Watch The Taking of Tiger Mountain

The Taking of Tiger Mountain is a 2014 Chinese film directed by Tsui Hark. The movie is based on the Chinese literary classic Tracks in the Snowy Forest by Qu Bo. The film depicts the Chinese Civil War in 1946, as the People's Liberation Army battles against remnants of Nationalist forces. The story centers on a young soldier named Yang Zirong, played by Hanyu Zhang. He is part of a PLA troop sent on a mission to infiltrate a bandit stronghold on Tiger Mountain, which is led by a notorious commander named Hawk, played by Tony Ka Fai Leung. Yang's mission is to gather intelligence and eliminate the threat of Hawk's bandit group.

However, the mission proves challenging as Yang must navigate through treacherous terrain and deal with the cunning tactics of Hawk's gang. Along the way, he meets a local village girl named Bai, played by Lin Gengxin. Bai helps Yang navigate the mountain and gain valuable information, but their connection also leads to personal complications.

The film showcases stunning visuals and action-packed sequences as the two sides engage in intense battles. The battle scenes are impressive, with Tsui Hark employing his signature kinetic style, filled with quick edits and stylized camera movements. However, the movie is not just about the action, as it also explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and humanity during times of war.

The main character, Yang Zirong, is complex and nuanced. He struggles with his past actions and questions his role in the war. His transformation from a young, inexperienced soldier to a battle-hardened one is gradual and believable. The supporting cast also delivers solid performances, particularly Tony Ka Fai Leung as the ruthless, yet charismatic Hawk.

The movie also touches on the role of women in wartime, with the character of Bai as a strong and independent female character. She serves as a symbol of hope and humanity amidst the chaos and violence of war.

The Taking of Tiger Mountain is a well-crafted film that is both visually stunning and emotionally gripping. It successfully blends action, drama, and historical context to deliver a compelling story. While the film may not be for everyone, it is definitely worth a watch for fans of war movies or action films.

The Taking of Tiger Mountain is a 2015 thriller with a runtime of 2 hours and 21 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 61.