The Opium War (1997): cast, story & where to watch
1997 · Film · ★ 6.6
Released in 1997, The Opium War is a drama, war and history film directed by Xie Jin, running about 153 minutes.
What it’s about. The story of the Opium War between China, in the waning days of the Qing Dynasty, and the British Empire, in the 1830s, and the subsequent takeover of Hong Kong by Britain; through the eyes of the key figures, fiercely nationalistic Lin Zexu, and opportunistic British naval diplomat Charles Elliot.
Who’s in it. The Opium War stars Debra Beaumont as Queen Victoria, Simon Williams as Captain Charles Elliot, Pao Guoan as Lin Zexu and Oliver Cotton, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.6/10, The Opium War 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 Opium War page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Opium War tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Opium War (1997)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Opium War change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Opium War worth watching?
- The Opium War holds an audience score of 6.6 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama, war and history. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Opium War?
- The Opium War stars Debra Beaumont, Simon Williams, Pao Guoan, Oliver Cotton and Nigel Davenport.