The Eight Hundred

This is the second film about the Second Sino-Japanese War I've seen within a short time, and, honestly, yesterday's film was much more powerful. The Chinese creators really leaned into melodrama this time around, which is a real shame because otherwise, they stuck closely to the actual events. The story of defending the warehouse against the overwhelming Japanese forces was already a gripping subject for a film. The plot was unnecessarily stretched out which felt like a disservice to the bravery of these undisputed Chinese heroes. The film also shed light on a troubling aspect: how the defenders of democracy at the time shifted from their original stance of non-interference (in Asia) to later directly betraying their allies in Europe. (21.01.2022)

The highest grossing film of 2020 (460 million) is an instant classic and the best war film of the last ten years. From start to finish, it's an adrenaline-fueled, atmospheric, brutal and uncompromising ride as we follow 800 Chinese soldiers defending a warehouse in the middle of Shanghai from an enormous Japanese army. The spectacular visuals and attractive cinematography are so great that several times I felt like pausing the film to take a picture. The film rushes incredibly forward, it hardly leaves the battlefield as we follow the brave Chinese tasked with defending the warehouse for five whole days from waves of enemy soldiers. I liked that the action is everything one can expect in the war genre. Gorgeous and well thought out stealth action, sniping people trying to escape across a bridge, air raids, suicide bombers, close range knife fights and engaging firefights. As you watch, you feel like you're with the soldiers in the middle of a mad carnage where bullets are flying and tearing everything apart. The level of violence is really high and it's a joy to watch. I must also praise the great cinematography, the awesome sound design, where every siren or gunshot gives you instant goosebumps, and I enjoyed the characters, who don't get that much space, but there's a favourite for everyone. The atmosphere engulfed me like no film has in a long time and already at least five scenes have a chance to become iconic. An absolute must for fans of history and spectacular warfare. A gem to be archived! Anyone who gives less than three stars is permanently unfriended and will become Infernal Enemy numero uno. Story*****, Action*****, Humor>No, Violence*****, Entertainment*****, Music*****, Visuals*****, Atmosphere*****, Suspense*****. 10/10. (03.11.2020)