Tuning in to war

Animated series the Letter With Feathers is inspired from a 1954 namesake movie. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"Paying homage to the history means producers and scriptwriters should know more about what actually happened during that harsh period," he adds.

Zheng Xiaolong, famed for the US-released palace series The Legend of Zhen Huan, has directed the well-received series Red Sorghum, adapted from the Nobel-winning Mo Yan's namesake novel. The drama protagonists' romance becomes caught up in their fight against the Japanese invaders.

He thinks the anti-Japanese dramas need to break through stereotyped propaganda to reach a broader viewership.

"Nowadays, most teenagers are unfamiliar with the World War II history. The best way to let them learn through a drama is to make it in a convincing and attractive way," Lian says.

Xu Jizhou, director of the recent hit Xiucai Encounters Soldier, says a proper balance between artistic creation and reality should be mastered.

"Daily pressure of most civilians makes them search for something relaxed and entertaining. When they sit in front of the television, they want something inspiring but not 'educational'," he says. "For us, being creative is still as important as be careful."