1: China Awakens is as captivating as it is informative, offering the viewers a special kind of travelogue that doesn't just cover the geographical attributes of the country but ingrains a deep understanding of its political, social and economic landscapes. Visually stunning photographs, revealing interviews with leaders, diplomats, historians and ordinary citizens along with Peter Coyote's engrossing narration converge to create an intimate look at the Chinese society and its path to becoming a global superpower.

The documentary also allows space to feature China's problems, including the growing wealth disparity, showing that despite all its progress, it’s still a work in progress and faces challenges that need to be reckoned with. These issues are highlighted in a sensitive yet clear manner making the viewers examine how China's rise fits into the global context and what it means for the rest of the world.

The film stands as a testament not just to China’s economic and political ascendancy, but to its historical resilience and cultural heritage. It subtly paints a parallel narrative of China's history, with key points focusing on significant cultural and historical events, everything from the disastrous Cultural Revolution to the vibrant Chinese art scene.

China New Empire - Part 1: China Awakens also delves into topics surrounding China's relationship with its neighbors and the rest of the world, showing how the country flexes its increasing political and economic muscle to fulfill its ambitions. It touches on Beijing's tense relations with Tibet and Taiwan, its rivalry with Japan and the controversial human rights issues that have often strained its relationship with Western nations.

Balanced in perspective and exhaustive in its exploration, China New Empire - Part 1: China Awakens provides the viewers with an intricate, nuanced understanding of the factors that shaped China's trailblazing transition. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in global politics, international relations, history or merely eager to acquire an in-depth perspective of this significant global player.

Even as the film ends, it leaves you hungry for more, which is fed by the following installments in the series - Part 2: China Asserts and Part 3: China Dominates - all of which collectively offer a panoramic view of the ever evolving nature of the People's Republic of China.

In the end, China New Empire – Part 1: China Awakens, leaves the viewers better-informed, subtly provoking them to reflect on the phenomenon that is China, even long after the credits roll. It offers not only a historical journey but also a reflection on the present and a glimpse into what the future might hold for this Asian giant.