Basically, it feels like there are two movies here. The first is a deep, stylish, well-acted, inspired, artistic yet purposeful movie dripping with Chinese culture. The second is some kind of overdone propaganda flick whose primary message is hateful, nationalism promoting the idea that 'whatever horrible violence is necessary it is worth it if it empowers our nation'.
Overall, it is made up of the first by far, and I'd honestly recommend it to everyone, but especially to people familiar with local Chinese culture (eg. Having lived there or watched numerous Chinese movies and series)... IF you could find the right place to stop watching about 10-15min before the very end.
Since I can't suggest where to stop without major spoilers, I can't recommend it though. I don't think anything with that hateful kind of message should be promoted, especially delivered in its overt, repeated, and intended-to-be-inspiring manner.
Overall, it is made up of the first by far, and I'd honestly recommend it to everyone, but especially to people familiar with local Chinese culture (eg. Having lived there or watched numerous Chinese movies and series)... IF you could find the right place to stop watching about 10-15min before the very end.
Since I can't suggest where to stop without major spoilers, I can't recommend it though. I don't think anything with that hateful kind of message should be promoted, especially delivered in its overt, repeated, and intended-to-be-inspiring manner.