Zhang Yimou to direct ‘sniper’ film commemorating Korean War anniversary

Renowned Chinese director Zhang Yimou will direct a film about the story of a Chinese sniper defeating American enemies in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53), also known as the Korean War, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the war.

The film will have high expectations from industry insiders and filmgoers, who suggested it could boost Chinese people’s courage and determination in response to the US’ increasing aggression against China’s trade and tech companies today.

Entitled “The Coldest Gun,” the film is set to feature a Chinese People’s Volunteer Army (CPVA) sniper whose precision marksmanship was viewed as a threat by the US army in the Korean War. In a battle of war, he intrepidly passed through the US enemy’s tight encirclement before eventually defeating them through fierce fighting.

The influence for the main character is said to be Zhang Taofang (1931-2007), a CPVA member hailed as the “sniper king” for his excellent shooting skills and valor in the Korean War. In 1953, the then 22-yearold allegedly killed or injured as many as 214 American enemies with 435 shots in 32 days, becoming a legendary hero on the battlefield.

“With historical facts, the film is going to make audiences once again realize that although the US is strong, it is not unbeatable,” movie critic and film producer Tan Fei told the Global Times on Friday.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the CPVA’s participation in the Korean War. Fighting vigorously side-by-side with North Korea against the South Korean army and US-led UN forces, the once despised CPVA forced a truce of war and were seen as formidable opponents by the US military.

The film has gained attention from many Chinese netizens, who expressed their interest and expectations for the film on social media. “Such a hero deserves to be shown on the big screen,” one netizen wrote on Weibo on Friday.