Storm over the Yangtze River tells the true story of undercover intelligence agent "Yangtze Number One" and his colleagues in Jianli County of Hubei Province, who risk their lives to carry out the "Dead Bridge Plan" to secure the "Yangtze 180 Blockade". Li Lihua gives an iconic performance as a strong and charming agent of an intelligence unit, engaging in a risky mission to save her unit chief-cum-lover, who is regarded as a traitor but actually is a double-dealing agent against the Japanese occupation. The film garnered four awards at the 1969 Golden Horse Awards, including Best Leading Actor and Best Leading Actress.
Acting
Li Lihua's magnetic lead—charm, steel, and heartbreaking restraint.
Direction
Li Han-Hsiang balancing spectacle with intimate suspense.
Director
Hsia Tsu-hui
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Li Lihua and Ko Chun-Hsiung both won Golden Horses for this, making it a rare double-acting sweep.
Shot in Taiwan but set in occupied Hubei, the film became a stealth vessel for diaspora nationalism—glamorizing resistance while mainland China churned through Cultural Revolution chaos.
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