This is actually hard for me to write. I'm struggling because I've spent the last three years immersed to the teeth in Chinese history, culture and mythology, which has been absolutely fascinating and delightful. Needless to say that's involved lots of artistic and cinematic treasures. I love Chinese dramas, their flaws as well as their beauty. It doesn't have to be perfect or scholarly for me to enjoy it as long as it gives a way to explore.
This had me and my husband saying what the heck? Seriously? and me taking a step back, feeling sick to my stomach. (He just shrugged and fell asleep afterward, I'm jealous.)
I was so puzzled from the start after reading a couple of the reviews on one of my favorite drama sites. Why was it so hard for people to get invested when they had a handful of the best actors in the industry headlining? Eddie Peng, a brilliant Taiwanese guy who won my appreciation for being able to go head to head with Hu Ge in Sound of the Desert (and winning, sort of, that show was bittersweet). Xin ZhiLei who so often plays a powerful female role and is one I'd like to see more of. Ian Wang, who is terrifyingly convincing as a villain and disarming in comedic roles. Such a great cast! And it seemed a simple enough thing, an undemanding action drama with lots of flash and bang, something to settle down with and distract yourself from the every day. You can't even expect a whole lot from that sort of thing. I also have a keen appreciation for those that sacrifice their time and lives for others, as it's something I've retired from myself.
So what was it?
Sadly, this movie seems to be little more than a propaganda vehicle, and the underlying message is rather chilling. It took me halfway through to see it, because I wasn't even looking in that direction, but once I saw it I couldn't ignore it. The theme reads as: forego even the most devastating personal demands and needs in order to fulfill your duty to the state, and you'll be your most valiant self, bringing hope to the people. Underlying that, there's the not so subtle inference that trouble and pain is brought by westerners. The two most tragic events that happened in the movie were both led by foreigners speaking English.
The culmination has him leaving his child alone and on the brink of tragedy to go to a rescue that no one, in reality, would send more people into. While I get altruism is rare and awe inspiring, this wouldn't be the responsible way to get it done.

This is not what I want to see things coming to. Art, including cinema, ought to be for transcending the lines between people and sharing openly, saying this is who we are, just like you, full of hope and joy with the same worries and troubles. And while parts of this movie does that, it shouldn't also be used to subtly foment resentment. It left me depressed, and getting my thoughts on it out there is my way of expunging it now. Life is too short for this.