“China Gate” (1957)

Drama

Running Time: 111 minutes

Written and Directed by: Samuel Fuller

Featuring: Gene Barry, Angie Dickinson, Nat King Cole and Lee Van Cleef

Critical Commentary

“China Gate” is a 1957 war film directed by Samuel Fuller. The movie is set in French Indochina during the First Indochina War, where a group of soldiers led by Captain Caumont (Gene Barry) is tasked with destroying a fortified enemy stronghold at a strategic location known as “China Gate.” The group is joined by a band of local mercenaries, including the half-French, half-Vietnamese Lucky Legs (Angie Dickinson).

Overall, “China Gate” is a gritty and intense war film that depicts the horrors of battle and the complexities of colonialism. The film’s cinematography is notable, with some striking shots of the Vietnamese landscape and the brutal fighting that takes place. The performances of the cast are also strong, particularly Dickinson as the tough and alluring Lucky Legs.

However, the film has been criticized for its depiction of Vietnamese characters, who are largely portrayed as one-dimensional and exoticized. Additionally, the film’s colonialist themes and portrayal of the French military as heroic have also been called into question.

In summary, “China Gate” is a well-crafted and intense war film that offers a glimpse into the complexities of the First Indochina War. However, its portrayal of Vietnamese characters and colonialist themes may be problematic for some viewers.

It’s worth noting that “China Gate” was made during a time when Hollywood was churning out many films that portrayed colonialism and imperialism in a positive light. As a result, the film’s portrayal of the French military may not be surprising given the historical context in which it was made.

Despite its problematic elements, “China Gate” has also been praised for its depiction of the horrors of war and the toll it takes on soldiers and civilians alike. The film’s final act, in particular, is a brutal and harrowing depiction of the destruction that war can cause.

In terms of its technical aspects, the film’s score, composed by Victor Young, is also noteworthy. It effectively enhances the tension and drama of the film’s most intense scenes, adding to the film’s overall impact.

Overall, “China Gate” is a mixed bag. While it offers a gritty and intense portrayal of war, it also perpetuates colonialist and Orientalist tropes that may be off-putting to some viewers. However, for those interested in exploring the complexities of the First Indochina War, the film is still worth a watch.

In addition to its historical context, “China Gate” also has some relevance to contemporary issues. The film touches on themes such as cultural imperialism, the exploitation of resources and labor, and the human cost of war. These are issues that continue to be relevant today, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions.

The film’s ending is also notable, as it subverts the typical Hollywood narrative of the hero riding off into the sunset. Instead, the film ends on a somber note, with the surviving characters contemplating the toll that war has taken on them and their country. This ending is a reminder that war is not a simple, heroic endeavor, but rather a complex and often tragic one.

Overall, “China Gate” is a film that is worth watching for those interested in the history of war movies and the depiction of colonialism in Hollywood. While its portrayal of Vietnamese characters and themes may be problematic for some viewers, the film’s technical aspects, performances, and subversion of Hollywood conventions make it a significant and thought-provoking entry in the war movie genre.

It is also worth noting that “China Gate” has influenced other films and filmmakers in the decades since its release. For example, the film’s gritty, documentary-style cinematography has been cited as an influence on the work of filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese. The film’s portrayal of the complexity of war and its human toll has also been cited as an influence on contemporary war movies like “The Hurt Locker” and “Zero Dark Thirty”.

In terms of its legacy, “China Gate” remains a film that is both praised and criticized for its depiction of war and colonialism. While it has not achieved the same level of popularity or critical acclaim as other war movies of its era, it remains a film that is studied and discussed by film scholars and historians. Its depiction of the human cost of war and the complexities of colonialism continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a film that is still relevant and thought-provoking.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that “China Gate” was not the only film of its era to depict the First Indochina War. Other notable films from this time include “The Quiet American” (1958) and “Apocalypse Now” (1979). However, “China Gate” stands out for its depiction of the French military’s involvement in the conflict, which is a perspective that is often overlooked in other films.

In conclusion, “China Gate” is a film that is both praised and criticized for its depiction of war and colonialism. While its portrayal of Vietnamese characters and themes may be problematic for some viewers, the film’s technical aspects, performances, and subversion of Hollywood conventions make it a significant and thought-provoking entry in the war movie genre. Its legacy and influence on subsequent filmmakers and films continue to be felt today, making it a film that is worth watching for those interested in the history of war movies and the depiction of colonialism in Hollywood.

Special Features

• 1080P High definition presentation
• Audio commentary by film historian Samm Deighan
• “Peace of Mind: A Personal Look at “China Gate” by Samantha Fuller and Christa Lang Fuller
• Video Essay on the career of Angie Dickinson by film Historian Kat Ellinger
• Theatrical Trailer

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