Asian dramas like
The Long Way Back

Taking place in China during the 1930s and 1940s, Manchuria is occupied by the Japanese. With the CCP's intelligence system destroyed, two CCP operatives named Song Yan Qiao and Shu Jie work to undermine the Japanese authority and liberate their imprisoned colleagues.

Seoul 1945 is a dramatic narrative set against the backdrop of a tumultuous period in Korea, covering the transition from Japanese rule to the eventual division of the nation into North and South. The plot centers around four young individuals who were raised together. Choi Oon Hyuk, a gifted child from a family of impoverished miners; Kim Hae Kyung, the oldest daughter of tenant farmers; Lee Dong-Woo, the successor to a prosperous and influential family; and Moon Suk Kyung, the sole offspring of a wealthy political ally of Japan. Each character, influenced by their personal decisions and external circumstances, embarks on divergent journeys that mirror the chaotic era and reveal their true natures. As their lives intersect, themes of love, friendship, loyalty, revenge, moral dilemmas, and ideology emerge as powerful forces that irrevocably alter their destinies.

The narrative follows the Eighth Route Army as they attempt to reclaim Qiyang City, a strategic military outpost held by the Japanese forces during the Anti-Japanese War

During the late 1930s in northern China, a rebel named Jie Zhen Guo must use Western sorcery to outwit his Japanese adversary.

During the Qing Dynasty, in a specific location in Hunan, there were two local tea establishments run by siblings who had become estranged over a misunderstanding. Despite their mutual love for tea, they avoided communication and collaboration. However, their dynamic shifted when the emperor indicated his preference for Hunan tea as a tribute. Recognizing the significance of this opportunity, the brothers and sisters set aside their feud and united to create top-quality tea. Their combined efforts resulted in esteemed tea that was chosen as tribute for the emperor. Ultimately, the siblings reconciled and continued their tea-making tradition together.

"Pandora's Secret" is a gripping drama set during the time when Japanese invaders seized control of the three northeastern provinces and invaded North China following the September 18th Incident in 1931. The story follows a group of intelligence officers with diverse backgrounds who come together to fight after experiencing national animosity, love, hatred, and conflicts. In the early 20th century, three members of Marshal Wu's aerial team, Jiang Cheng, Hua TongRui, and Shangguan Yu Po, faced capture by the Northeastern warlords after a failed mission. They were eventually rescued and brought back to Tianjin by Marshal Wu's Internal Security Bureau. Suspicion arose when one member, Liu Li, was tasked with investigating Shangguan Yu Po. As Liu Li monitored him, Shangguan Yu Po's actions were closely scrutinized. Despite Shangguan Yu Po's stellar performance in Marshal Wu's aerial team, Liu Li began to develop feelings for him while Shangguan Yu Po found himself torn between Liu Li and his long-term girlfriend, Mo Chun. As Shangguan Yu Po delved deeper into the ideals of the Southern Revolutionary Party, his beliefs in anti-imperialism and anti-feudalism solidified. The focus of the Internal Security Bureau shifted towards Jiang Cheng and Hua Tong Rui, leading to the discovery and punishment of the traitorous Jiang Cheng. With the "Northern Expedition" nearing success by the end of 1926, pressure mounted on Marshal Wu's Internal Security Bureau. Shangguan Yu Po and Liu Li embraced the ideologies of the Southern Revolutionary Party, embarking on a journey to overthrow the dominant powers and eradicate the warlords.

In this play, the narrative unfolds around President Mao's leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China based in Xiangshan, Beijing. The story follows the successful liberation of China and the preparations made for the creation of a new nation. President Mao laid the foundation for the establishment of New China by setting up key structures and officially declaring the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949.

Xu Tian, a 21-year-old man, upheld the ideals of revolutionary predecessors. He traveled from southeast Asia to Shanghai to deliver materials to the Communist International, facing challenges alongside Sun, Yu Yi Xiu, Zhang Jia Yi, and others. Despite difficulties, he successfully completed the mission, with the smiles on their faces revealing their unwavering faith and optimism for a better tomorrow.

In the wake of the Japanese invasion of Shanxi in 1939, a brave local resident teams up with a devoted student to thwart an enemy scheme aimed at capturing the area's mineral resources. They harness the strength of Xingyi Quan and its tactical insights to protect their homeland.

The show centers on Ren Bi Shi, a prominent figure in the early days of the Chinese Communist Party, recounting his journey from the mid-1920s until his passing in 1950, showcasing his growth and successes as a revolutionary within the communist movement.

Returning to the Spring and Autumn Period two thousand years ago, Qi Sun Wu was not born to be a military commander like his grandfather, but rather a man seeking adventure in foreign lands. After facing family tragedies and being forced to leave his hometown, Wu Tai General started his remarkable career. His love and struggles with the extraordinary woman Yi Luo brought him fame as a General, before he devoted himself to learning from soldiers and becoming a mountain hermit. Sun Wu's life was filled with ups and downs, but with Yi Luo by his side, he never felt lonely.

This is the tale of a town that relied on its gold mines for economic stability. When the Sino-Japanese war erupted, the townspeople banded together to defend their gold from the invading Japanese army. The narrative centers on two individuals, Lu Jianshan and Guo Lin. Lu, a Communist, is seen as a disappointment in his father's eyes, while Guo, who is adopted, always feels like he is playing second fiddle. Eager to prove himself to his father and the community, Guo takes action. Lu is engaged to Meng Ximei, who presents him with a large gold nugget from the mines as a dowry on their wedding day. Despite marrying her, Lu leaves Meng on their wedding night to join the Communist fighters. As she stays with her father-in-law, Guo develops feelings for Meng. With the outbreak of war, a series of tragic events unfolds, impacting everyone's lives in unforeseen ways. Whether these changes are for the better or worse remains to be seen.

The story unfolds with Comrade Nie Rong Zhen's formative years in France and chronicles his involvement in the Agrarian Revolution and the Anti-Japanese War, showcasing key historical events and personal trials during periods such as the War of Liberation and the founding of New China. By honoring and reviving history, the drama introduces a vivid and emotionally resonant portrayal of Nie Rong Zhen to the viewers.

Located in Yulin, Shanxi Province, the story revolves around a young woman named Yang Fen who adopts a male identity

The play depicts the life of Comrade Liu Shao Qi as he journeys through the "Four Dao Villages" of county, provincial, imperial, and national gates in search of truth and the Eight-character Scriptures, all in pursuit of understanding how to save the country and pave the way for a new China. Liu Shao Qi became a member of the party in 1921 at Moscow Oriental University before returning to China the following year to lead the "Anyuan Road Mine Strike." Throughout the Great Revolution, he bravely handled the aftermath in the White District amidst shifting circumstances. During the Anti-Japanese War, Liu Shao Qi took on a leadership role within the central government and was later appointed as the vice chairman of the Central People’s Government following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. He played a crucial part in shaping the country’s political, economic, cultural, educational, and foreign policies. In the early 1960s, Liu Shao Qi worked to address China’s economic challenges by conducting on-site investigations and contributing to the development of key policy measures. A memorial service was held for Liu Shao Qi on May 17, 1980, commemorating his enduring dedication to the Chinese revolution and his steadfast belief in communism.

The narrative revolves around Wei Da He, a former anti-Communist fighter whose perspective shifts over time, leading him to join the Communist party. Amid the Xi'an Incident, Wei Da He emerges victorious by capturing Tong Guan. Despite his accomplishments, he is dismissed and sent back home due to a clash with Gao Xiao Shan from the Red Army. When war breaks out, Wei Da He returns to the battlefield and saves military strategist Jiang Huai Zhu. Unbeknownst to him, he falls in love with Jiang Huai Zhu's daughter, Jiang Ya Zhen, who is secretly involved with the Communist resistance.

Taking place in the Republican era, the narrative centers around Chen Huai Hai, the proprietor of a traditional Shandong inn, as he endeavors to eke out a living in Dalian. Formerly a ginseng hunter in the dense forests of Dong Bei, Chen Huai Hai faces a major setback when his children are separated and his wife departs. With no other options, he relocates to Dalian, which was then under Japanese colonial control, in order to establish an inn. The inn evolves into a hub of intelligence where individuals from diverse backgrounds gather. Driven by a strong sense of ethics, Chen Huai Hai does everything in his power to shield his fellow countrymen from the Japanese authorities. He crosses paths with Gu San Mei, who transforms the inn into a hub for Communist party communications. Influenced by her, Chen Huai Hai and his family become involved in the resistance against the occupation.

In the midst of the 1944 Battle of Henan, Hunan, and Guangxi, Qian Huai En conceals his family's valuables, only to be betrayed by his friend Long Qian. With the help of the Japanese, Long Qian murders Qian Huai En's family and manipulates Qian Ze Hua in an attempt to claim the hidden treasure. However, Long Qian's plan ultimately fails as Qian Ze Hua, alongside Communist guerrilla Long Xin Yi, successfully defeats the Japanese forces. Following the war, Qian Ze Hua and Long Xin Yi join forces in the revolution. Upon returning home, Qian Ze Hua discovers Long Qian's treachery and seeks vengeance, leading to a clash with Long Xin Yi who advocates for a peaceful liberation. As it is revealed that Long Qian's surrender was a deceitful ploy, Qian Ze Hua and Long Xin Yi unite to vanquish him and liberate Fucheng.

The Lusu region is known for its abundance of minerals, but it became a battleground for military strategists during the anti-Japanese war. The Communist party dispatched Zhu Yan Ming and Li Mu Xia to Huangqiushan to unite the local armed groups and combat the Japanese army. Leading the anti-Japanese forces in the area are Sun Da Dao and Tong Qi Gang, who have difficulty cooperating. Zhu Yan Ming and Li Mu Xia aim to bring everyone together to fight against the common enemy.

The drama depicts the life of politician Kim Doo Han through a mix of reality and fiction. Kim Doo Han, son of the renowned general Kim Jwah Jin, trained in martial arts after his father's passing and rose to become a leader in Seoul's Jong Ro area, determined to defend his fellow Koreans against the Japanese. He faces opposition from Goo Ma Juk, the Seoul boss who seeks to hand over the city to Japanese developers, with the assistance of Hyashi, a Korean man living as a Japanese. Despite these challenges, Kim Doo Han strives to preserve Korean culture and eventually transitions into politics following the Korean War.

The series explores the efforts of Communist Party of China members to rebuild Shanghai and revitalize its economy following the city's liberation in May 1949. It showcases how the Party utilized its knowledge, conviction, and solidarity to address various political, economic, and social challenges. Their effective leadership led Shanghai into a new era of peace, stability, and progress. Drawing from real historical events, the drama highlights the obstacles encountered by city officials during the first year post-liberation. Party members had to combat criminals and enemy spies in order to restore social order, political stability, and economic activities in the city.

Following the Mukden Incident on September 18, 1931, Ma Zhong Qiu and his family's tranquil existence is thrown into turmoil. Ma Zhong Qiu transitions from a humble swordsman to an honorable police officer, and eventually joins the ranks of the Communist Party of China as a soldier. Throughout his journey, he faces numerous challenges and life-threatening situations. Initially driven by the desire to reunite his family in peace, his motivations later shift to fighting for love and eventually, as a defender of his nation and people. Along the way, he crosses paths with dancer Nan Yan and falls deeply in love. Their relationship weathers the storms of war, but their genuine and selfless love becomes a source of strength as they stand together to defend their country.

In 1940, a young progressive named Chou Zi Gang from Yan an Anti-Virus University was unexpectedly tasked by the central government to set up the Yan an Nursery. Chou Zi Gang declined, stating he did not come to Yan an to oversee a children's institution. Surprisingly, Mao Ze Dong was the first to enroll his daughter Mao Jiao Jiao at the nursery. Subsequently, orphans of martyrs, descendants of War of Resistance soldiers, and children of revolutionary leaders like Mao Ze Dong and Liu Bo Cheng were placed in the care of rural women and uneducated individuals. The nursery witnessed numerous significant events, including battling whooping cough, Liu Hua Bei's passing, being renamed Los Angeles Nursery, enduring enemy bombings, engaging in secret counterattacks, struggling to cross the Yellow River, hosting Chinese and foreign journalists, and more. In 1947, during a Kuomintang bombing of Yan an, Mao Ze Dong and Zhou En Lai ordered the nursery to evacuate alongside the first Zhongzhi agencies. The retreat was met with enemy attacks, resulting in over 300 individuals and 100 carriages being targeted.

This story takes place in the 1930s during Japan's occupation of Korea. Na Yeo Gyeong owned a bookstore and was also an activist for independence. Seon U Wan, the affluent family's playboy son, got involved in the struggle for freedom after making a wager with his colleagues to win over Na Yeo Gyeong. His father financed the education of his employee's son, Lee Su Hyeon, only to be dismayed upon discovering he was working for the Japanese government's Security Branch. Cha Song Ju was a renowned gisaeng who operated a prestigious brothel.

Based on Quan Yan Chi's book "Lang Du Hua", the following information has been taken.

Describes the Japanese imperialist incursion into Northeast China in 1931, detailing the fierce resistance mounted by the local population under the guidance of the Communist Party of China

The narrative follows Guan Zhu Qing, a member of the Communist Party, as he leads a team of four individuals on a mission to the southern region of the Yangtze River. Their objective is to dismantle the Kuomintang AM plan and engage in a campaign to eradicate bandits.

Located in White Deer Village in Shaanxi Province, the story revolves around the Bai and Lu families who have coexisted peacefully for generations. However, conflicts arise over land ownership, leading to a fierce competition between the two clans. A young woman who recently arrived in the village becomes entangled in the feud. Director Liu Jin uses the families' story as a representation of the Chinese people's struggles during various historical events, including the invasion by Japanese forces, civil war after World War II, and the rise of the Communist Party. The plot is adapted from Chen Zhong Shi's novel.

The plot revolves around Zhao Yunda, who works as a spy for both the military and the Chinese Communist Party, and Hu Dashan, a bandit. Despite being both adversaries and companions, they embark on a quest to find the valuable Peking Man skull. Retrieved from: Douban

The plot of this play draws inspiration from the historical event where the 27th army division of the Kuomintang was defeated by Liu Han Xing, who was serving as the Public Safety Officer of Harbin under the CPC at that time.

The Orient Theatre is set in the early 1900s, amidst the Japanese rule, focusing on individuals within the entertainment industry striving for prosperity. (DramaWiki)

The narrative unfolds amidst the War for Independence.

The narrative unfolds in the Northeast during the conflict between Japan and Russia in the final years of the Qing Dynasty, leading up to the September 18th Incident. It depicts the intertwined emotions of three siblings, showcasing both their affection and animosity, as well as their bravery in defending their nation. (DramaWiki)