In the history of Chinese cinema, there are some classics that will never fade, and when it comes to war-themed movies, "Garland Under the Mountain" is undoubtedly one of the shining pearls. The film not only depicts profound war scenes, but also touches on the sensitive and complex history of the Sino-Vietnamese War. Speaking of this war, we have to mention Vo Nguyen Giap, who is worshiped as the "God of War" by the Vietnamese people, a legendary figure who once commanded hundreds of thousands of troops. What does this god of war think about the Sino-Vietnamese War?
In 1911, an ordinary Vietnamese peasant boy was born in Quang Binh Province, his name was Vo Nguyen Giap. It was a turbulent time, Vietnam was under French colonial rule, and the French colonizers exploited the Vietnamese people in every way, from heavy taxes to harsh government, and the life of every Vietnamese was in the shadows.
Wu Yuanjia has been immersed in such an environment since he was a child, and his father was a hot-blooded nationalist. The old man often said to him: "We are Vietnamese, we must drive out these foreign invaders!" This kind of remarks were deeply implanted in Xiao Wu Yuanjia's heart and inspired him to fight in the future.
In his formative years, Wu Yuanjia did not become interested in sports, but was full of enthusiasm for learning. He believes in the power of knowledge to change destiny and future. This belief supported him to begin his academic journey when he was eventually admitted to the history department of Hanoi University.
At university, Vo Nguyen Gia was deeply inspired by the history of Vietnam, particularly Vietnam's gradual independence from Chinese rule and its subsequent misfortune in the dark period of French colonization. These historical events made him sad and angry, but also strengthened his determination to devote himself to the Vietnamese independence movement.
After graduating, Wu Yuanjia became a history teacher. In his classes, he taught students not only to learn about history, but also to learn from them, encouraging them to contribute to the independence and future of their country. Teaching alone could not satisfy his growing revolutionary desires. Eventually, by chance, he came into contact with the ideas of the Communist Party of Vietnam, which completely changed the trajectory of his life.
"Don't say anything, I'm a communist!" Vo Nguyen Gia resolutely joined the Communist Party of Vietnam and began his revolutionary career. But under the iron heel of French colonization, the activities of the Viet Cong were extremely difficult, and many like-minded comrades-in-arms were arrested or killed. Under these circumstances, Vo Nguyen Giap, along with Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of Vietnam, was forced into exile in China.
In China, Wu Yuanjia was exposed to more revolutionary theories and war tactics. By learning Mao Zedong's guerrilla tactics and the Soviet Union's regular strategy, he gradually grew into an excellent military commander. After the end of World War II, the August Revolution broke out in Vietnam, and Vo Nguyen Gia took an active part in it, and his military talents were fully demonstrated on the battlefield.
With the gradual retreat of France, northern Vietnam finally declared independence after the Geneva Conference in 1954, and Vo Nguyen Gia was appointed as a senior general in North Vietnam. The wheels of history did not stop turning, the situation in South Vietnam remained tense, and the intervention of the United States brought Vietnam into the vortex of war again.
Vu Nguyen Gia once again played an important role in the Vietnam War, and the army he commanded won many victories on the battlefield. But it was the Sino-Vietnamese War in 1979 that really tested him. This war is essentially a tragedy between two socialist countries, and Wu Yuanjia's inner contradictions and struggles can be imagined.
During the Sino-Vietnamese War, Vu Yuanjia's military wisdom was challenged to the extreme, but he always insisted on defending the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity at the lowest cost. His performance in the war won him widespread respect from the Vietnamese people and was hailed as the "God of War of Vietnam".
There is no consensus in Vietnam about the war. While many praised Wu Yuanjia's heroic deeds, others questioned the necessity of the war, believing it to be a senseless and bloody sacrifice. Wu Yuanjia himself showed mixed feelings about the war. In many interviews, he said: "There is no winner in war, only pain and destruction." This genuine feeling from the heart shows his desire for peace and respect for life.
Over time, Wu Yuanjia gradually withdrew from the front line of politics and military, but his enthusiasm for education never waned. After his retirement, he devoted himself to writing and education, hoping to spread the idea of peace and cooperation by educating the next generation.
Vu Nguyen Giap's life is a microcosm of Vietnam's modern history and a long narrative of faith, responsibility and change. His story makes us think deeply, what kind of human brilliance and tragedy are hidden behind the war? In the years to come, let us not forget the lessons of history and work together to pursue a peaceful and prosperous world.