Xue Bao

Storyline

Snow Leopard (xue bao) is a revolutionary-themed TV drama that was released in 2010 and co-directed by Chen Haowei and Du Yuming. The story revolves around the protagonist's transition from a college student to an outstanding military officer during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The drama enjoyed a positive reception from the media and the general public, and it remains one of the finest revolutionary TV dramas ever produced in China. Other dramas with similar stories are often criticized for being excessively unrealistic and illogical in narration. Snow Leopard's success is due in part to its fascinating story, but the directors' ability to create complex yet credible characters is what distinguishes it from the hundreds of dramas with similar genres. Like other notable dramas, the protagonist in Snow Leopard leaves an indelible impression on the audience. However, the leading antagonist does not resemble the Chinese people's typical perception of Imperial Japanese military officers and arouses complex feelings among the audience. While the drama does not deviate from mainstream revolutionary dramas in glorifying the Communist Party's success, its positive portrayal of the Nationalist Party and the emphasis on anti-war sentiments makes it somewhat unique and irreplaceable. During the January 28 incident, the son of a wealthy family, Zhou Weiguo, is a student at Fudan University and decides to deliver supplies to the Nationalist Party soldiers on the frontline. After witnessing the horror of war and the insolence of the Japanese in China, Zhou Weiguo is determined to join the army by entering the Republic of China Military Academy. Zhou Weiguo soon displays superior military quality and talent in commanding and is sent to Berlin War Academy to study special operations tactics. During a military exercise, his extraordinary performance, along with a Japanese military officer at the academy, Takeshit Toshi, is recognized by the German instructor. However, Zhou Weiguo is reluctant to interact with Takeshit Toshi because of the aggression of Japan, although it has not yet declared war on China. Takeshit Toshi's hospitality eventually changed Zhou Weiguo's attitude; moreover, he is surprised to learn that Takeshit Toshi dislikes Japan's ambition to conquer China. After the Second Sino-Japanese War broke out, both Zhou Weiguo and Takeshit Toshi are recalled by their respective countries, and their friendship ends in Berlin. Upon returning, Zhou Weiguo is engaged in the Battle of Nanking. Although his troops enjoy victories, they are forced to retreat as the Nationalist Army faces major defeats. Zhou Weiguo's unit suffers significant casualties while retreating, and the remaining soldiers sacrifice themselves to cover his retreat. The wounded Zhou Weiguo and his secondary Xu Hu are rescued by a secret unit of Communist soldiers and taken to a nearby military base. Initially wanting to return to the Nationalist Army, Zhou Weiguo gradually changes his mind and decides to stay after his encounters with various simple and homespun Communist soldiers and officers, including his former classmates, Zhang Chu and Chen Yi. As an Eighth Route Army platoon leader, Zhou Weiguo participates in some of the most formidable missions against a nearby county occupied by the Imperial Japanese Army. Meanwhile, in a military conflict with the Nationalist Army, Zhou Weiguo refuses to entangle with force and captures the invading Nationalist troops without casualties. He unexpectedly finds out that the head of the Nationalist troops is his brother, Liu Zhihui. Zhou Weiguo's delicate handling of the conflict promotes cooperation between the Communist and Nationalist troops in the area and unites them against Imperial Japan. Meanwhile, Zhou Weiguo established a special warfare team called "Snow Leopard," after which this drama is named. To fortify the region, the Japanese headquarters sent Takeshit Toshi, who also built his special warfare team. The arrival of Takeshit Toshi inflicts heavy casualties on Zhou Weiguo's army, including the death of his political commissar, Li Yong. At great cost, Zhou Weiguo's troops finally surround Takeshit Toshi and his team at a battle. Takeshit Toshi refuses to resist as he does not wish for more casualties. He asks to meet with Zhou Weiguo, who agrees. In their final encounter, Takeshit Toshi wants to end his antagonism with Zhou Weiguo by asking to be killed. With extremely complex emotions, Zhou Weiguo kills Takeshit Toshi with a sword, and Takeshit Toshi's death signifies the ultimate defeat of Japan.