Chinese film to climb a cinematic mountain

Touching stories about two generations of Chinese mountaineers who conquered Mount Qomolangma from the perilous north side in 1960 and 1975 is told in the highly anticipated film “The Climbers.” 

The mega-production, produced by the Shanghai Film Group Corp, which hits Chinese movie theaters on September 30, pays tribute to the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. It is expected to be another Chinese box office sensation after “Wolf Warrior” and “The Wandering Earth.” 

The Chinese team’s expedition in tackling the world’s highest peak is both adventurous and heroic. They have to face life and death moments in the adversity of an avalanche and treacherous weather conditions.

The film is also a collaboration between Hong Kong filmmakers Tsui Hark and Daniel Lee, which depicts patriotism, heroic spirit, brotherhood and romance.

The movie’s A-list cast includes Wu Jing, Zhang Ziyi, Zhang Yi, Jackie Chan and Wang Jingchun. As most of the film’s scenes were shot on locations of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the actors had to get over the freezing temperatures and the effects of altitude.

Ren Zhonglun, chairman of the Shanghai Film Group Corp, revealed it took around 14 months to make the film. More than 2,000 spectacular special effects shots, by veteran international visual artists, are featured in the movie.

“The film is not just about the extraordinary lives of the mountaineers,” Ren said. “It is also a tribute to people who have been devoted to the country’s development over the past decades. They are also the ‘climbers’.”

The film has hosted a series of special screenings for audiences in Wuhan and Foshan, where it was widely hailed as a success. With diverse elements of adventure and action, the film is also expected to break down the boundaries between mainstream movies and commercial blockbusters.

“Over the past 70 years, Shanghai Film Group Corp has produced more than 2,000 movies,” Ren said. 

“We are sparing no efforts to tell good real-life stories which convey the never-yielding spirit and heroism of the Chinese people.” 

The film also fills a void in the Chinese cinema in regards to mountain climbing. The movie’s actors received special training in mountain climbing for the motion picture. A lot of research was made prior to shooting to depict the historic expeditions of the Chinese climbing heroes. All of the costumes, props and equipment in the film are based on the historical materials used at the time of the expeditions. 

Chinese mainland actor Wu Jing, known for his roles in “Wolf Warrior” and “The Wandering Earth,” said that the courage, confidence and stamina of the elder generations of Chinese mountaineers should be respected by modern society.

Director Lee believes the film also explores the delicate human emotions felt by the alpinists, especially when a crisis occurs during ascent up Mount Everest. 

The film’s audience will be well acquainted with the famous aluminum ladder used by the 1975 Chinese team at an altitude of 8,610 meters. The ladder was later replaced with a new one in 2007 after it helped over 1,300 mountaineers from all over the world. 

In addition to depicting the Chinese mountaineers who arrived at the top of Mount Qomolangma, the film portrays the unsung hero, Liu Lianman, who volunteered to be a human ladder for his teammate in 1960. Liu ultimately failed to reach the top as he had used up all his strength.

“When he was waiting for his teammates, Liu saved the oxygen for them,” actor Wu said. “The pure brotherhood in such extreme conditions touched me a lot. We are so proud of them.” 

Zhang Ziyi plays a meteorologist in the movie. She said that just like the mountaineers, actors in the film were also pushed to their limits. 

“The Chinese mountaineers of 1960 and 1975 are a group of people with dreams and faith,” Zhang said. “Their stories can still inspire people today. The film has rich connotations. It shows how people make choices in difficult times.” 

“The Climbers” will be distributed by the Yangtze River Delta cinema lines alliance, and caters for the whole family.

The slot for the National Day holiday is crammed with several blockbusters, such as “The Captain,” a Chinese counterpart to the American drama “Sully,” the animated flick “Kiangnan 1894” and the fantasy adventure movie “Mojin Returns.” 

Several other motion pictures will be also screened during the seven-day holiday and insiders are anticipating a boom in the domestic film market. 

Mainstream films and patriotic movies with a tribute to China’s development are expected to draw the most attention.

In 2019, homegrown movies have performed well at the box office, such as the animated “Ne Zha,” the sci-fi blockbuster “The Wandering Earth” and the comedy film “Crazy Alien.” 

Chinese cinema is flourishing at the moment. There is a rapid increase in local storytelling, cinematography, technology and distribution. 

The Internet has also changed the traditional ways of film marketing. Enthusiastic movie buffs’ recommendations and reviews on WeChat and social network have generated a box office craze. The Chinese cinematic industry has never been healthier and, like “The Climbers,” it will continue to ascend.