Drama Digest
The story revolves around a group of students who join the army to become soldiers for the rocket force. However, in the coming days, they begin to regret joining the troops. The army troops only consider those individuals as soldiers, who have been soldiers for over ten years. Meanwhile, the ones who have been in the army for over twenty years, are considered as veterans. The hierarchy within the troops makes the students regret their decision. They train their bodies and mind to become great soldiers. Watch the drama to find out what struggles the youth face during their journey.
The Feel-Good Part
The script is exceptionally well written and the drama is very character driven. The hopeless romantic, Xia Zhuo; the second-generation military man, Ouyang Jun; the so-called flower boy, Lin An Bang; and the king of sloppiness, Yi Zi Meng, are four roommates, who join the army to become soldiers for the rocket force. These characters don’t seem two-dimensional and are well-rounded. Their well-written characters also help the audience easily understand about the reasons behind the student’s decision to join the rocket force as student recruits.
The Disappointing Factor
The title is a little misleading, as it makes one believe that the drama is about performing heroic deeds. However, it is about the struggle of the youth. The production seems a little low-budget. Also, there are several female characters in the drama, but they have very little screen time as most of the leading cast is male.
In-Depth Analysis
The drama is very insightful and well-written. It portrays the students’ efforts during their training in the rocket force. The struggles include different brigades competing against each other in training drills or disasters. The drama not only addresses realistic hierarchical struggles, but also gender differentiation, as the drama begins with finding a private living room and bathroom for a female doctor. The drama is a very character-driven drama as the audience gets to not focus on the four recruits, but also follow the characters such as the brigade commander and his political officer; the company commander and his instructor; the squad leaders and many more. Also, for a military drama, the military propaganda and patriotism is relatively moderate, as the drama focuses on the growth of the four recruits and the supporting characters.
Star Power
Li Yi Feng, Chen Xing Xu, Lang Yong Cheng, Duan Bo Wen and Dong Chun Hui bring life to their characters and do not let the audience feel that they are playing two -dimensional roles.
Overall Opinion
If you’re looking for a military drama that focuses on the daily struggles of student recruits, instead of terrorist attacks and war, “The Glory of Youth”, is the drama for you. It is not only interesting, but it also seems quite realistic.
