The war scenes in “Volunteers: The Battle of Survival” are strikingly realistic, deeply portraying heroes in a nuanced and moving manner. Directed by Chen Kaige, the film has been a box office sensation since its release on September 30, dominating ticket sales during the National Day holiday.
As the second installment in the “Volunteers” series, this film takes a closer look at a pivotal moment in the Korean War—the Battle of the Iron Ridge. It explores the profound bonds of family, the camaraderie among soldiers, and the unwavering national pride of those who stood ready to defend their homeland at all costs, embodying the spirit of the People’s Volunteer Army. With its unique perspective and authentic portrayal of emotions, it has successfully drawn audiences into theaters.
As of October 7, the film has grossed an impressive 850 million yuan, making it the top box office performer during this year’s National Day holiday.
Blending dramatic storytelling with action, the film differs from its predecessor, “Volunteers: Heroes on a Mission,” by focusing intently on the Iron Ridge defensive battle—one of the most brutal confrontations of the Korean War. This film showcases a level of detail not previously seen on screen, depicting how approximately 25,000 soldiers from the 63rd Army of the People’s Volunteer Army faced nearly 50,000 UN troops over 12 relentless days, creating an impenetrable steel wall on the battlefield.
Critic Sha Dan praised the film for clearly outlining military confrontations, allowing viewers to grasp the battle’s progression. “From the reasons behind the fighting to the strategies employed, and ultimately, the path to victory, this layered narrative immerses viewers in the challenges faced by the volunteer soldiers,” he noted. The film also highlights the cleverly crafted tactics of the troops, such as the “nail” strategy of the 189th Division and the rapid fortification efforts of the 188th Division.
While “Volunteers: Heroes on a Mission” captured a sense of speed and connection, “Volunteers: The Battle of Survival” seamlessly incorporates dramatic and action-oriented filming techniques, blending movement, rhythm, and intensity—even during quieter moments. This unique approach creates a palpable sense of tension and emotion, suggesting that even off the battlefield, the stakes are high. The action scenes are dynamic, with both protagonists and extras continuously in motion, resulting in an authentic portrayal of war.
Beyond the combat sequences, the film offers touching moments. Soldiers from the 189th Division break into smaller units, envisioning themselves as nails firmly secured in their positions. When a military expert inquires about weapon precision, a young soldier humbly responds, “It’s all fine; we’ve managed to work through it,” despite the fact they risk their lives to place explosives close enough to disrupt enemy tanks. In a heart-wrenching scene, the main character, Li Xiang, tells his comrades, “We can’t go back anymore. You must keep pushing forward,” underscoring each character’s deep commitment.
The film intricately weaves together individual stories, ensuring that every character—be they general or soldier—adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. Korean actor Han Dongjun reflected on his experience in the film, sharing his understanding of why the 63rd Army is referred to as the “Heroic Iron Army.” Confronted with drastically unequal military resources, these soldiers leaned on their innovative strategies and sheer resolve to withstand enemy fire. “Although the film features an ensemble cast, every character emerges as a hero,” he remarked.
Through a series of impactful moments, the film explores the origins of the Volunteers’ steadfast faith. After rain, a soldier is reminded of his hometown by the earthy scent of the battlefield. On a day known for planting crops, the soldiers reminisce about their respective regions: soybeans in Henan, sesame in Jiangxi. In another moving sequence, during a tense standoff, Li Xiao sings a song from the “Yellow River Cantata” over loudspeakers, with thousands joining in, reinforcing their collective resolve. “This war must be won to protect every family. Though these soldiers come from different backgrounds, they share a singular belief—fighting for the future, for better days, and for their nation,” the film asserts.
A viewer’s comment recently went viral, sharing their expectation of an after-credits scene. Instead, they felt compelled to reflect on the bright, towering buildings outside the theater as they exited. “That was the real treasure,” they said.
Producer Guan Yadi praised “Volunteers: The Battle of Survival” as a significant advancement from the first film. The emotional storyline, involving characters played by Xin Baiqing, Zhu Yilong, and Zhang Zifeng, greatly enhances its appeal to regular audiences.
The opening scene introduces an older brother, Li Xiang, returning home to reunite with his long-lost sister, Li Xiao, but their brief reunion is shadowed by the looming threat of war. Their father, Li Mo Yin, heads off to the front lines, prompting both siblings to follow suit, weaving the family’s stories of reunion and separation throughout the film.
The film conveys its emotional journey through small objects—a piece of candy originally sent to Peng Dehuai and later shared between Li Xiang and his sister during their farewell. He keeps the wrapper as a keepsake. Just before heading into battle, Li Xiao gifts her brother a small red flower, which he presses between the pages of his notebook. As the film draws to a close, Li Xiang shares the flower, allowing his fellow soldiers to enjoy its scent—an evocative moment where they relish “the flavor of good days.” In a poignant finale, Li Xiang retrieves the candy wrapper, licking it before sending the flower downstream—a striking, poetic image that encapsulates the essence of the film.
By emphasizing character depth over spectacle, the film defies conventional genre expectations and has garnered acclaim for its heartfelt exploration of humanity and the heroic missions entrusted to these individuals.
