Is The Volunteers: To the War Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Volunteers: To the War is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 141 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Volunteers: To the War Review
Last updated: January 9, 2026
The Premise
Released in 2023, The Volunteers: To the War enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on In the early days of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, New China was faced with "internal and external troubles". Under the direction of Chen Kaige, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Tang Guoqiang, Wang Yanhui, Liu Jin. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, The Volunteers: To the War offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, though the pacing during its 141-minute runtime can feel deliberate.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, The Volunteers: To the War is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 5.8/10, the reception has been divisive. For fans of Drama, War, History, it serves as a skippable entry unless you go in with lowered expectations.
The Volunteers: To the War Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $115,920,000 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Cast of The Volunteers: To the War
- Tang Guoqiang – 毛泽东
- Wang Yanhui – 彭德怀
- Liu Jin – 周恩来
- Xin Baiqing – 李默尹
- Zhang Songwen – 伍修权
Top Highlights
Tang Guoqiang毛泽东
Wang Yanhui彭德怀
Liu Jin周恩来
Xin Baiqing李默尹
Zhang Songwen伍修权
Huang Xiaoming江潮
Zhang Ziyi唐笙
Zhu Yawen吴本正
Zhang Zifeng李晓
Wei Daxun毛岸英
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, The Volunteers: To the War stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2023 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Volunteers: To the War movie hit or flop?
The Volunteers: To the War has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Volunteers: To the War worth watching?
The Volunteers: To the War is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, War, History movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is The Volunteers: To the War?
The Volunteers: To the War is a Drama, War, History movie that In the early days of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, New China was faced with "internal and external troubles". Since the outb...
