In the last century, anti-special films used to be the treasure of Chinese cinema, but now, the subject seems to have fallen a little silent. However, there has been a recent wave of spy war dramas, indicating that the genre may usher in a new boom. Among them, the highly anticipated CCTV drama "Lonely Boat" and director Zhang Li's "Harbin 1944" have attracted enthusiastic attention. Although the current situation of spy war dramas seems unsatisfactory, the key to the problem may lie in the lack of plots. Some viewers suggested that anti-special films could draw inspiration from early Chinese anti-special films. In today's absence of such a genre, a look back at classic anti-feature films from the last century may provide some useful inspiration for creation.
Here are the 10 best anti-special films of the last century, starting from number 10. Please note that rankings represent personal opinions only.
10. "The Mysterious Traveling Companion" (1955).
The film is set on the border of Yunnan and depicts the collusion between the Guodang spies and local bandits, as well as the tracking and investigation of patrols and civilians. The inspiration for this legendary story was the unstable environment in the country at that time, especially the border areas, which became frequent places of activity for the agents of the Guo Party. Although the primeval forest in the film was actually built in the studio of the Changchun Film Factory, such a set was real enough for that era. Wang Xiaotang's role as Xiao Liying, a little girl of the Yi nationality, performed well in the film, especially the emotional scene between her and Zhu Linsheng, a young man of the Yi nationality, was impressive. The insertion of this romantic love story adds a lot to the movie.
9. "Black Triangle" (1977).
More than 40 years ago, after the release of "Black Triangle", it caused a sensation across the country and was re-screened many times. Different from previous anti-special films, "Black Triangle" presents an unprecedented horror atmosphere. At the beginning of the film, three huge black triangles stand out, creating a tense and exciting atmosphere. In particular, the female spy Yu Huang played by Ling Yuan hides on the street in the image of an old lady selling popsicles and kills people in cold blood. This plot design is so powerful that it makes the audience deeply afraid of the old lady, and even affects the sales of popsicles. In addition, the film also pioneered the bold attempts of domestic films, including shots of girls in swimsuits, which challenged the ideological taboos of the time.
8, "Yangcheng Dark Whistle" (1957).
The film was inspired by a case in Guangzhou in 1952 that caused a sensation in the country, involving the conspiracy of overseas spies and Guo Dang spies. There are a number of gripping episodes added to the film, such as the scouts lurking inside the enemy and the revelation of "Aunt May's" true identity. Aunt Mei played by Liang Ming, who is an old housekeeper in the open and a female spy in secret, has created a profound character image. Director Chang Yan recognized this role and thought that actor Xiang Mei's simple temperament was very suitable. The film is not only brilliant in the plot, but also deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.
7. The Mystery of St. Paul's Hospital (1990).
Many years later, the audience still can't forget the terrifying scene at the beginning of the film, including the rainy night, lightning and thunder, and the screams of the female **. The film is produced by Emei Film Factory, which has always been at the forefront of seeking innovative breakthroughs. "The Mystery of St. Paul's Hospital" incorporates horror elements and becomes a unique presence in anti-special films. The film was shot in just one month, which can be called a model of commercial attempts at anti-special films.
6. "The Gunshots of the Secret Bureau" (1979).
In those days, watching movies was one of the most important entertainment activities for the audience, and "Gunshots of the Secret Bureau" became one of the box office miracles. Despite the use of black and white film, the audience is fully engaged in the story. The story uses "gunshots" as an introduction to depict the battle of wits and courage of Liu Xiaochen, a scout lurking inside the enemy. The film received applause from the audience at the preview screening and was successfully released. Actress Xiang Mei, who plays the underground party history Xiuying, won the audience's love with her simple temperament.
5. "Secret Drawings" (1965).
Normally, the protagonist of an anti-special film is usually a male hero, but Secret Drawings bravely sets the protagonist as a female scout. The heroine Shi Yun is resolute and calm, weak on the outside, but full of intelligence and decisiveness on the inside. The plot of Shi Yun saving people in front of the railroad tracks in the film is impressive, showing the demeanor of a heroine.
4. "Ten O'clock on National Day" (1956).
The film is based on real events in 1950 and involves a secret letter revealing a plot to prepare for the "shelling of Tiananmen Square" on National Day. While specific locations and details are hidden, the film adds some tense elements, such as a timed alarm clock with a hidden bomb and a dangerous car plot. In addition, the film also added many elements of life, such as cheerful singing and dancing and the love life of young people, showing the audience the spiritual outlook of China in the 1950s.
3. "Station No. 51" (1961).
The film features the male protagonist Liang Hong and is played by Liang Polo, whose appearance and temperament are well received by the audience. The film focuses on "real" elements, not only in the performances of the actors, but also in historical details, such as the plot of transporting steel pipes. The whole film is full of realism, and even General Chen Geng spoke highly of it.
2. "Heroes and Tigers" (1958).
When it comes to "undercover anti-special films", "Heroes and Tiger Courage" must be on the list. The film is adapted from the true experience of screenwriter Ding Yisan, describing his thrilling combat life with the army to suppress bandits. Zeng Tai played by Yu Yang left a deep impression on the audience, while the female spy Alan played by Wang Xiaotang attracted the audience with her special character. The film not only broke the tradition of the image of a female spy, but also made the audience deeply sympathetic to Alain's ending.
1. "Visitors on the Iceberg" (1963).
The film has become a classic of anti-special films, from the story to the soundtrack, which is unforgettable for audiences. The film is full of unforgettable moments, such as the highly sung "Why Are Flowers So Red" and so on. Inspired by real cases, the film hides specific locations and details, but adds tense elements, such as a timed alarm clock with a bomb hidden. The film also added romantic and lively life elements, such as cheerful singing and dancing and the love life of young people, presenting the audience with the spiritual outlook of China in the 50s.
In addition to the above 10, there are many other excellent anti-special films that are not listed in this article. The common denominator of these classic anti-special films is that they all have wonderful stories. These classics may not be as elaborate compared to today's spy dramas, but their stories are haunting. It is hoped that future spy war dramas can return to the tradition of "story-based" and inject new vitality into this theme.