Comrade-In-Arms

After coping with Korean drama for the past few years, now I’ve taken a back with Chinese drama. In my younger years, I enjoyed watching Chinese drama so much most of it was a colossal genre. I was mesmerized by their martial art, culture, and their ancient civilization that existed even in B.C.

 

However C-Drama Glory of Special Forces or China Special Forces has stolen my attention. The pilot episode opened with engaging the raid scene, reminds me of Act of Valor, a Hollywood movie that tells the story of the U.S. Navy Seals.

The tension between China and the United States is heating up these days, economically and military strength. In my opinion, this drama is part of showing their skills and abilities. I remembered a few days ago I read a story in the newspaper about the Chinese military under the leadership of President Xi.

China Military Reform 

It tells how the Chinese military is developing so much over the past ten years. China has become the world's largest military power and continues to develop nuclear and ballistic weapons. China is also accelerating its military modernization. It covers several areas including the consolidation of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, strategy, technology, and human resources.

One thing that stands out is their ability to speak English. Recently, a Chinese state television station, CCTV shows the life of the People’s Armed Police (PAP) Navy in the Liaoning fleet. The soldiers seem fluent in English.

It showed in one of the episodes of the Glory of Special Forces series. Several soldiers were selected for training in a special military school to become better special unit commanders. Yan Po Yue; the lead character, is forced to learn new skills and knowledge, from having an English class, military technology advance, and politics through physical training.

It shows how much effort Yan and his group have to do. The four of them are skillful combatant fighters of Cheetah Commando, but they are required to be future commanders with comprehensive capability. 

Yan Po Yue, a Handsome, Talented and Skillful Soldier

This series consists of 45 episodes that tell the journey of Yan Po Yue's (played by Yang Yang) military career, from enlisted to a mid-ranking officer in the PAP army. In this series, Yan is characterized as someone obstinate and egoistic but intelligent and skillful. At first, he needs to face difficulties getting along with his comrade and superior; afterward, he grapples with making comradeship only to lose one of them in a tragedy. One incident to another made Yan a more mature person and a better soldier.

This series divided into three parts. First, when Yan enlisted as part of the 247th Regiment Rapid Deployment Brigades. Second, he participated in the Cheetah Commando Chinese Army Special Forces selection. Last, when he became a better commander by joining the military school and participating in an international competition.

It is indeed quite a long series however it is entertaining. The actors act well, and the fighting and battling scenes were enjoyable. I didn’t recognize many actors who participated in this series, I only knew Jiang Lu Xia who played the character Gu Xiao Xiao; a female sniper. I watched one of her movies Operation Red Sea a few days before, where she acts as a member of the Chinese Navy Special Forces.

Captain Lu First Appearance in Camouflage

Although Yang Yang no doubt is a handsome actor, it is not him who caught my attention but rather the Squadron Leader Lu Tu, played by actor Liu Shuo. His first appearance was in episode 11 as a marksman who saved Yan Po Yue's life during the rescue mission. He came out of nowhere with his camouflage in the bushes was just so cool!

Then he appeared three episodes later as one of the instructors for participants in Cheetah Special Forces Reserves. His character is firm, fierce, and solid but attentive to striving for the progress of his subordinates. He appeared for the next 30 episodes till the end, so I enjoyed watching each episode and waiting for his characters to show. Let’s just say I became his fan girl ^-^

Squadron Leader of Cheetah Commando Captain Lu Tu

I utterly don’t get the feel of the lead female character Staff Officer Ai Xian Que. I think there is something off about her, and her relationship with Yan Po Yue wasn’t convincing. Although I have to admit Li Yi Tong, the actress is gorgeous.

Another character that stands out is Qin Feng the Captain of Cheetah Commando First Corps. He shows up as one of the characters that put a lot of pressure on Yan. A charismatic leader who seeks only the best out of his soldiers, always emphasizes the importance trust towards fellow soldiers and the bond between brotherhood. 

Lastly, Bai Long's character stands out from the start. As a veteran of Cheetah Commando, he re-enlisted for the second time due to private matters. He was portrait as “Divine Dragon”, a top fighter of the commando. Guo Ming Yu, the actor who portrait Bai Long looks very fit; he is heavily built and muscular. Bai Long looks physically strong but is an emotionally sensitive and gentle person. In my opinion, his character is the one who cries the most compared to the others.

Heavily built and muscular Bai Long 

Overall it is a good series with an engaging plot and stunning combat sequences. The main character Yan Po Yue is too good to be true, as he is a handsome, intelligent, talented and skillful serviceman. Anyway, this is just a drama series that makes it attractive to the audience. 

Be fearless and fight side by side!