The literal translation of the title of this movie is: special alert 333.
This movie is based on the true story that actually happened in Southern China in real life, and 333 is the height of the water level in a hydrographic station: if the water level reached 333 meters at the hydrographic station, then the flood warning has increased to the point beyond the highest alarming state, the special alert state.
In addition to accurately reflect the fight against the flood, the movie also paints an accurate picture of disaster caused by bureaucracy: Some casualties could be readily avoided if actions were taken promptly but due to the fact that cadres would rather hide the facts in order to keep their post, people were needlessly killed by flood. This part was not emphasized enough but audience should be sympathetic toward the film crew, because after all, this movie was made in 1983, the early era of the reform, one cannot expect the criticism of government in China back then can match that of west, but nonetheless, the film deserves a perfect 10 for taking the first step in criticizing the government.
This movie is based on the true story that actually happened in Southern China in real life, and 333 is the height of the water level in a hydrographic station: if the water level reached 333 meters at the hydrographic station, then the flood warning has increased to the point beyond the highest alarming state, the special alert state.
In addition to accurately reflect the fight against the flood, the movie also paints an accurate picture of disaster caused by bureaucracy: Some casualties could be readily avoided if actions were taken promptly but due to the fact that cadres would rather hide the facts in order to keep their post, people were needlessly killed by flood. This part was not emphasized enough but audience should be sympathetic toward the film crew, because after all, this movie was made in 1983, the early era of the reform, one cannot expect the criticism of government in China back then can match that of west, but nonetheless, the film deserves a perfect 10 for taking the first step in criticizing the government.