Crossing: Where youth meets Long March spirit

Crossing brings the unstoppable spirit of the Long March to life for a new generation. [Photo provided to eguizhou.gov.cn]

The legendary history of 90 years ago continues to live on in the aspirations, struggles, and dreams of today's youth. Released nationwide to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Red Army's Long March victory, the film Crossing brings the legendary "Four Crossings of the Chishui River" to life.

By transforming historical milestones into vivid narratives, this film bridges the gap between generations and serves as an inspiring beacon for modern youth.

Unlike traditional war films that can feel distant to younger viewers, Crossing adopts a dual narrative structure. It juxtaposes the strategic brilliance of military commanders with the raw, intimate journeys of ordinary young soldiers. Audiences witness their vulnerability, their resilience, and their deep personal growth amidst the unforgiving crucible of war.

By humanizing these heroes, the film presents the Long March not merely as a series of battlefield maneuvers, but as a testament to the unyielding ideals, boundless resilience, and deep sense of responsibility of ordinary individuals who chose to believe in a better tomorrow.

Filmed across 32 locations in Guizhou, the film's production brought together nearly 2,000 student volunteers from local schools. Wearing thin straw sandals, carrying heavy equipment, and running through freezing rivers, these modern students relived the historical struggle.

Producer Andrew Lau honors the student volunteers of Guizhou, calling them a modern-day reflection of the brave Red Army soldiers they portrayed. [Photo provided to eguizhou.gov.cn]

Producer Andrew Lau noted with admiration that these volunteers, matching the exact age of the original Red Army soldiers, became the living embodiment of the enduring revolutionary spirit. In a gesture of gratitude, the production team included the name of every participating student in the film's closing credits.

For the students, the experience was transformative. As one representative from the Guizhou Police College shared: "Before joining the production, our understanding of the Long March came mainly from textbook pages. It was only after putting on the uniform and charging along the banks of the Chishui River that history truly came alive. We learned that giving up is never an option; the only answer is to keep moving forward."

Since its release, Crossing has sparked a wave of online discussion. Young content creators have taken to social media, using modern visual languages and interactive formats to analyze the film's military tactics and cultural significance. It has transformed history from passive learning into active, passionate engagement.

Crossing inspires a new generation, proving that courage and conviction never go out of style. [Photo provided to eguizhou.gov.cn]

This profound connection between past and present was deeply felt by the cast. Yu Shi, the actor who portrays Zhang Defa in the film, reflected on this youthful legacy.

"At that time, the entire Red Army had an average age of only around 20. Back then, these pioneers and leaders were confronted with a life-or-death challenge. Today, in our work, studies, and daily lives, we also have rivers of our own to cross. No matter how far the journey may be, every step brings you closer to your destination. I believe this fighting spirit will endure across time."

It challenges us to look back at the extraordinary journeys of those who came before us, to draw strength from their sacrifice, and to step forward with absolute confidence. As we navigate our own challenges, let us embrace our responsibilities and write our own inspiring chapters in this new era.