A fictional character representing the immense trauma, guilt, and difficult choices faced by survivors.

A fictional character representing the orphans of the earthquake and the long-term psychological impact ("aftershock") of trauma.

A fictional character representing the physically injured survivors and their path towards rebuilding lives.

A fictional character representing the many immediate victims who died protecting loved ones.

Represents the many real PLA soldiers who participated in rescue efforts and adopted earthquake orphans. Role itself is historically based.

Represents the many real PLA soldiers who participated in rescue efforts and adopted earthquake orphans. Role itself is historically based.

The central plot involving the mother's choice between twins, their separation, and reunion is a fictional narrative created for the film.

The film is centered around the real, devastating earthquake that struck Tangshan on July 28, 1976.

The film accurately depicts the near-total destruction of the city, reflecting the earthquake's estimated 7.8 magnitude intensity.

The film conveys the immense loss of life, consistent with historical estimates of over 240,000 fatalities.

The earthquake struck in the very early morning hours (around 3:42 AM), catching most residents asleep, as shown in the film.

Although some disputed anomalous signs were reported, there was no widespread, effective warning system in place before the disaster struck.

The film accurately shows the crucial role of the People's Liberation Army in digging out survivors, providing aid, and maintaining order post-earthquake.

Fang Deng's adoption by PLA soldiers reflects the reality that many orphaned children were cared for and adopted by rescuers and others.

Li Yuanni's dilemma represents the horrific choices people were forced to make in the immediate aftermath regarding trapped or injured loved ones.

The film's core theme accurately portrays the lasting psychological scars ("aftershock") affecting survivors for decades.

The chaos and scale of destruction meant many victims were difficult to identify, leading to situations like Fang Deng being presumed dead.

Later scenes accurately reflect that Tangshan was rebuilt into a modern city following the disaster.

The film incorporates the later Sichuan earthquake, another real disaster, allowing comparison and showing the characters volunteering in relief efforts.

Recreates the look and feel of a typical Chinese industrial city in the mid-1970s before the quake.

The special effects effectively portray the instantaneous and massive collapse of buildings and infrastructure, consistent with quake accounts.

Scenes of makeshift shelters, relief camps, and PLA operations accurately reflect the conditions immediately following the disaster.

The military attire and equipment shown appear consistent with what the PLA used during that period.

Costumes, hairstyles, and general aesthetics evolve across the decades (1970s-2000s), reflecting the changing times in China accurately.

Scenes set in later years show a modern, reconstructed city, accurately representing Tangshan's recovery and redevelopment.

While visually accurate for the period, the film focuses heavily on personal drama rather than the broader political/social climate of 1976 China.

The depiction of the rescue and relief efforts during the 2008 Sichuan earthquake provides an accurate backdrop for the later part of the story.