The Battle at Lake Changjin
Synopsis
In the freezing winter of 1950, Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers clashed with American forces at the Chosin Reservoir in Korea. Directed by Chen Kaige, Tsui Hark, and Dante Lam. 5.77 billion yuan box office — the highest-grossing film in Chinese cinema history. Douban 7.4.
Overview
The Battle at Lake Changjin (Chinese: 长津湖) is a 2021 Chinese war epic co-directed by three of Chinese cinema's most celebrated filmmakers — Chen Kaige, Tsui Hark, and Dante Lam. Starring Wu Jing and Jackson Yee, the film depicts the Korean War's Battle of Chosin Reservoir, where Chinese Volunteer Army forces faced American troops in temperatures plunging to minus 40 degrees Celsius.
Released on September 30, 2021 (China's National Day holiday), the film grossed approximately 5.77 billion yuan ($913 million), surpassing Wolf Warrior 2 to become the highest-grossing film in Chinese cinema history and the second-highest worldwide in 2021. Douban rating: 7.4.
Plot Summary
In 1950, the Korean War erupts. American forces cross the 38th parallel and approach the Chinese border. The Chinese People's Volunteer Army crosses the Yalu River into Korea. Wu Qianli (Wu Jing), company commander of the Seventh Company, leads his men toward the Chosin Reservoir.
His younger brother Wu Wanli (Jackson Yee) secretly follows him to the front, transforming from an innocent teenager into a hardened soldier. At the Chosin Reservoir, the volunteer soldiers use flesh and blood to stand against American aircraft, tanks, and artillery.
In temperatures of minus 40 degrees, many soldiers freeze to death in ambush positions, their bodies locked in combat stances for eternity. Their sacrifice becomes the foundation of victory at Chosin — and a chapter of history that must never be forgotten.
Cast
| Actor | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wu Jing | Wu Qianli | Seventh Company commander |
| Jackson Yee | Wu Wanli | Qianli's younger brother, a raw recruit |
| Duan Yihong | Tan Ziwei | Volunteer Army battalion commander |
| Zhang Hanyu | Song Shilun | Ninth Army Group commander |
| Zhu Yawen | Mei Sheng | Seventh Company political instructor |
Behind the Scenes
With a production budget exceeding 1.3 billion yuan, The Battle at Lake Changjin is one of the most expensive Chinese films ever made. The three directors each brought their signature strengths — Chen Kaige handled the emotional drama, Tsui Hark the visual spectacle, and Dante Lam the action sequences.
The production employed over 7,000 extras and vast quantities of military equipment across a 180-day shoot. The frozen soldier scenes — soldiers preserved in combat poses by extreme cold — are based on documented historical events.
References
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Battle_at_Lake_Changjin
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10734618/
- Douban: https://movie.douban.com/subject/25845392/
Stills & Gallery
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