Đại Nghiệp Kiến Quân - The Founding Of An Army (2017)

With 'The Founding Of An Army', director Andrew Lau injected a dynamic style into the usually solemn genre of Chinese historical epics. His signature action-oriented approach, often seen in his crime thrillers, is evident in the impressive large-scale battle sequences and vibrant cinematography, aiming to deliver a grand, energetic cinematic experience. However, this visual polish and rapid pacing occasionally overshadow the emotional depth and gravitas inherently demanded by such a tumultuous historical period.

The ensemble cast, featuring many popular young actors like Liu Ye (as Mao Zedong), Zhu Yawen (as Zhou Enlai), and Oho Ou (as Ye Ting), while earnest, faced a considerable challenge in embodying pivotal historical figures with the necessary gravitas and seasoned resolve. Some performances lacked the profound internal complexity, making it difficult for viewers to fully grasp the historical weight and the life-and-death decisions. The film is a quintessential 'main melody film', commemorating the 90th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army, conveying messages of patriotism and sacrifice forcefully but sometimes with a didactic approach that lacks nuanced character exploration.

'The Founding Of An Army' stands as a crucial installment in the 'Founding of a Republic' film series, reinforcing the official historical narrative of modern China. It exemplifies the trend of 'idolizing history' to engage younger audiences, serving as a prime example of a meticulously produced, yet often propagandistic, historical war drama within contemporary Chinese cinema.