Watch Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy

Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy is a Chinese film made in 1970, directed by Xie Tieli and based on the eponymous opera of the same name. The plot is set during the Chinese Civil War between the communists and the nationalists in the late 1940s. The film tells the story of a communist soldier, Yang Zirong, who is sent on a mission to infiltrate a bandit stronghold located in the remote mountains of Yunnan. Zirong is ordered to kill the bandit leader, Hawk, and bring back information on the bandit's activities.

At the beginning of the film, there is a brief introduction giving the audience some historical context about the civil war. Then we see Zirong and his team as they trek through the jungle on their way to the mountains. Once they arrive, Zirong paints his face and disguises himself as a bandit to gain entry into the stronghold. He quickly wins the trust of Hawk and his men and proceeds to gather information on their activities. Hawk is a brutal leader who rules with an iron fist, and his men are equally ruthless.

As Zirong spends more time with the bandits, he begins to struggle with his mission. He starts to develop a relationship with one of the bandits, a woman named Hongxiu, and he sees the bandits as more than just ruthless killers. He begins to question his allegiances and considers defecting to the bandits.

Throughout the film, there are several battle scenes between the communists and the bandits, which are well choreographed and exciting to watch. The film also contains several musical numbers, which are an integral part of the opera on which it is based. The musical performances are energetic and entertaining, and they serve to break up the tension of the film.

The performances of the cast are strong, with Xiangling Tong giving a standout performance as the conflicted Zirong. Kuixi Han is also excellent as the ruthless but charismatic Hawk, and Jinbo Shen brings depth to his role as Zirong's commanding officer.

The film is notable for its use of color and composition. The scenes shot in the mountains are breathtaking, with the lush greenery and misty atmosphere creating a sense of otherworldliness. The use of color in the film is also striking, with bold primary colors used to great effect.

Overall, Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy is an engaging and visually stunning film that tells a compelling story set against the backdrop of a turbulent period in Chinese history. It is a must-see for fans of Chinese cinema and anyone interested in historical dramas.