The cast was well selected with mature and superb acting from the lead and support actors giving depth to the show. The story takes place during the Japanese occupation of China in World War 2, specifically in the city of Harbin in the then puppet state of Manchukuo. The drama borrows from actual events that took place in Manchukuo including the operation of the infamous Unit 731 where the Japanese conducted research on chemical and biological weapons using humans for their experiments. Fascinating drama especially for those interested in the history of China through the Republucan era and into World War 2.