Movie Digest
During the 1952 “Cold Gun Movement,” the Chinese People Volunteer Army engaged in guerilla warfare to assist their northern comrades in fighting the invading US troops. One such unit is The Fifth Squad, a group of young snipers led by sergeant Liu Wen Wu, a sharpshooter called “Grim Reaper” by his foes. Liu and his squad were on an extraction mission to bring back comrade Liang Liang, a spy with crucial intelligence about the US army when they fell into a trap set by a group of US snipers.
The Feel-Good Part
The cinematography is beautiful. There is a scene where the camera is inside the rifle scope, allowing us to see the target up close. The cinematographer was able to instill an eerie feeling during calm scenes.
The Disappointing Factor
The lack of flashbacks or other types of character backstory limits the usage of tired tropes, but it also means that the later tear-jerking scenes don’t quite achieve the correct emotional octave.
In-Depth Analysis
The directors of this film are Zhang Yimou and his daughter, Zhang Mo. Snipers is his first picture set entirely on a real battlefield – the Korean War – yet it is not about that war. The film readily fits into his body of work, dealing with a minor sideshow amid a greater struggle, and is more of a psychological drama in a high-pressure environment than a conventional bang-bang war movie. The inspiration for Liu Wen Wu’s character is from Zhang Taofang, one of history’s most lethal snipers, credited with 214 kills in 32 days during the Korean War. The sketch of nine young comrades in his squad is careless. The opening sequence is an introduction to them in the manner of a roll call, but that is all we learn about them. The screenplay offers the American snipers, led by John (Jonathan Kos-Read), a significant amount of screen time, depicting them as real beings rather than the stereotypical arrogant foreign opponents. They even acknowledge the Chinese boldness at times, and their discourse is relatively natural. However, it should not be a surprise that the Chinese characters outperform their American counterparts.
Star Power
The entire cast performed admirably in their respective roles. Zhang Yu (Liu Wen Wu) played brilliantly as a composed and disciplined soldier. Chen Yong Sheng, who plays Da Yong, Liu’s sensitive protégé, is also excellent.
Overall Opinion
It is a fascinating and entertaining war film but not the best in the industry. Do give it a try!
