The 800 war movie

D

dagc

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Finally a well made Chinese war movie. There are English subtitles.

This is the story of a regiment of Chinese soldiers during the Battle of Shanghai in the Sino-Japanese War. The film isn't perfect as some parts look contrived, but take that as part of the film's drama.

The uniforms and gear look period correct, down to the use of Mausers. The Chinese Mausers have straight bolt handles, isn't that correct for Chiang Kai Shek Mausers?

What's interesting (to me anyway) is trying to understand some of the Chinese dialects. They're definitely speaking in the brogue of their local regions, a very nice touch.

Andrea Bocelli sings Danny Boy at the end credits, so worth sticking around for that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtpGby_ijx4


Here's the film review.

https://variety.com/2020/film/reviews/the-eight-hundred-review-ba-bai-the-800-1234747527/


FWIW my wife and I had relatives who fought in Europe and Asia during WW2. My grandfather fought the Japanese (he was a target by both sides as he was an officer!). My wife's uncle carried a rifle across Europe against the Nazis. My uncle was forcibly drafted by the Axis to be cannon fodder, fortunately he survived.
 
It's good war movie. Mausers, zb-30, good guys in German uniform. Irony is that modern communist China movie glorifies Nationalist China army and flag. Also consider that most survivals of this battle were fighting on Nationalist side later.

I don't agree it's first good Chinese war movie. I think I saw several very good ones (apart the fact they are commie movies), Assembly comes to mind and there was another one, need to find the name.
 
I agree with Horilka.There is number of pretty good Chinese films (including war genre).Problem is they are not marketed for Western audience.

More often than not they are not even sold on DVDs with properly translated subs.I came across few really good historical films with zero translation.


As for 800 it is well done.I wonder if any of the footage made by western media from that hotel still exists.Training of Jap army shown too (including bayoneting of prisoners).

One oddity I noticed are movie prop Mausers stocked to look like SMLE.Also few glimpses of Hanyang 88 looking props yet I don't see any ammo on enblocs around or bandoliers it was issued on.

Come to think of it I hardly see anyone reloading their rifles in this film but I'm only about a half of the film in (hoggin local McD WiFi while enjoying coffee).


Similar films:

City of Life and Death (2009),Assembly (2007),The Flowers of War (2011),Back to 1942(2012),My Way (2011),Hundred Regiments Offensive (2015)

If you know any more post it please.
 
Last edited:
donor said:
Similar films:

City of Life and Death (2009),Assembly (2007),The Flowers of War (2011),Back to 1942(2012),My Way (2011),Hundred Regiments Offensive (2015)

If you know any more post it please.
Click to expand...


The problem with a lot of films from China about the war against Japan is how bad the acting is or how badly orchestrated the battle scenes are.

If I can think of some good war movies on Youtube I'll post them. But here are 3 that are pretty good.


The Rise of Genghis Kahn (2007) is good. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxGpFY6OJWg

And this one is a good one about the birth of the Kazahk's. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxYovFils-g&t

This one doesn't have any violence but it's also good. Classic Chinese tale the Journey to the West, a monk who travels to India to get holy scriptures. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulDzLjz0wdw&t
 
Horilka said:
It's good war movie. Mausers, zb-30, good guys in German uniform. Irony is that modern communist China movie glorifies Nationalist China army and flag. Also consider that most survivals of this battle were fighting on Nationalist side later.

I don't agree it's first good Chinese war movie. I think I saw several very good ones (apart the fact they are commie movies), Assembly comes to mind and there was another one, need to find the name.
Click to expand...

I watched the 1st half of the movie early today and have quite enjoyed it so far. It is very well done in my opinion. I will finish watching it tonight!

Thanks much for the post.

:cheers:
 
I've found a bunch of Chinese and Korean war films on YouTube. They're pretty good. The special effects are good. I've also found a few good Russian ones (I can't remember the latest, something about a tank "28" something or other). Really good films.
 
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