During the chaotic Warlord Era, an eccentric soldier has a sudden stroke of luck and is promoted seven ranks to Marshal. He, along with his three silly friends, do all sorts of bizarre things. Meanwhile, externally, three wild warlords are eyeing him like a tiger. Internally, he doesn't know whether any of his three wives are spies. Ultimately, a battle for hegemony unfolds, with shells flying and dilemmas between friends.

Much of the world first became aware of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army in the tragedy of Tiananmen Square in June 1989. However, only weeks before, filming had been completed on an extraordinary examination of China’s military machine. Boasting unprecedented access to all areas of the People’s Liberation Army, this five-hour documentary reveals with unerring insight and exceptional clarity the enigma which is the modern Chinese army.