The Founding of an Army
The Founding of an Army

Movie spotlight

The Founding of an Army

2017
Movie
133 min
Mandarin

The Founding of an Army is a 2017 Chinese film commissioned by China's government to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army.

Insights

IMDb5.2/10
Google Users58%
Director: Andrew ChienGenres: Drama, History, War

Plot Summary

In 1927, as China faced internal strife and foreign invasion, a group of passionate young military cadets and revolutionaries embarked on a dangerous mission to establish a new army. Facing overwhelming odds and betrayal, they fought to unite the country and forge a new future for the Chinese nation. The film chronicles their struggles, sacrifices, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity.

Critical Reception

The Founding of an Army was met with a mixed reception, with praise directed towards its ambitious scale and visual presentation, but criticism often pointed to its historical inaccuracies and overt propaganda elements. While it performed well at the box office in China, its international appeal was limited, and critical reviews often highlighted its narrative shortcomings.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its grand scale and impressive cinematography.

  • Criticized for historical liberties and a strong propagandist tone.

  • The narrative is often seen as overly simplistic and melodramatic.

Google audience: Audiences generally found the film to be visually striking and an interesting historical depiction, though many noted its strong political messaging and felt it prioritized propaganda over nuanced storytelling. Some viewers appreciated the patriotic themes and the depiction of revolutionary fervor.

Fun Fact

The film features a large ensemble cast of over 700 actors, many of whom portray historical figures, aiming to recreate the epic scope of the events it depicts.

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