Iron Lady Sniper is a very captivating wartime drama that makes the audience plunge into the disarray and heroism of the Chinese fight against the Japanese invaders at the beginning of the 20 th century. It is the story of a young woman, Song Xuelan whose village is massacred brutally, which has sparked the need to revenge in her mind. She is trained by a hard-core army officer and becomes a highly talented sniper and she is able to use her skills to attack the enemy soldiers and provide retaliation against the occupiers. The movie is very clear about how she evolved into a sad girl to a sword fighter with the spirit of perseverance and will in the face of insurmountable violence.
What the movie appeals to is the fact that it centers on the personal life of Xuelan and the price of war. Her determination, coupled with the friendship she forms with the fighters of the underground resistance, brings out the themes of hope and sacrifice and patriotism. The story deals with her internal conflicts, ethical and the issue of seeking justice with a ruthless nature, which creates a sense of admiration and empathy. The suspenseful and visceral action scenes combined with a gritty camera work help create the sense of the dangerous reality of guerrilla warfare, with its focus on stealth, accuracy, and boldness.
Even though some of these tropes of revenge stories are familiar, Iron Lady Sniper manages to convey a strong message regarding human hardiness and sacrifice. The excellent acting, combined with the sensitivity of the film make it more than just an action movie, and a moving commentary about the price of war and power of the human spirit. The experience of loss, courage, and hope marked the way of Xuelan and impressed viewers with the power of resistance that should never be forgotten and sacrifices made to be free.
