Operation Red Sea (2018) [Film Review]

Operation Red Sea; or, China for the Win!

     Our mission this time is to give a message to all terrorists that you can never harm a Chinese citizen.

If you thought that Operation Mekong (2016) was the definite representation of China’s power, then you clearly have not seen Operation Red Sea, Dante Lam’s yet another action war film which is currently the fifth-highest-grossing film ever in the Chinese box office. The movie was loosely inspired by the real-life evacuation of Chinese citizens during the Yemeni Civil War in 2015.

Release Info

Directed by: Dante Lam Starring: Zhang Yi, Hai Qing, Du Jiang, Huang Jingyu, Wang Yutian, Yin Fang, and Henry Prince Mak, Jiang Luxia, Zhang Hanyu

Language: Mandarin Original Title: 红海行动 Runtime: 139 min

 

Synopsis

The Chinese Navy is deployed to the country of Yewaire on the Arabian Peninsula. The orders of the Jiaolong Assault Team are to protect Chinese citizens and assist them in the evacuation. The country is in the middle of a civil war between the local government and a morbid terrorist organisation called Zaka. The terrorists kidnap a Western engineer who has the plans needed to make dirty bombs. When Zaka takes a Chinese citizen hostage, they demand from the Chinese Navy the release of the Yewairian President. In the meantime, the Jiaolong squad suffers heavy losses while escorting the Chinese consul as well as the Moroccan locals. Nevertheless, they make an attempt to infiltrate the terrorists’ den and save the hostages.

 

#ChinaFirst

If you could not stand the over-the-top craziness of Wolf Warrior 1 and 2, then Operation Red Sea is the perfect choice for you. It is a wonderfully executed war film with all the right ingredients to make it an enjoyable flick. Just as Operation Mekong was echoing 80s American action movies (*whispers* Delta Force (1986)), then Operation Red Sea provides a similar The Best of compilation of war classics.

 

As a result, we get to see the mash up of Platoon (1986), Sahara (1995), Saving Private Ryan (1998), Black Hawk Down (2001), and (yes) Seven Samurai (1954). Needless to say, the sheer awesomeness starts oozing from the screen right from the opening scene and the fast-paced action lets go only for a couple of exposition moments.

 

Allegedly, this film is considered to be China’s first “modern naval film,” but I think that this is debatable because 80% of the movie happens on land. Evidently, the Chinese Navy are the main good guys and they leave a scorching trail of glory along their path to save every single Chinese citizen in distress. In addition, I was quite surprised that the baddies were not Westerners, but, you know… actual terrorists from the Middle East.

 

What is more, apart from the visually beautiful action, there are some bombastic explosions, and quite realistic bloody stuff. The Chinese are really not bothered by something as petty as MPAA ratings. In fact, many of the scenes (be it shootouts, hand-to-hand-combats, or stealthy sneaking) were so intense that they really had me sitting on the edge of my seat! By far, my most favourite sequence is the “desert tank chase”. Yes, this movie has freaking tanks chasing each other and firing missiles!

 

With regard to performances, all of the actors playing the soldiers did a great job. Zhang Yi was the best as the team leader. The second lead, Hai Qing, also did well as the French-Chinese journalist who voluntarily helps out the squad. I also appreciated the memorable performances of Du Jiang, Huang Jingyu, Wang Yutian, Yin Fang, and Henry Prince Mak. However, the one that stood out the most for me was Jiang Luxia as Tong Li, the only female member of the squad. There was also a decent supporting part done by the ever-great Zhang Hanyu.

 

Recommendations

If you feel the need for some action-packed viewing experience, then Operation Red Sea is one of the best choices for you. Apart from providing an explosive spectacle, the film also communicates the educational message for modern viewers: “If you mess with China, then China will mess with you”. To sum up, you really do not want to make the Chinese Navy angry, because otherwise, they will blow up half of your country and hunt you down.

Overall score: 9/10