ABC Film Challenge – World Cinema – Z – The Eight Hundred (2020)
The Eight Hundred is under Z because of star Zhi-zhong Huang
Director: Hu Guan
Writer: Hu Guan, Rui Ge, Kun Hu (Screenplay)
Starring: Zhi-zhong Huang, Zhang Junyi, Hao Ou, Xiaoguang Hu, Wu Jiang, Yi Zhang, Quianyuan Wang
Plot In 1937, eight hundred Chinese soldiers fight under siege from a warehouse in the middle of the Shanghai battlefield, completely surrounded by the Japanese army.
Runtime: 2 Hour 29 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: The Eight Hundred starts in 1937 as the Chinese find themselves under attack from the Japanese in Shanghai. A group of 800 soldiers taking refuge in warehouse as the final fight to protect the other side of the river. They prepare themselves for an onslaught coming their way. As the reporters from around the world, watch the battle from across the river.
We will see how the soldiers never backed down from the numbers. Which left them against all the odds to protect their country. Which ends up feeling like one of the very first up close and personal reported military attacks in history.
Thoughts on The Eight Hundred
The Eight Hundred is one of the many stories of extreme bravery during a conflict. One that will show how an unlikely number will be the ones to help protect a nation against overwhelming odds to go down in history. This will show the Chinese soldiers that come of realistic. With their different levels of willingness to be in this battle, knowing it is for the right thing. Showing the fear that would come across most people in this situation.
Where this film is even more fascinating. Is with how the world media and other Chinese locals are watching from across the river. Showing one of the first major recorded conflicts, reported first hand. How a country would need to use this media presence to help them in a war they are going to lose unless things change.
The performances in the film are strong, with such a large cast. We get plenty of stars who will get their moment to shine in this film. This does feel like it is a massive moment in history. One that will show the importance of taking the stands these men did in war.
Final Thoughts – The Eight Hundred is an epic war drama, showing a Chinese army defying the odds in battle.
