The film "The Volunteers: War of Survival" is set to release during the National Day holiday. The movie depicts the fierce battles of the Iron Original Blockade through the collective stories of volunteer soldiers, and also showcases the profound attachment to home and country through the reunions and separations of the Li family on the battlefield.
Poster of "The Volunteers: War of Survival"
With flags flying high, heroes endure; through numerous challenges, iron will remains unbroken. On September 28, director Chen Kaige and screenwriter Zhang Ke, accompanied by actors Zhu Yilong, Zhu Yawen, Zhang Zifeng, Chen Feiyu, Zhang Youhao, Han Dongjun, and Li Zhuoyang, returned to the original location of the “Heroic Iron Army” 188th Regiment of the 63rd Army. This unit's special operations team was honored as “Outstanding Company” during the Iron Original Blockade. The creative team collaborated with the Chinese military to host a themed screening event titled “What Does It Mean to Be Young · What Do Youth Fear” at this symbolic site, reminiscing about the heroic combat stories with the successors and guardians of national security, the armed police soldiers.
The film's creative team shares memories of heroic battles with military personnel
As the main brigade depicted in the film "The Volunteers: War of Survival," “Outstanding Company” was part of the 188th Regiment of the 63rd Army. It participated in significant battles like the Qingping River engagement, the Beihan River blockade, and the Kaesong defense. In the breakthrough of the Linjin River battle, the company held the frontline of Hill 194.4 for several days, bravely engaging the enemy, successfully covering the subsequent troops' crossing, and defeating the Belgian battalion. In the Iron Original Blockade, all soldiers in the company displayed extraordinary valor and tenacity, earning commendation for their efforts. Today, “Outstanding Company” continues to uphold the spirit of their predecessors, standing firm in their duty to defend the homeland; young soldiers of the new era share the same passionate and fearless spirit as those volunteer soldiers from back then.
After the film screening, the soldiers erupted in enthusiastic applause. At the event, seeing their own brigade portrayed on screen, director Chen Kaige and screenwriter Zhang Ke could not hide their excitement. Chen Kaige remarked, “The characters played by the actors beside me are all from the 63rd Army, so I feel like I have returned to my old unit. If the brave struggles and sacrifices of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army ensured the peace and security of the nation back then, then all of you, soldiers present today, are also creating the peace and happiness we enjoy now.” Screenwriter Zhang Ke added that during the creative process, he spent time in the military for inspiration, and now seeing the soldiers feels very intimate.
The “Heroic Iron Army” Outstanding Company flag takes the stage
When the soldiers carried the “Outstanding Company” flag, marked with the honors of the 188th Regiment of the 63rd Army, to the podium, all the creative team members stood in solemn respect. Although it has weathered more than 70 years, the flag remains vibrant; it stands as a testament to the valiant and fearless battles fought by the volunteer soldiers on the Korean battlefield, symbolizing iron will and glory. In the film, Zhu Yilong portrays Li Xiang, the company commander of the 188th Regiment, who raises a red flag amidst the smoke of battle. Upon seeing the flag of Outstanding Company, he couldn't help but exclaim, “Today, seeing the flag in person is truly exciting and a bit surreal. I truly feel the spirit of the Volunteers is passed down through generations.”
At the event, the creative team engaged in a transcendent dialogue with the armed police soldiers across the screen's barrier. Zhu Yilong, who plays Li Xiang, recited a line from the film, “If one battalion falls, you continue to advance,” to which the thousand armed police soldiers responded in unison, “We will continue to advance! We will continue to advance! We will continue to advance!” Their powerful voices filled the room, echoing the graves of their predecessors and the mission passed down to them.
Though the moments of valor depicted in the film have become history, they resonate closely with today's lives. Zhang Zifeng, who portrays Li's younger sister in the film, expressed, “The siblings and parents Li Xiaolai constantly think of are her greatest support, but once she enters the battlefield, she realizes this small family of three is merely a microcosm of countless soldiers, and that these small families facilitate the reunion of larger families.” In the audience, young soldiers far from home shared stories about their families, some expressing regret over missing their father's last moments due to mission assignments, while others optimistically noted that their “family portrait” was just a screenshot of a video call. They are away from home for the sake of “the greater good,” yet they never regret their choices.
As the film's creative team and all soldiers sang the "Song of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army," with lyrics like "Bravely crossing the Yalu River," the powerful song ignited everyone present. "The Volunteers: War of Survival" is crafted with the deepest sincerity to pay tribute to the heroes of the volunteer army from over 70 years ago, as well as to the soldiers who guard our homeland today.
