It is needless to say, the republican era is one of the most popular themes in the C-drama world. These dramas deal with Japan’s occupation of China and the Sino-Japanese wars. The genres they follow are thriller, action, politics, and history.
Over the years, many dramas have successfully portrayed the theme. Amongst them, War of Faith, Arsenal Military Academy, Winter Begonia, Killer and Healer, Battle of Changsha, etc. stand out the most.
1. War of Faith
This Republican-era C-drama features popular actors Wang Yibo, Li Qin, and Wang Yang in the lead roles. Wei Ruo Lai (Wang Yibo), who comes from a humble background, starts his journey as a mere employee at the bank. He works hard to establish his reputation in the field. Because of his remarkable talent, he caught the attention of a senior advisor named Shen Tu Nan (Wang Yang). However, everything goes south when Ruo Lai starts questioning corruption within the department.
War of Faith is available for streaming on iQIYI.
2. Arsenal Military Academy
This Republican-era C-drama came out in 2019 and featured Bai Lu, Xu Kai, Toby Lee and Wu Jia Yi in the main roles. Xie Xiang (Bai Lu) wishes to join the army to defend the country. She changes her appearance and uses her brother’s name as a disguise. While in the army, she befriends many young soldiers. But things get complicated when they develop feelings for her. A love triangle emanates amidst the military conflicts.
Viewers can watch Arsenal Military Academy on iQIYI and also on Viki.
3. Winter Begonia
This 2020 C-drama is an adaptation of the novel by Shui Ru Tian Er, which bears the same name. It follows the story of Shang Xi Rui (Yin Zheng), a talented Peking opera performer who faces opposition from the locals for being an outsider in Beiping.
Cheng Feng Tai (Huang Xiao Ming), a rich businessman, falls for his skills and becomes his supporter. When the Japanese army occupied Beiping Shang Xi Rui and Cheng Feng Tai, they joined hands with other patriots to fight for their country.
Winter Begonia is available to stream on iQIYI, Viki, and Prime Video.
4. Killer and Healer
This 2021 Chinese Republican-era BL drama focuses on the love story between a fierce cop and a doctor. Jiang Yue Lou (Mao Zi Jun) and Chen Yu Zhi (Ian Yi) have contrasting personalities. After the duo meet during an ongoing investigation, Yu Zhi finds out that Yue Lou has bipolar disorder. Yu Zhi helps him in this difficult time. They become good friends and get close over time.
Killer and Healer is available for streaming on the YouTube channel of Mango TV.
5. Battle of Changsha
This 2014 Republican-era C-drama is an adaptation of a novel of the same name by Que Que. It takes place during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The viewers get to see the turbulent events through the eyes of Hu Xiang Xiang and her twin brother, Hu Xiao Man. Gu Qing Ming is an Intelligence Officer in the Nationalist Army. He meets Hu Xiang Xiang at a matchmaking event.
At first, he does not get along with her or the rest of the Hu family. But they initially build an acquaintance. The war intensified, and so did Gu Qing Ming and Hu Xiang Xiang’s closeness.
Battle of Changsha is available for streaming on CN Drama.
Other than these popular dramas, Youth in the Flames of War, Detective L, Rookie Agent Rouge, The Eight, Fall in Love, Fearless Whispers, The Flowers of War, etc., also beautifully deal with these.
