Movie Digest
Block House (炮楼) is a Chinese-origin original production that hit the cinema screens on the 4th of March, 2021. This creative production remains finished under the direction of Cai Boyu. The story revolves around a twelve-year-old little boy named Nianz, who, after being enraged with the gruesome on-slaught of the Japanese Army, plans to take revenge for his people. According to the synopsis, the running time stretches over an hour and twenty-eight minutes, with an impressive total of one episode.
The Feel Good Part
Before watching the movie, no prior information is necessary to know. The production highlights the history that went out of the books and classrooms. It generates feelings of patriotism and love for the nation. Since the running time is of decent amount, the viewers can take their time to indulge in a friendly analysis on their own.
The Disappointing Part
Fans complained over the small budget deployed by the producers, annoyed with the cost-cutting method affecting the film-viewing experience. Although the story had potential, it failed to grasp the hearts of the fans, owing to the cheap techniques. It could not set the overall vibe required for the film.
In-Depth Analysis
The story opens with the terrible atrocities coming from the side of the Japanese nation. In the lust for power and territory, Japan rose as one of the powerful candidates for the colonization project. Since the colonization was in progress in Korea, the next aim remained in China. They attacked the innocent, small village of Handan, where thousands of people and public property got destroyed by the display of their strengths.
Star Power
The cast includes Dana Fu Shao Jie as Sha Feng, Miao Yaning, Fu Shaojie, Liu Ziqiang, and Su Xiang. After much debate and discussions, the casting director settled for the best. As the film comes under the national interest and as a method for nation-building indoctrination of the Communist Party of China, it remained significant to choose the right actors.
Overall Opinion
Block House is a must-watch for the viewers if you are interested in the knowledge of the Chinese people during the First World War. It recounts the history before the establishment of the Communist Party of China.
