-Volunteers- Battle of Life and Death- triggered a movie-watching craze, recalling the heroes and shed tears at the scene

Since its release on September 30, “The Volunteer Army: The Battle of Survival” has sparked considerable excitement among audiences across China. O

Since its release on September 30, “The Volunteer Army: The Battle of Survival” has sparked considerable excitement among audiences across China. On October 1, a special screening for the China News Network was held at Chengdu’s Eying 1958 Cinema.

Directed by Chen Kaige, the film centers on the fifth campaign of the Korean War, specifically focusing on the intense battle at Iron Field. During this conflict, the 63rd Army was assigned a crucial task to safeguard the relocation and rest of hundreds of thousands of volunteer troops. Around 25,000 soldiers faced nearly 50,000 “UN troops,” engaging in fierce combat for 12 consecutive days and nights. Their tenacity successfully repelled numerous enemy assaults, which played a vital role in protecting the rear bases of the volunteer army and ensuring stability on the Korean front.

On the first day of the National Day holiday, dozens of viewers gathered at the Chengdu cinema to reflect on this pivotal event from more than 70 years ago. Many were profoundly moved by the gripping battle scenes and the patriotic spirit displayed by the volunteer soldiers, with some shedding tears during the film. After the screening, local elementary school teacher Huang Kaiwen shared his emotional response, stating that the stories of the volunteer army reinforced his appreciation for today’s hard-won peace. “I have to tell my students that their comfortable lives today are a result of the sacrifices made by those who came before us. We must remember their contributions to our country.”

For 94-year-old Yang Zhenjie from Chengdu, the film stirred memories of his early years. Following high school, he worked as a teacher in Korea and Tianjin, tutoring volunteer soldiers. The inspiring tales of bravery and resilience he encountered have stayed with him. “I taught one soldier who, after being injured in battle, pushed his intestines back in place and continued to fight in Korea after recovering,” he reminisced.

Another local resident, Yue Haiquan, brought his elementary school-aged son to the screening. “Today is a significant day, and as a parent, I want my child to understand history and feel a sense of national pride,” he explained. Yue mentioned that his grandfather was a volunteer soldier, and he grew up listening to his grandfather’s stories from the Korean War. “My grandfather would often show me his medals and share moving tales from the battlefield, helping me grasp the spirit of the Korean War deeply. This generation of youth must not forget this part of our history.”

“The Volunteer Army: The Battle of Survival” marks the second installment in Chen Kaige’s trilogy about the volunteer army, following “The Volunteer Army: The Brave Offensive,” which premiered just before the 2023 National Day and became a box office success. As of 1:26 PM today, online sources indicate that the film has grossed over 129 million yuan, making it the top new release during the National Day holiday.