Based on the true story, but not accurate enough

The literal translation of the title of this movie is: Cross the Red River for Four times.

The movie, like most Chinese war movie, is based on the true story that happened in real life.  This movie paints an accurate picture of how Mao lead Red Army escaped the enemy dozens time of their force.  However, there are some points this movie failed to give an accurate depiction.  For example, the original plan was totally ignored because it was a failure. The original targets of the original plan was much superior than the Red Army both in numbers and weaponry, and the Red Army suffered heavy casualties without achieving the original goals, so Mao promptly changed the plan, which lead the consequent victories, which were accurately depicted in the movie.  

The problem of not being able to describe the flawed original plan was because the plan was set by Mao's friends who helped Mao back in power by joining him defeating the pro-Soviet faction within the Chinese communist party, and thus these people are eulogized by Chinese government, and Mao's subsequent success in battles in turn helped his friend who made military blunder.  Even though the fault was not directly caused by Mao, but criticizing those eulogized by the government were still not allowed in the early 1980's.

Mandarin-language cinema across Mainland China, Taiwan, and Singapore explores historical reflection, cultural identity, and personal sacrifice, often expressed through poetic visuals and sweeping narratives. In Mainland China, this takes the form of allegory and large-scale epics that reflect on national history. Taiwan emphasizes intimate modernist realism, generational change, and the search for identity. Singapore contributes stories of migration, multiculturalism, and the negotiation of tradition in a globalized city.

The war genre features armed conflicts, both historical and fictional, and the experiences of individuals and groups involved in warfare. This genre explores the physical, emotional, and moral challenges faced by soldiers, civilians, and others affected by war.

The Red Army and Nationalist forces battle over the Chishui River in 1935.

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