The Taking of Tiger Mountain
A story focusing on a conflict between a People's Liberation Army squad and a bandit gang in north-east China during the Chinese revolution.
The film earned $141.7M at the global box office.
21 wins & 41 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The Taking of Tiger Mountain (2014) showcases deliberately positioned story structure, characteristic of Tsui Hark's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 21 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.7, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Modern-day framing device shows a young man in contemporary China reading about revolutionary heroes, establishing the legend of Yang Zirong before flashing back to 1946 Northeast China where PLA forces struggle against bandits in harsh winter conditions.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 17 minutes when A devastating bandit attack on a village leaves civilians massacred and reveals the bandits' stronghold at Tiger Mountain is impregnable by direct assault. The unit realizes conventional tactics won't work against Hawk's fortress.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The Collapse moment at 106 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Yang's identity is exposed by the paranoid Eighth Brother. His cover is blown at the worst possible moment, surrounded by bandits during a feast. He faces certain death as Hawk orders his execution., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 113 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The climactic battle for Tiger Mountain erupts. Yang and his PLA comrades fight through the fortress against Hawk's forces. The final confrontation between Yang and Hawk determines the fate of the region. The bandits are defeated and the people liberated., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Taking of Tiger Mountain's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping The Taking of Tiger Mountain against these established plot points, we can identify how Tsui Hark utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Taking of Tiger Mountain within the action genre.
Tsui Hark's Structural Approach
Among the 4 Tsui Hark films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. The Taking of Tiger Mountain takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Tsui Hark filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Tsui Hark analyses, see Knock Off, Double Team and The Master.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Modern-day framing device shows a young man in contemporary China reading about revolutionary heroes, establishing the legend of Yang Zirong before flashing back to 1946 Northeast China where PLA forces struggle against bandits in harsh winter conditions.
Theme
Commander Shao remarks that "To defeat the enemy, you must become the enemy," establishing the theme of sacrifice, infiltration, and the cost of heroism - that sometimes righteousness requires deception.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to the harsh world of post-WWII Manchuria: the 203 Reconnaissance Unit led by Shao Jianbo, the bandit threat led by Hawk, the suffering villagers, and Yang Zirong's skills and dedication. The PLA forces are outnumbered and outgunned in frozen terrain.
Disruption
A devastating bandit attack on a village leaves civilians massacred and reveals the bandits' stronghold at Tiger Mountain is impregnable by direct assault. The unit realizes conventional tactics won't work against Hawk's fortress.
Resistance
Yang Zirong volunteers for the dangerous undercover mission despite others' doubts. He prepares by studying bandit culture, codes, and customs. Commander Shao debates the risks but recognizes Yang's unique qualifications and determination.
Act II
ConfrontationMirror World
Yang encounters Butterfly, a woman trapped in the bandit world, who represents innocence corrupted by circumstances. Their relationship develops as a thematic mirror - she shows what happens to good people in evil systems.
Premise
Yang navigates the dangerous bandit hierarchy, passing tests and proving himself through cunning and martial prowess. He gains Hawk's trust while secretly gathering intelligence and sending information to his PLA comrades outside.
Opposition
Suspicions grow as Yang must commit increasingly brutal acts to maintain his cover. The Eighth Brother and other bandits begin questioning his loyalty. Yang struggles with his dual identity while coordinating the timing for the PLA assault.
Collapse
Yang's identity is exposed by the paranoid Eighth Brother. His cover is blown at the worst possible moment, surrounded by bandits during a feast. He faces certain death as Hawk orders his execution.
Crisis
In the chaos of his exposure, Yang fights for survival while desperately trying to signal the PLA forces. The mission appears to have failed completely, and both Yang and the assault force face annihilation.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The climactic battle for Tiger Mountain erupts. Yang and his PLA comrades fight through the fortress against Hawk's forces. The final confrontation between Yang and Hawk determines the fate of the region. The bandits are defeated and the people liberated.