Educational Media Reviews Online

This brief film examines the contributions of Chinese scientists to American military research initiatives during World War II and after, through the 1950s. Many of the U.S.’s newly design weapons, such as rockets and jet engines, were products of these scientists’ works. Reflecting the time’s eagerness to prevent leaks to enemy intelligence, this documentary emphasizes the secrecy that the U.S. government demanded from its citizenry, and, in so doing, observes the level of trust that these Chinese scientists had. Many of these scientists received the highest level of security clearance. The viewer then gains a somber look at accusations of communist ties and overall cold war hysteria, which ruined many of these Chinese scientists. The film provides firsthand illustrations of life in INS detention centers, and accounts of the deported who returned to communist China to contribute to their science (i.e. weapons systems) programs.

Agent Yellow does not start with a clear message to viewer regarding the work’s content or even its premise. Instead, the audience sees a zealous repetition of images of nuclear explosions while “God Bless America” plays in its entirety. While it provides outstanding information on this episode of discrimination and lack of loyalty on the part of the U.S. government, Agent Yellow comes weakly recommended based on its bias, and its want for unity and proficient editing.