7-Man Army Review

Directed by: Cheng Cheh, Hsiung Ting-Wu, Wu Ma

Action Directors: Chan San-Yat, Hsieh Hsing

Starring: David Chiang, Ti Lung, Chen Kuan Tai, Chi Kuan Chun, Fu Sheng, Li Yi Min, Pai Ying

Seven Man Army is a historical war fiction based on the defense of the Great Wall at Pa Tou Lou-Tzu during the Second Sino-Japanese War.  After a great battle, seven brave soldiers are able to take the strategic fort and were able to trick the invaders into believing thousands of men were inside. The heroes along with a boy were able to hold the fort for five days before being killed by the Japanese.

I typically don’t like war movies but I did enjoy this one enough to purchase the film on DVD. I would definitely call this movie more of a drama than an action film but what little action there is in the film is a good action.  The action is very realistic and helps the viewer quickly believe the story is possible.  My favorite action sequences involve Leung Kar Yan, Wang Lung-Wei and Gordon Liu Chia-Hui as Mongol mercenaries who are the first wave of invaders who fight our heroes.

My favorite scenes of the film are the interesting stories of each of the brave men that provide a glimpse into their personal lives and what drove them to become soldiers.  Ti Lung and Pai Ying were military men from the beginning. Both were trained by exceptional leaders who taught them how to never give up and you fight to the death. Lu Feng, in one of his early roles, plays Pai Ying's commander.

David Chiang was an abusive no good husband trying to change his life. I don’t believe Chiang as an abusive husband, but I do believe him as a never do well who drank and gambled the money away.

Chi Kuan Chun and Fu Sheng had loved ones that were killed by the Japanese. One lost his lover and her family to murderous foreigners while the other watched as his brothers were killed.

Li Yi Min stood up to the Japanese at his opera performance.  He went on the run to protect his fellow performers from the wrath of the Japanese soldiers.

Chen Kuan Tai was a guerrilla leader who was captured by the enemy.  His soldiers try to rescue him but die in the successful attempt.  He then decides to channel his energy and focus on revenge by becoming a soldier in the army.

These stories help develop the characters and give us a reason to root for them.  These flashbacks draw us into the film as each is placed at a specific point that does not interfere with the present day events. The stories also help each soldier get to know each other and their motivation which helps build a trusting bond between the 7 men.  These stories also provide good action sequences. At the end of the movie, I was sad but honored to know each of them.

I rate this movie a 4 out of 5 stars. If you enjoy war movies, historical dramas, and action movies, you will enjoy this film.

~Lady Cao Feng

Watch or Buy 7-Man Army: iTunes * Amazon Prime

Legalese: All images copyright Celestial Pictures and their respective owners. No infringement is intended or presumed. We encourage you to seek out these films through official channels. *