The Eight Hundred

The Eight Hundred is an inspiring war drama film released in 2020 that offers a vivid depiction of an important historical event in Chinese history. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Guan Hu and produced by Huayi Brothers and Beijing Enlight Pictures, the film is an absorbing, emotionally charged spectacle that took the Chinese box office by storm.

The movie stars ensemble actors such as Zhizhong Huang, Junyi Zhang and Hao Ou. Their powerful performances breathed life into their characters and captivated movie buffs from all over the world. Truly, their stunning performances ensured that the film would have on audiences a profound and last impact.

Set against the backdrop of the 1937 Sino-Japanese War during the Shanghai Battle, The Eight Hundred depicts the heroism of a small group of Chinese soldiers from the Xie Jinyuan regiment who were tasked with defending the Sihang Warehouse from an overwhelming number of imperial Japanese invaders. However, the title of this epic war film, The Eight Hundred, refers to the number of soldiers that local and international media believed were defending the warehouse, despite this figure being incorrect.

Rather than just focusing on the sheer brutality and horrors of war, Director Guan Hu brilliantly projects the resilience, grit, and unity of these soldiers. For four long days and nights, they stay put, defying the enemy tirelessly and resiliently. It portrays the heroism of these soldiers who, despite limited resources and pressing circumstances, never gave up on their mission to hold the warehouse. Their courage, tenacity, and fortitude came to symbolize national resistance and patriotism in the face of extreme adversity.

Interestingly, this film also captures the civilian perspective of this epic encounter. Massive refugee populations huddle on the west side of Suzhou River, which divided the city into foreign concessions and Japanese-controlled areas. These civilians, holding onto hope amidst the chaos, watched the unfolding spectacle from the supposed safety of the concessions.

Production-wise, The Eight Hundred stands out with its breathtaking cinematography, capturing the war-torn landscape of Shanghai in a striking and arresting manner. Cao Yu, the cinematographer, masterfully encapsulated the great contrasts of this battle: the color palette shifts from the startlingly vibrant opulence of the foreign concessions to the grim and somber tones of the besieged warehouse district.

Its award-winning production design, costumes, and set design transport viewers back to the tumultuous era of the late 1930s. Every detail, from the period-accurate military uniforms and weapons to the realistically recreated Sihang Warehouse, looks and feels authentic. Furthermore, the first-rate visual effects and sound design also lend a potent, visceral quality to the film’s numerous action sequences.

The film’s writers -- Ge Rui and Guan Hu -- crafted a narrative full of emotional depth and resonance. The Eight Hundred is a war film that does more than just depict the violence and chaos of combat. Instead, it tells a heartfelt and intimate story about the soldiers who risked everything and the civilians who watched on, trapped in their own fight for survival.

Regarding its music and sound design, The Eight Hundred succeeds in heightening the tension and the emotion throughout the film. The score, composed by Rupert Gregson-Williams and Andrew Kawczynski, is hauntingly beautiful, skillfully amplifying the emotional intensity of this historical stand.

In essence, The Eight Hundred is a film that pays tribute to the brave soldiers who fought against overwhelming odds, embodying the spirit of resistance and unity. The film's real achievement lies in its ability to connect with the audience on a deeply emotional level, leaving a lasting impression.

Given how The Eight Hundred merges impressive cinematography with a poignant narrative, top-notch direction, and stellar performances, it is no surprise that it went on to become one of China's highest-grossing films of 2020. It's a film that offers more than just a retelling of a historical event; it's a deeply moving human drama that epitomizes courage, resilience, and perseverance. This is truly a film that invites viewers on a journey to understand not just the horrors of war, but also the inherent human capacity for bravery and heroism in the face of crushing adversity.