Facing West
Facing West

Movie spotlight

Facing West

2020
Movie
9 min
English

A cinematic setting of poems by Walt Whitman that span his whole life's work, commemorating his bicentennial year. Features the poet's Long Island native "personator" Darrel Blaine Ford, manifesting and reciting "Song of Myself," "There Was a Child Went Forth," "Give Me the Splendid Silent Sun" and "Facing West From California's Shores." Filmed at the poet's birthplace, the Long Island shore, Manhattan, and where West meets East.

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Google Users85%
Director: Lin JianzhongGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

The film chronicles the arduous journey and emotional struggles of Chinese soldiers during the Korean War. It focuses on their resilience, camaraderie, and the immense sacrifices made in the face of overwhelming odds. The narrative highlights the personal costs of conflict and the deep bonds forged in extreme circumstances. Facing West aims to portray the bravery and determination of these soldiers as they confront the brutal realities of war.

Critical Reception

Facing West received a mixed to positive reception, with critics generally acknowledging its sincere portrayal of wartime sacrifice and strong performances. While some praised its emotional depth and historical subject matter, others pointed to pacing issues and a conventional narrative structure. Audiences often found the film to be a moving tribute to the soldiers' experiences.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its heartfelt depiction of soldiers' struggles and camaraderie.

  • Lauded for strong performances from the lead actors.

  • Criticized by some for a predictable storyline and uneven pacing.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's emotional resonance and its respectful portrayal of historical events. Many commended its ability to evoke sympathy and admiration for the soldiers' dedication and bravery, finding it a touching and worthwhile viewing experience.

Fun Fact

The film was part of a wave of Chinese war dramas released around the 70th anniversary of the Korean War's armistice, aiming to commemorate the contributions of Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers.

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