Chinese war dramas include a genre of Chinese television series or movies that dwell on actual or fictitious war-related events. These dramas often portray various kinds of strategies, military leaders, and the consequences of war on people and society. They often refer to Chinese history, classic literature, or mythology as their primary sources of guidance and represent many historical eras, including historical China, the Three Kingdom period, or modern-day battles.
1. The Longest Day In Chang’an
A novel-based drama of the same name written by ‘Ma Boyong’ is a Chinese historical suspense drama. The drama follows the characters ‘Li Bi, the head of Chang’an’s anti-terror department’ and ‘Zhou Xiaojing, a former detective-turned-prisoner’ who have to work together to thwart a planned terrorist attack before it is carried out in Chang’an, the capital of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Zhou Xiaojing became China’s ground for hope to thwart unidentified attackers threatening the capital of the Empire within 24 hours.
2. The Advisors Alliance
“The Advisors Alliance” (Original title “The Great Military Strategist Sima Yi: The Military Strategist Alliance” ) is a 2017 Chinese drama based on the real-life events of Sima Yi, a great politician and strategist who lived from 179 to 251 AD. The drama has documented the rise of Sima Yi, a politician in Three Kingdoms. It emphasizes the early career of Sima Yi under the warlord Cao Cao and his part in supporting Cao Pi to take over the throne. The drama is followed by the second season called ‘Sima Yi: The Growling Tiger, Roaring Dragon.'
3. The Disguiser
A mix of spy, action thriller, and war, “The Disguiser” is a drama that is recreated from Zhong Yong’s novel “Spy War on Shanghai Bund.” The drama depicts the story of Ming Tai, a rich and unsophisticated young master of the Ming clan. Tai has been made to fight Wang Jingwei’s leadership of Japan’s puppet government in China, becoming a spy for the Kuomintang.
4. All Quiet In Peking
A famous historical drama, “All Quiet in Peking”, also known as Nanjing! Nanjing was adapted from the novel “Yhi Zhi Mei” by Ye Zhaoyan. The drama transpires in Beijing, formerly known as Peking, during the 1940s under the Japanese occupation. It blends obscurity and historical drama aspects, illustrating the struggles faced by the Chinese people during the turbulent time.
5. The Patriot Yue Fei
The drama reveals the story of Yue Fei’s life and his unhesitating faithfulness to the Song Dynasty. “The Patriot Yue Fei” also known as “Yue Fei,” explores his rise from low ranks to becoming military commander to his eventual grievous fate. In Chinese history, Yue Fei is regarded as an example of sincerity and loyalty. The drama digs into the political intrigue and personal sacrifices made by Yue Fei and his family.
6. The Legend Of Mi Yue
“The Legend of Mi Yue” is a story about the tortuous life of Mi Yue, who was sent as a concubine as a part of her sister’s dowry to Qin where she ultimately ends up becoming the most magnificent female politician in Chinese history and the powerful queen of the State of Qin. The series is remarkable for representing a strong and bright female protagonist.
7. The Thunder
“The Thunder,” is a 2019 drama depicting an actual event of Chinese authorities of Boshe village, Guangdong Province, over drug producing, and trafficking groups. The shooting for this drama took place in different locations like Guangdong, Macau, Japan, Hong Kong and France in 2018 where over a thousand police personnel took part in it.
8. The Young Warriors
Chinese dramas are famous for their wide range of coverage of historical themes that emphasize cultural heritage. “The Young Warriors” is a series directed by Lee Kwok-Lap that gives an overview of the legendary Yang clan during its early days and gives an account of how their characters, and lives were shaped which inspired them to become patriotic warriors of their kin.
9. The Qin Empire
Duke Xiao, the state ruler of Qin, enrolled Shang Yang, the statesman, to help pass bold reform and, as a result, transformed Western China. “The Qin Empire” consists of three more sequels: The Qin Empire II: Alliance (2012), The Qin Empire III (2017), and The Qin Empire IV (2019). All the sequels are taken from Sun Haohui’s novel of the same title.
10. Sparrow
The series dates back to the revolutionary time in 1940s Shanghai. “Sparrow” is the code name of a secret double agent who works for the Special Operations Division of the Reorganized National Government of China, whose mission is to acquire information for the Communist Party on the Japanese “Return to Zero” program.
