Call of Heroes

Set in post-Qing China, the film captures a period when the empire's authority fractures into a patchwork of warlords and feuding factions. The era is defined by shifting loyalty, brutal suppression of dissent, and the constant threat of raids. Communities improvise to survive, mobilizing civilians into makeshift militias. Order remains fragile, awaiting a catalyst that might tilt the balance.

Shitoucheng sits at the crossroads of rival factions, its streets haunted by sudden violence and the chill of fear. Private guards and wary militias patrol the town, turning everyday life into a tense standoff. Pucheng, by contrast, is a neighboring town acting as a fragile refuge, watched by a makeshift militia led by Colonel Yang Kenan. Refugees flee toward safety as the social fabric fractures under the weight of competing powers.

⚖️ Power & Justice

The story probes how wealth, status, and military might shape life and law in a fractured society. It questions whether justice can be impartial when the powerful bend rules to their advantage. The conflict pits public order against ruthless ambitions, forcing civilians to improvise for safety. The narrative asks who truly holds power when legality is a tool of the strong.

🛡️ Survival & Community

Civilians transform into a makeshift militia, demonstrating resilience and collective action in the face of terror. Leaders emerge from within wounded towns, balancing risk and protection. The film highlights how fear can unify people or push them toward ruthless decisions. Hope and shelter arise from cooperation amid chaos.

🔥 Violence & Morality

Violence is both weapon and consequence, reshaping loyalties and eroding trust. Characters who seem protective can become agents of intimidation, blurring the line between guardian and aggressor. The narrative invites reflection on what justice means when power is concentrated in the hands of a few. The story leaves viewers with the costs of defending a fragile peace.