7 MAN ARMY is another of Chang Cheh's ensemble all-star productions, with the difference that the setting is 1933 and the heroes are Chinese soldiers battling against an overwhelming Japanese invasion force. The change of backdrop doesn't make much difference in the end as this kind of tale could easily be transplanted to the Shaolin Temple era (and frequently was, too, by the director). The tactics of 20th century warfare are entirely missing and heavy artillery and tanks feature but barely play a part in the proceedings; the almost entire lack of strategy can be frustrating at times too. But in the end, this is a film about heroism, brotherly bonds, patriotism and hand to hand combat, and by that token it's very good indeed. Cheh's usual heroes play their typical character types and all of them are both charismatic and physically gifted, and the ending is as grim and gruesome as you'd expect.

The movie starts with the helpful narrator explaining the situation with China and Japan at war. The typical big production values of Shaw Brothers is on display with scenes of hundreds of costumed extras, military equipment, and explosions.

If you like your war movies without all the messy reality of war this is for you. The glorious band of Chinese brothers goes against the evil Japanese. Bullets are sparsely used with the preferred weapon the fixed bayonet. The long run time of almost two hours uses flashbacks to get to know the brothers more personally. I was surprised the whole cliché ridden movie did not bore me as I watched it straight through. Almost every Shaw Brothers top male martial arts star appeared in this movie so, as a hard core fan, I suspect that made it watchable.

There were no magic movie moments or spectacular fight sequences to mention. You can play "Where's Waldo?" by trying to spot the great Gordon Liu in a small part as a Mongol mercenary.

I've seen this movie in 1977 when I was 13 yrs old and seeing how these 7 heroic brave Chinese soldiers resisted the Japs make me shed tears.