Cooling off a storm

A scene shows then-US president Franklin Roosevelt (fourth from left) meeting Kuomintang leader Chiang Kai-shek (third from right) during the Cairo Conference. [Photo provided to China Daily]

More importantly, Chiang's screen time exceeds that of Mao's. The KMT leader is shown leading counterattacks against Japanese invaders, as well as appearing at the conference.

"We revere history and respect reality," Liu adds.

"Every scene will prove it can withstand the world's scrutiny over time. It may have been difficult to imagine seeing a film on this in the past. It shows China is becoming more open and inclusive."

China didn't lose the war against Japanese invaders 70 years ago, he adds. "Today, Chinese filmmakers won't lose to Hollywood blockbusters."

He believes the cinematograph and special effects enable the film to compete with foreign flicks. The budget hasn't been revealed.

The film, slated for release on Sept 3－the celebration date of victory over Japan－is among the most anticipated of China's WWII films commemorating the 70th anniversary of the war's end.