In the first half of the film, the story is deliberately confined to a very small scope.
For the most part, the camera's focus remains locked on the 6th Company of the 2nd Battalion—where Huang Jiguang is stationed—along with the regimental headquarters, and parts of the combat units trapped on 579.9 High Ground.
This is especially true toward the end of the first half, when Huang Jiguang, the political instructor, Xiao Dengliang, and Zhao Kechun head to 579.9 to restore communications and help defend the position.
Chapter 247