The Eight Hundred (2020) - Still So!

 

★★☆☆☆

I checked out 'The Eight Hundred' not because it's the highest grossing film of the year worldwide, or considered the most anticipated war film yet from China. I did just because of 'Mr. Six', the most impressive, outstanding work by director Guan Hu in my opinion. 'Mr. Six' simply stuns me as it's able to keep boosting my adrenaline and stirring my emotions without having to present one single bloody physical fight as it should've been expected in a gangster film like that. That's indeed pure magic of cinema. Plus, it inspires me to ruminate a lot on certain stuff that's supposed to make up a dignified and meaningful life! So instead of 'The Eight Hundred', 'Mr. Six' is easily a better choice if you expect to be thrilled, healed and encouraged in a sense!

I'm not saying however, that 'The Eight Hundred' is a total failure. It should be praised in a way that it chooses to be historically correct in some parts rather than politically correct, though it still has to mention the Communist Party's role in defending against the Japs back there with a caption in the opening. But you know, the CP played no part in the 'Eight Hundred' incident. It's all about the sacrifices of the National Revolutionary Army of the National Party. Thus the NP flag is supposed to be the focus but since this is a production from Mainland China where political correctness and control of the CCP are superior to everything, the NP flag, which is there at least, can't be shown in all its glory. On account of that, it's bound to be embarrassing and ineffective when it comes to patriotism part!

As a war film, 'The Eight Hundred' is by no means superb, compared with all those classics from Hollywood. Maybe I shouldn't set the bar too high but all the tricks, stunts and setups are all familiar and corny. Brutality and madness of war is after all felt but forgettable. So are the characters as we see what they're doing but not what they're doing it for exactly. I'm not sure if it's true but some sacrifices, despite looking heroic, seem rather unwise and unnecessary! We watch our heroes die one by one like expected but we're finding it somewhat difficult to feel a thing for them if there should be any!

In wartime, those either voluntarily or involuntarily engaged, are only doing what they think is right. Killings will be justified! Those not afraid to blow themselves up with the enemies will be so called heroes! The truth is, at wars, there're no winners but all losers. Killing can't be right in the name of no matter what. I would've felt wrathful with the Japs if I'd got to watch 'the Eight Hundred' years back, but now I feel sorry for both sides. They were just fighting for a nation that was sick! A sick nation is afraid to be free! It is frightened of free thinking people. It can't accept views or voices against it! Therefore it won't repent and correct what it's done wrong! A sick nation is certainly not worth fighting for. It should be overthrown and abandoned instead. Japan was so sick but it's been recovering. China was sick too like it's mentioned in the film, and pathetically, is still so!