Year-ender: 2024 Captivating Chinese screens

Volunteer Army: Battle for Survival

Douban Rating: 6.9

Box Office: 1.20 billion yuan ($187 million)

Volunteer Army: Battle for Survival serves as the second installment in the Volunteer Army series, continuing the narrative from the initial film, Volunteer Army: Heroes on the March. Focused on the Iron Ridge Defense Battle during the fifth campaign in War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53), the film revolves around the Li family - Li Moyin, Li Xiang, and Li Xiao, intricately intertwining their experiences throughout the intense battle. Through portraying heroic figures and their unwavering love for their country, the film not only elucidates the intricacies of the battle but also celebrates the courage and patriotism of its characters.