The title refers to the exact amount of time every student has to prepare themselves for college after completing eighth grade, and the film argues that students' future prospects are largely shaped during this pivotal period of academic life.

The statistics showing how far American kids are lagging behind their Asian counterparts hardly provide new educational insights. The image of freewheeling and confident Americans pursuing play at the expense of their studies, while the diligent Chinese toil away day and night in silence, has long given cause for concern in the US that America will lose out to the east in the future.

While focusing on the creme de la creme, 2 Million Minutes passes up the opportunity to explore what causes the laggards to fall by the wayside. But in spite of its failings, the film does provide insights into the study lives of students from the three countries. And the scenes of a Chinese girl's unrelenting violin and ballet practice are a powerful illustration of Asian ambition.