This eye-opening film penetrates at least one layer of mystery surrounding the training of Chinese athletes, a subject that fueled much controversy at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The filmmaker follows young children at the Lu Wan District Youth Athletic School as they train for the Olympic glory many of them will never achieve. The children, many of whom come from poor rural families, are made to struggle through grueling (and some might say abusive) training sessions, in some ways putting aside their youth, playfulness, and the things they hold most dear. Most palpable is the children’s crushing sense of obligation—to their families, to their coaches, and to the nation. Watching these young children being pushed to the breaking point one minute and happily enjoying candy prizes the next forces us to consider the price of Olympic glory—who it’s for and who pays it.  SP