US Trailer for China's Epic Historical War Film CROSSING, Chronicling the Battle of Chishui River
Chinese historical war epics have a way of going all-in on scale, and Crossing looks like it's bringing plenty of spectacle to the battlefield.
Well Go USA has debuted the official U.S. trailer for the upcoming Chinese war drama, which is also known as Four Crossings. The film is heading to select U.S. theaters this summer after opening in China this week.
Not to be confused with John Woo's 2014 film The Crossing, this new movie takes audiences back to one of the most famous military maneuvers in modern Chinese history.
Based on real events, Crossing tells the story of Mao Zedong's 1935 Battle of Chishui River campaign, during which the Chinese Red Army crossed the river four separate times in an effort to evade and outmaneuver opposing forces.
The film's official tagline sums up the mission in simple terms: "The only way through is Crossing." Set during the Long March, the story unfolds after the devastating Xiang River battle in 1934.
Facing overwhelming odds and trapped by an encirclement of 400,000 enemy troops, the Red Army turns to an ambitious strategy that becomes a defining moment in the conflict.
The official synopsis reads: "After the bloody Xiang River battle during the Long March in 1934, the Chinese Red Army faces a massive force of 400,000 enemy troops.
“Shifting tactics, the leadership guides the cornered men through the legendary four river crossings at Chishui in an effort to outmaneuver the enemy.
“Amidst the chaos, a veteran clinging to a sacred vow and a homeless orphan fighting just to survive forge an unbreakable bond on the frontlines."
While the military campaign serves as the backdrop, the film also focuses on the relationship between an aging soldier determined to honor a promise and a young orphan struggling to survive the horrors of war. Their connection appears to provide the emotional core amid the large-scale combat sequences.
The movie stars Ye Liu, Lei Wang, Yosh Yu, and Zhifei Wang, and judging from the footage, audiences can expect massive battle scenes, sweeping landscapes, and a recreation of the Red Army's famous campaign on an impressive scale.
The trailer leans heavily into the strategic cat-and-mouse nature of the conflict while showcasing plenty of explosive action.
Crossing is directed by Xu Zhanxiong, whose previous credits include Wild Grass, The Pioneer, and Burning Stars. The screenplay was written by Yi Liu, with Dong Yu serving as producer.
Whether viewers see it as a historical drama, a war epic, or a patriotic retelling of a significant chapter in Chinese history, Crossing certainly looks like a huge cinematic production designed to bring the Battle of Chishui River to life for modern audiences.
Well Go USA will release Crossing in select U.S. theaters beginning July 10, 2026.