Beginning of the Great Revival

Beginning of the Great Revival, also known as The Founding of a Party, is a Chinese historic film directed by Han Sanping and Huang Jianxin. Produced in 2011, it features a star-studded cast that includes international film titans such as John Woo, Chow Yun-Fat, and Bingbing Fan. The movie serves as a prequel to the 2009 film, The Founding of a Republic, and showcases an intriguing journey spanning 10 years of modern Chinese history.

The film’s narrative is set between the years 1911 and 1921, a highly consequential period in China's history. It provides viewers with a richly textured tableau of the socio-political climate at the start of the 20th century that eventually culminated in the formation of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Through a blend of finely curated historic episodes and dramatic personal stories, Beginning of the Great Revival provides an enlightening insight into the formative years of modern China.

Director John Woo plays a profound role in the movie, not only for his contribution behind the scenes but also for his acting role as Lin Sen, China's president during the Second Sino-Japanese War. His strong portrayal gives life to a dynamic character navigating the intricacies of war, politics and power during one of China's most tumultuous periods.

Another titan renowned for his charisma on screen, Chow Yun-Fat, graces the film by playing Yuan Shikai, a warlord who tried to establish himself as the emperor of China. Yun-Fat is compelling in depicting the complex character who toggles between ambition and morality, power and duty. His nuanced portrayal allows us to delve into the mind of a key historical figure, helping viewers understand the context which led to the birth of the CPC.

Bingbing Fan, another international star, plays the role of Empress Dowager Longyu. Despite her limited screen time, her authoritative and emotive portrayal effectively represents the fading twilight of China's crumbling monarchy, conveying the unfurling changes and the rise of a new era.

The film has a scope as vast as the country it portrays, intertwining politics, revolution, and personal narrative. It masterfully uses these elements to present the ideological battles that paved the way for the formation of the Communist Party. The storyline is filled with historical figures often presented in a heroic light, reflecting the narrative of national spirit and sacrifice.

Beginning of the Great Revival is infused with influential personalities like Mao Zedong, Li Dazhao, and Chen Duxiu—who are portrayed by Liu Ye, Zhang Jiayi, and Chen Kun respectively. Through these actors’ performances, audiences can witness the passion, ideals, and vision of the founding fathers of the CPC and get a sense of the courage it took to ignite a revolution that would change the shape of the nation.

The movie is an epic historical drama that strives to elucidate the pivotal moments leading to the birth of CPC. Besides the personal and political narratives, the film also effectively depicts the socio-cultural milieu of China at the time – from student protests sparked by the Treaty of Versailles to the tumultuous aftermath of the 1911 Revolution.

Furthermore, director Han Sanping reduces special effects and scale, preferring to focus on the tension and drama of the plot, allowing actors to explore their characters deeply. This aspect of the film serves to give credit to its significant historical content and the depth of its characters.

As a whole, Beginning of the Great Revival is a film that serves two purposes. For one, it’s an engaging cinematic portrayal of a significant era in Chinese history. Meanwhile, it also is a persuasive depiction of the birth of the Chinese Communist Party that was designed to coincide with the Party's 90th anniversary. Ever seasoned with the spice of revolution and political intrigue, this title remains a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding China's modern history and the rise of the Communist Party.

However, it is important to note that such a viewing requires the understanding that, like any historical drama, certain narratives and characters may be portrayed in a fashion that serves a predetermined narrative. As such, it’s recommended that viewers approach the film with an open mind, treating it as a cinematic adaptation rather than a strict historical document.