Scene from The Sacrifice, portraying Chinese war heroes who took part in a brutal battle. [Photo provided to China Daily]

As a cinematic rendering of one of the most brutal periods of the 1950-53 war, the film recounts the story of a squadron of the Chinese People's Volunteers fearlessly facing foreign soldiers in cold winter during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.

Lasting between Nov 27 and Dec 24, 1950, the Chinese army successfully split elite US troops under siege, annihilating around 13,000 enemy soldiers, making the battle a turning point to lay the foundation for the armistice negotiations.

Affected by the pandemic, the film's directorial chair has been handed from Hong Kong filmmaker Andrew Lau to three prestigious directors－Chen Kaige, Tsui Hark and Dante Lam－as Lau is directing another big film for Bona, one reflecting Chinese doctors' dedication to fighting the pandemic.