This $461M Chinese War Drama Is One of the Highest-Grossing Movies of 2020 You Missed

In cinematic history, 2020 will forever be remembered as the year the familiar world collapsed and movie theaters around the globe closed indefinitely – the traditional distribution model was destroyed by the pandemic.

Amid this chaos, one movie not only survived the crisis, but also became a true phenomenon – it grossed over $461 million, topping the list of the year's highest-grossing releases.

The Chinese war drama The Eight Hundred is a large-scale historical film that recreates one of the most heroic and tragic chapters of the Second Sino-Japanese War.

What Is 'The Eight Hundred' About?

The plot takes place in the fall of 1937 in besieged Shanghai, Chinese troops have decided to retreat. Only one battalion remains to cover the retreat of the main force – about 450 soldiers must hold back the onslaught of a Japanese army of thousands.

Known as the Eight Hundred, these men enter the Sihang warehouse and prepare for their final stand. For four days and four nights, they defend the building, knowing their chances of escape are virtually nil.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the river is the International Settlement. There, life continues as if it were a carnival: people in expensive suits stroll along the embankment, and onlookers watch the battle as if it were a show.

With Its Impressive Visual Scale, 'The Eight Hundred' Rivals Hollywood Blockbusters

One of the main strengths of The Eight Hundred is its stunning visuals, which rival those of the best Hollywood blockbusters. To create a believable historical atmosphere, over sixty era-faithful buildings were constructed on the vast set.

The director and cinematographers skillfully use color to depict the war-torn area in somber gray-green tones that convey hopelessness and devastation. In contrast, the other side of the river is depicted in vibrant, almost carnival-like colors.

Aerial shots reveal the destruction of streets and buildings, evoking a sense of total catastrophe.

Extras, including hundreds of Chinese and thousands of Japanese soldiers on one side and crowds of onlookers on the other, create an epic canvas where each person is a mere speck in the maelstrom of history.

'The Eight Hundred' Showcases Heroism Without Excessive Pathos

Despite its two-and-a-half-hour running time, The Eight Hundred never feels drawn out. The creators deliberately pace the introduction slowly, showing the soldiers settling into a warehouse that many of them are destined never to leave.

Long takes and a leisurely pace create a sense of oppressive unease – for those trapped in an atmosphere of constant fear, every minute feels unbearably long.

As soon as the next Japanese offensive begins, however, events unfold with dizzying speed. We experience each attack alongside the characters, unsure of what will happen next.

The climax comes with the planting of the flag on the roof of the warehouse – a moment that might otherwise seem overly dramatic. However, thanks to the lively, handheld camerawork, we feel completely present, and the scene is flawlessly effective.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'The Eight Hundred'?

• The Eight Hundred has 89% from critics and 78% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 6.7/10.

• On Letterboxd, The Eight Hundred scored 3.5/5.0.

Where to Watch 'The Eight Hundred'?

The Eight Hundred is available to stream on Prime Video and Tubi.