Action,History,Drama
United States of America
55 Days at Peking is a historical epic film released in 1963, directed by Nicholas Ray and starring Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner, and David Niven. It depicts the siege of the International Compound in Peking (now Beijing) during the Boxer Rebellion of 1900.
The film portrays the events leading up to the siege, with the Boxers, a nationalistic and xenophobic secret society, rising up against foreign imperial powers and their Chinese Christian converts. The Empress Dowager Cixi (played by Flora Robson) sees an opportunity to rid China of foreign influence and tacitly supports the Boxers.
As the situation in Peking deteriorates, the various foreign powers in the International Compound struggle to maintain a united front against overwhelming odds. The main characters include the British Minister Sir Arthur Robertson (Niven), the American Marine Major Matt Lewis (Heston), and the Russian Baroness Natalie Ivanoff (Gardner).
The film portrays the tensions and rivalries between the various nations, as well as the resilience of the besieged defenders. It also depicts the bravery of the Chinese Christians who sided with the foreigners and suffered persecution at the hands of the Boxers.
The film's title refers to the 55 days that the siege lasted, during which the defenders endured repeated attacks and had to rely on limited supplies and makeshift defenses. The eventual relief of the International Compound by a multinational force, depicted in the film's climactic battle scene, marked a turning point in the Boxer Rebellion and the history of foreign intervention in China.
Overall, 55 Days at Peking is a sweeping historical drama that offers an intriguing glimpse into a pivotal moment in world history, with impressive production values, stirring music, and strong performances from its cast.
