Dante Lam dives deep, both literally and figuratively, in his latest film, Operation Hadal. This anticipated submarine war movie, touted as China’s first big-budget effort in this genre with a reported cost of one billion yuan, unfortunately falls short. The film feels overstuffed and convoluted, as if Lam got so caught up in technical details that he overlooked essential elements like storytelling. Co-written with Zhi Yaqing, known for The Rescue, it tries to be a follow-up to the much-praised Operation Red Sea from 2018, which set a higher bar.
In Operation Hadal, the elite Jiaolong unit, also known as the Sea Dragons, is back in action. They kick things off by trying to thwart foreign mercenaries on a Chinese oil rig. Right from the start, we see Lam’s knack for high-paced action, featuring intense gunfights and explosive stunts. However, after a daring escape, the mercenaries dive underwater, prompting the Chinese Navy to call in Captain Zhao Qihang, played by Zhang Hanyu, to hunt them down using the submarine Longjing.
The crew includes young sonar operator Cao Honglang, whose acute hearing seems almost superhuman, and other members of the Sea Dragons. Despite a runtime of 130 minutes, the frenetic action in cramped quarters leaves the film feeling dull rather than thrilling.
Set in the not-too-distant future, the film introduces futuristic tech like robotic combat dogs. While it aims to bring something new to military storytelling, these mechanical companions feel out of place. It raises the question: should this have leaned more towards science fiction instead?
The action sequences often overshadow meaningful character development. With all the chaos, it’s tough to figure out who the heroes and villains are. The film emphasizes the Sea Dragons’ relentless bravery, but without characters that resonate, it struggles to create emotional stakes.
Historically, films like Crimson Tide, Das Boot, and The Hunt for Red October have set the standard for submarine dramas, showcasing not just action but layered characters and gripping plots. Lam’s previous works, such as Beast Stalker and The Stool Pigeon, contained rich storytelling and complex emotional dynamics. Sadly, Operation Hadal lacks these attributes.
Recently, reports showed that the film was trimmed from an initial 146 minutes for its release overseas after disappointing box office performance in China. It’s hard to say if the original version would have fared better, but this cut seems to squander a valuable opportunity for more profound storytelling.
This film’s reception has sparked various reactions on social media. Many viewers express disappointment, hoping for the same excitement found in more successful Chinese action films. As the audience crunches through the layers of explosions and bravado, they’re left craving the depth that made prior military films enduring classics.
In the end, Operation Hadal feels like a missed chance to create something memorable in an underexplored genre. For those who love military epics, it’s a reminder that compelling storytelling and character arcs are just as critical as action-packed sequences.
