Operation Hadal held a Beijing event to respond to a scene sparking online debates earlier this month. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Operation Hadal, the only military-themed film released during the Spring Festival, recently held an event in Beijing to respond to a scene which had sparked an online debate.
The film, which fictionalizes the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy's efforts to neutralize a deep-sea threat to national security using a submarine force, has grossed 370 million yuan ($50.6 million) at the box office since its premiere on Jan 29, the first day of the Year of the Snake.
The scene features actor Zhang Hanyu, who portrays the captain of Longjing (Dragon Whale), a cutting-edge submarine. In the footage, as the submarine faces destruction from an accidentally launched torpedo, the captain begins to play a harmonica. Some netizens have criticized this moment, believing the character should have remained calm and focused on leading the crew through the life-threatening crisis instead of playing music.
Zhang explained that the song, titled Chinese Navy Force's Submarines, is meant to symbolize a call to arms, inspiring the entire crew of sailors to regain their faith and confidence.
Actor Zhang Hanyu portrays the captain of the nuclear submarine Longjing (Dragon Whale). [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Yang Gang, the military consultant for the film and a retired submarine captain, said he could resonate with and understand the scene. He explained that the captain had just ordered the closure of a compartment on fire, a decision that might result in the sacrifice of several crew members. At such a moment, the captain would need unwavering belief to make the tough decision and accept the consequences.
Yang, who served on a submarine for over 30 years, including eight years as captain, explained that submarine crews are among the military's most psychologically tested troops.
"The internal space of a submarine is cramped, with high humidity and temperatures. The sailors not only have to constantly monitor the equipment but also endure the isolation of being cut off from the outside world for extended periods. Every mission is a life-and-death test," he explained.
Wang Qiang, one of the producers in charge of military knowledge, added, "In the working environment of submarine soldiers, torpedoes are stored just nearby, along with oxygen tanks, chemical agents, and other dangerous materials in a confined space. The living conditions are harsh and perilous."
