“Flashover” Review: Chinese Action-Packed Thriller Arouses Respect For Firefighters

Fasten your seatbelts and buckle in, because this is way more than your average disaster movie. You’re in for a ride for this action-packed thriller.

Directed by Oxide Pang (彭顺), Flashover (惊天救援) tells the story of a group of firefighters fighting for the lives of others and themselves amidst a large-scale disaster. Based on true events that happened in China, the movie stars Du Jiang (杜江), Wang Qianyuan (王千源), Tong Liya (佟丽娅), Han Xue (韩雪) and many other talented casts.

Set in Guangchen, China, an earthquake triggers two massive explosions at a chemical plant. These two massive explosions wipes out the entire industrial zone, causing collapses, casualties and a fire in a neighboring school. Upon hearing about the disaster, Captain Zhao and his team immediately leave to the scene to assist with rescuing and the fire in order to prevent another burst nearing the effect of a nuclear explosion.

Among the chaos and fallen debris, the front-line firefighters have to scale through difficult surfaces and heights while using their quick wits in order to rescue the wounded and combat the blaze. However, when you think things cannot get any worse – it does.

Unlike other disaster films, this film captures the whole process of the life of a firefighter when duty calls. From the departure, to gearing up, rescuing, up until tackling the raging fires, the film captures them all perfectly.

Closely displaying the intimate relationship the firefighters have throughout the different hardships they face with each other, the film depicts ‘friendship’ surrounding the chaos. “Flashover” shows how seriously these firefighters take their jobs. The bravery and strength of being able to put everyone else above themselves is truly respectable. When push comes to shove, they must also think on their feet and act swiftly.

The film has decent pacing, with climaxes that truly keep you at the edge of your seats the whole movie. What will happen next? How would they save this citizen this time? Will they make it out safely? Well, those questions will answer itself once you watch the movie.

There are definitely scenes here that will stir up different emotions, and you can’t help but have deep respect for the firefighters in real life. Although the film may have parts that are exaggerated in order to attract audiences, it still focuses on the core values of a firefighter.

“Flashover” will be released in GSC cinemas on 28th April 2023.