History vs fantasy in absurd TV serials

Drawing Sword (2005)

Photo provided to China Daily

The 30-episode epic depicts the period from the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression until the Korean War (1950-53) from the perspective of fictional general Li Yunlong. Unlike many other Chinese TV series that create an impeccable protagonist, Li is a complicated figure who combines poor discipline, individual heroism and extraordinary bravery. Japanese soldiers are also unconventionally portrayed as well-trained military units rather than vulnerable moving targets.