Battle on Shangganling Mountain

Synopsis

Battle on Shangganling Mountain (original title: 上甘岭) is a Chinese war film released in 1956, directed by Sha Meng and starring Gao Baocheng. The movie depicts the harrowing and heroic battle fought by People's Volunteer Army soldiers during the Korean War. Set on Shangganling Mountain, the film showcases the brutal and grueling conditions faced by the troops as they hold their ground against a relentless enemy force. The story follows the soldiers' journey of courage, sacrifice, and determination to protect their position despite overwhelming odds. Through intense and immersive scenes, the film pays tribute to the soldiers' perseverance and patriotism, illuminating the hardships of war while highlighting the spirit of unity and resilience.

Cast

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  Gao Baocheng

  张忠发

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  Xu Linge

  孟德贵

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  Zhang Liang

  杨德才

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  Li Shukai

  师长

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  Liu Lei

  陈德厚

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  Liu Yuru

  王兰

Reviews

Battle on Shangganling Mountain has received mixed reviews from audiences and critics alike. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 6.7 out of 10, indicating a generally positive reaction. Critics have praised the film for its realistic portrayal of war and the strong performances by the cast, particularly Gao Baocheng. A review on Rotten Tomatoes highlights, 'The film's powerful depiction of camaraderie and unyielding spirit makes it a compelling watch,' though it notes that some scenes feel overly dramatized. Metacritic, which aggregates reviews, has given it a moderate score, reflecting divided opinions. A common critique is the film's propagandistic elements, which some viewers find detract from its storytelling. 'While it succeeds in portraying the brutality of war, the overt political messaging can be overwhelming,' writes a reviewer from the New York Times. Nevertheless, its historical significance and emotional depth resonate with many, making it a notable piece in the genre of war films.