[2] The film follows one of the People's Republic of China's most popular motivational speakers, Li Yang, the founder of "Crazy English".

[2] Other common criticisms, including accusations that Li Yang is a "nationalist huckster" and that his methods do not actually improve English-speaking ability,[3] receive a much more subtle presentation in Zhang's film.

[4] The seeds for Crazy English first arose when Li Yang's manager asked to meet with Zhang Yuan at a bar in Beijing's Sanlitun neighborhood.

[5] Though made with the assent of official authorities, the filmmakers were nevertheless forced to make certain cuts[6] before being allowed a limited release for their documentary.

[7] Zhang Yuan has stated that the film's reception within China was difficult to read, given the mass adoration (and criticism) that Li Yang often elicits.