"Young people still need respect for history and care for our country's destiny," Xu Bei says. "And stories of Lianda also urge people today to pursue excellence."

Professors and teachers at Lianda included linguist Chen Yinke, historian Qian Mu, architect Liang Sicheng, philosopher Feng Youlan, physicists Wu Ta-you and Wu Youxun, writers Qian Zhongshu and Shen Congwen, mathematician Hua Luogeng, and many other names who are either cultural icons or founders of Chinese modern sciences.

Students like Xu Yuanchong and Yang thus got a rare chance to be taught by several academic masters for one course. For example, for the Chinese lessons during freshman year, a host of great writers and historians took turns to lecture to the students.

Nevertheless, recalling this precious experience, the feedback of the students still varies decades later.

Translator Xu Yuanchong passionately exclaims in the documentary: "It is the best Chinese lesson I've ever had!"

But as a physicist who keeps a rigid attitude in natural science analysis, Yang says: "I don't think that methodology is the best one, because each teacher has his own style and lacks a consistent syllabus."