The 400 Million (1939): cast, story & where to watch
1939 · Film · ★ 5.9
Released in 1939, The 400 Million is a documentary film directed by Joris Ivens, running about 54 minutes.
What it’s about. The 400 million people of China are heirs to a great civilization, as their pagodas and stone lions can attest. But they are under attack from the Japanese. Civilian refugees walk, stumble, crawl to escape the destruction of their cities... While in the China of tradition, water buffalo still work the paddies and camels cross the desert, modern China is now a republic founded by Dr. Sun Yat-sen, with modern schools, heavy industry, large engineering projects... The government of Chiang Kai-shek resists the Japanese invasion from the coast. Madame Chiang receives a cheque from the U.S.A. for war relief. War production continues in distant villages safe from the grasp of the Japanese. With modern weapons the Chinese are pursuing their struggle behind enemy lines. And still their opponent persists in his reprisal bombings of civilian targets. "Will these people win?"
Who’s in it. The 400 Million stars Fredric March as Narration (voice), Morris Carnovsky as Additional Voice (voice), Sidney Lumet as Additional Voice (voice) and Robert Q. Lewis as Additional Voice (voice), among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.9/10, The 400 Million has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The 400 Million page.
If you liked it. Fans of The 400 Million tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The 400 Million (1939)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The 400 Million change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The 400 Million worth watching?
- The 400 Million holds an audience score of 5.9 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The 400 Million?
- The 400 Million stars Fredric March, Morris Carnovsky, Sidney Lumet, Robert Q. Lewis and Alfred Ryder.
- When was The 400 Million released?
- The 400 Million was released in 1939, with a runtime of about 54 minutes.