Is The Founding of an Army Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Founding of an Army is likely a skip if you enjoy History movies.
It features a runtime of 133 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Founding of an Army Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2017, The Founding of an Army emerges as a significant entry in the History, War, Action domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of The Founding of an Army is a 2017 Chinese film commissioned by China's government to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army. Unlike standard genre fare, The Founding of an Army attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any History is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Founding of an Army features a noteworthy lineup led by Liu Ye . Supported by the likes of Zhu Yawen and Huang Zhizhong , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Founding of an Army (2017) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Founding of an Army Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Founding of an Army is a History, War, Action film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Founding of an Army Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Founding of an Army attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to history resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the history themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Founding of an Army reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Founding of an Army Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Founding of an Army draws heavily from documented historical records. As a history, war, action film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: The Founding of an Army adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Founding of an Army?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for History films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of The Founding of an Army
- Liu Ye – Mao Zedong
- Zhu Yawen – Zhou Enlai
- Huang Zhizhong – Zhu De
- Chen Xiao – Ren Bisshi
- Wang Jingchun – He Long
Top Highlights
Liu YeMao Zedong
Zhu YawenZhou Enlai
Huang ZhizhongZhu De
Chen XiaoRen Bisshi
Wang JingchunHe Long
Ou HaoYe Ting
Liu HaoranSu Yu
Ma TianyuLin Biao
Zhang YixingLu Deming
Li YifengHe Chang Gong
Where to Watch The Founding of an Army Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
The Founding of an Army has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (History, War, Action), it contains violence, action sequences.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.1/10, and global collection metrics, The Founding of an Army stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2017 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Founding of an Army movie hit or flop?
The Founding of an Army has received mixed reviews with a 5.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Founding of an Army worth watching?
The Founding of an Army is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of History, War, Action movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Founding of an Army online?
The Founding of an Army may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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