Battle of Changsha is a drama which follows the Second Sino- Japanese War, seen through the eyes of the Hu family. Considering that it was a war themed drama, I had my limited expectations from it. But this show surprised me, and in a really good way. When I started this, I was honestly ready for a grim and melancholic atmosphere considering the times. But the moment it starts and we are introduced to the characters, I knew I was in for a ride.

Talking about the story first, it's brilliantly written. The writer is seriously a genius for including comedy in the plot which made the show much more interesting to watch and also the way the romance was handled. Considering that the show had a really heavy theme, the humour ensured that the viewers were not bored and actually made the story more devastating when the seriousness kicks in the later episodes. The Romance- I just loved it. I might be a bit biased because I love the hate-to-love trope, but it was so perfectly handled that I had no complaints at all. It was portrayed in such a subtle way that it does not feels out of the place and follows a really natural course. I was honestly anticipating it so much and was so happy and giddy to see the love finally surface. Other themes like family bonds, friendship, patriotism are also prevalent throughout and add so much depth to the plot.

I loved all the characters. They were some of the most realistic bunch of characters I have witnessed. I started with not liking any of them, including all the leads. But the character development is so solid here that by the end, there was not a single character I wanted to say goodbye to. Let's talk about everyone's favourite- Xue Junshan. He was the life and soul of the show. He first gives off really bad vibes due to his bossy attitude towards the family and his shady business as the security officer. But as we see more of him, his real character is revealed which is of a loving husband, a doting father, a responsible son-in-law and most importantly, a good person who just wants to live a decent life with his family. Gu Qingming was my other favourite one. He starts off as a serious, no- nonsense military officer but his continuous encounters with the Hu family brings out more of him and his values and principles are appreciated. And his bromance with Junshan is definitely to look out for. Talking about character development, the ones who grew the most were definitely the twins. They are first introduced as a bunch of useless spoiled brats who only know how to make trouble and commit mischief. But the situation and the people around them help them grow and understand the heaviness and urgency of the times. Both Xiangxiang and Xiaoman mature as they witness the war, while giving us a really precious sibling relationship. Even the side characters like Xiuxiu, Grandma, Jinfeng, Xiao Di and many more are a very integral part of the story and make it more authentic.

The best part of the drama for me was that it was shown through the perspective of a family who are the common people of the society. Cause it is after all the people who are most affected by war and lose a lot in the process. It made the show much more genuine and real, without making it feel too political and heavy.

It is a story of a family living through the turbulent times of the war. The story of how the war affected them and their lives. How the war is the most evil of all and destroys everything. It is story of hope that better days will come for the country and its people. And most importantly, why family and country are the only things that remain and can never be forgotten.