Plot

TV mini-series telling the PRC's official narrative of its involvement in the Korean War (1950-1953). It's one of several films produced in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) (founded in July 1921).

This TV mini-series tells the People's Republic of China's official narrative of its involvement in the Korean War (1950-1953). It is one of several films produced in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) (founded in July 1921). ~ Translation of original Chinese synopsis: "[This] panorama shows the entire process from the initial decision-making to the final signing of the armistice agreement to resist US aggression and aid Korea. It enthusiastically praises the heroic sons and daughters and promotes the great spirit of resisting US aggression and aid to Korea." ~ However, that description does not completely agree with the story told in the series. Through the English language parts of this narrative, the filmmakers do convey that the conflict was between North Korea and South Korea and that the UN (not the US alone, as suggested in the official synopsis) supported democratic South Korea while China intervened (at first, secretly) in support of communist North Korea and to preempt any possible threat to its own border by MacArthur with his UN forces. ~ General Douglas MacArthur is portrayed as the ultimate villain who is not satisfied to simply repel the invading North Korean forces out of South Korea, or even to stop at invading and overthrowing North Korea, but is a single-minded, arrogant warlord, determined to cross the Yalu River into China in defiance of US oversight and orders from President Truman. The story is told from a Chinese communist perspective and most of the dialog is in Mandarin without English subtitles, but there are many scenes with English and Russian dialog. ~ Although it is a propaganda film, marketed to a PRC audience, the cinematography, drama, and action may attract an international audience of period war drama fans and Korean conflict enthusiasts. The story is packed with Chinese heroism and patriotism, scenes of political and military leaders strategizing, and graphic battle scenes with lots of blood and explosions. There are also threads about families and romance. It celebrates the Chinese communist volunteer army as a noble, united underdog, so crafty and resolute that it achieved victory against a superior, but divided, invading force.