To Liberate Shanghai

After the decisive “Three Battles,” the East China Field Army is ordered to encircle Shanghai. Commander Tang Yunfu’s 300,000-strong KMT garrison readies for a climactic showdown. Under directives to liberate and yet preserve the city, Commander Fang and Commissar Zhang orchestrate a pincer movement, luring Tang’s main force to the suburbs for annihilation while infiltrating Shanghai’s heart. With underground leader Lin Fan’s help, our troops seize territory south of the Suzhou River. The KMT falls back to the north bank, and Liu Yi’s division makes a final stand downtown. Street fighting erupts as our vanguard storms the power plant, city hall, and key installations. Overwhelmed by coordinated military might and political pressure, the remaining defenders hoist the white flag, marking Shanghai’s liberation.

Directed by Wang Bing, To Liberate Shanghai leans on a strong ensemble — Ding Ni, Hu Xiaoguang, Li Changhua — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about war titles of 1959.