Operation Red Sea

Operation Red Sea (2018): A Modern Chinese War Epic

Directed by acclaimed Hong Kong filmmaker Dante Lam, Operation Red Sea (2018) is a high-octane military action film based loosely on real events. It dramatizes the Chinese Navy’s evacuation of Chinese citizens from war-torn Yemen in 2015, showcasing the elite Jiaolong Assault Team in a fictionalized rescue mission. Often compared to American war films like Black Hawk Down or 13 Hours, Operation Red Sea represents a new wave of Chinese military cinema, blending patriotism, technical precision, and brutal realism.

The film opens with a dramatic hostage rescue operation at sea, instantly immersing the audience in a display of tactical combat and naval coordination. The Jiaolong (Sea Dragon) Assault Team, an elite unit of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), is deployed to the fictional war-ravaged country of Yewaire to extract Chinese civilians caught in a rebel uprising. What begins as a straightforward evacuation mission quickly escalates into a dangerous, multifaceted operation involving urban warfare, desert combat, and the prevention of a terrorist group acquiring nuclear materials.

Led by squad leader Yang Rui (Zhang Yi), the team includes highly skilled operatives with specialized roles—from snipers to explosives experts. Each character plays a key part in the unfolding mission, though the film prioritizes military action over deep character development. Still, moments of camaraderie, sacrifice, and trauma emerge throughout the film, giving it emotional weight amid the relentless action.

One of the defining characteristics of Operation Red Sea is its visceral realism. The film does not shy away from the horrors of war—graphic violence, loss of limbs, bloodshed, and the psychological toll of combat are depicted with unflinching detail. The action choreography is tightly executed and grounded, relying on practical effects and military consulting to deliver a sense of authenticity. Explosions, gunfights, and intense close-quarters battles dominate much of the screen time, leaving little room for a breather.

Dante Lam’s direction ensures that the film maintains a relentless pace, while the cinematography captures both the beauty and brutality of the battlefield. Sweeping desert landscapes, urban ruins, and armored convoys provide a visually striking backdrop to the chaos. The sound design and score enhance the tension, making every mission feel urgent and dangerous.

Though Operation Red Sea is undeniably a patriotic film—highlighting the professionalism and might of the Chinese military—it avoids excessive propaganda by focusing on its characters' courage and the harsh realities they face. The film portrays the soldiers not as invincible heroes, but as disciplined professionals operating under extreme circumstances.

The film was a massive box office success, grossing over $579 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Chinese films of all time. It was also China’s official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 91st Academy Awards. Critics praised its technical prowess and intense action, though some noted the lack of character depth and heavy nationalist tone.

Ultimately, Operation Red Sea stands as a landmark in modern Chinese action cinema. With its gritty realism, massive scale, and unrelenting energy, it offers a powerful, immersive portrayal of military heroism in the 21st century.