Tea War: The Adventures of Robert Fortune 2016
"How China's tea was stolen"
Step back to the 19th century when the British Empire and Qing Dynasty clashed over tea in Jérôme Scemla's historical documentary *Tea War: The Adventures of Robert Fortune (2016)*.
Director: Jérôme Scemla
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Tea War: The Adventures of Robert Fortune* (2016) about?
*Tea War* follows Scottish botanist Robert Fortune's secret mission into 19th-century China, where he risked his life to smuggle tea plants and seedlings out of the empire. Set against the backdrop of the Opium Wars, the documentary explores how Fortune's daring heist helped Britain break China's tea monopoly and redraw the map of global trade.
Who directed *Tea War: The Adventures of Robert Fortune*?
The film was directed by Jérôme Scemla, a filmmaker known for blending historical research with cinematic storytelling.
Who stars in *Tea War: The Adventures of Robert Fortune*?
Key participants include Willy Perelsztejn, Charles-Antoine de Rouvre, Xing Xing Chao, Han Cheng Zhang, and Yuan Zhou Li, who bring depth to the historical reenactments.
Is *Tea War: The Adventures of Robert Fortune* (2016) worth watching?
At 52 minutes and framed as a gripping historical documentary, *Tea War* offers a fresh lens on colonial trade wars and espionage. While lacking a traditional IMDb rating, its tight runtime and rich narrative make it a compelling watch for history and tea enthusiasts alike.
How long is *Tea War: The Adventures of Robert Fortune*?
The runtime of *Tea War: The Adventures of Robert Fortune* is 52 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Tea War: The Adventures of Robert Fortune (2016) — How espionage reshaped the global tea trade
Step back to the 19th century when the British Empire and Qing Dynasty clashed over tea in Jérôme Scemla's historical documentary *Tea War: The Adventures of Robert Fortune (2016)*. This 52-minute TV movie uncovers a covert operation that altered global commerce forever—how a daring Scottish botanist infiltrated China, smuggled tea plants out of the Forbidden City, and broke Beijing's centuries-old monopoly. Blending espionage with economic intrigue, the film paints a vivid picture of imperial rivalry, opium wars, and the shadowy trade routes that reshaped nations.
As the Middle Kingdom waged war over narcotics and tea alike, Fortune's risky quest reveals the fragile balance of power and the price of innovation. With a crisp narrative and archival depth, Scemla crafts an atmospheric journey through tea gardens, smuggling tunnels, and high-stakes diplomacy. Discover the true story behind a cup of Earl Grey and the empire that would stop at nothing to control the world's most sought-after drink.