On September 30th in Beijing, acclaimed director Kang Honglei is reuniting with former director of the Beijing Military Region Television Center, Zang Yunfei, for their latest endeavor, “Burning Horizon.” This project follows their successful collaboration on “Soldier Assault.” Production is expected to kick off soon, and a creative seminar to discuss the show was recently held in the capital.
“Burning Horizon” is being developed as a military-themed youth inspirational drama designed for a contemporary audience. During the seminar, experts engaged in an in-depth dialogue about the current script and possible revisions.
Zang Yunfei, who serves as the project leader and chief screenwriter, shared insights into the storyline. It centers around Chen Bingtao, an aging veteran of the Eight Route Army from the Jin-Sui revolutionary base, and his descendants as they navigate their struggles and battles. The narrative will highlight the cultural customs of the Lvliang region and explore themes of red heritage. Viewers will experience the determination of armed police officers like Chen Lele and Hao Tiegang, as seen through the eyes of Wei Chenxia, a female journalist embedded with a military reporting team. The story intends to showcase their work, friendships, romances, familial ties, and intense confrontations with criminal elements from various perspectives.
Kang Honglei spoke about the complexities and challenges of crafting military-themed scripts, emphasizing the importance of capturing the military spirit authentically. He approached the topic from philosophical, aesthetic, and literary viewpoints, stressing that the image of the military in this new era should embody honor. He insisted that the script must explore the true essence of military values rather than relying on superficial trends or gimmicks.
Cultural critic Li Zhun contributed to the conversation by pointing out that the series is primarily set in Beijing and introduces exciting themes like the national flag escort team and a female special operations unit that represent youthfulness and modernity. He suggested enriching character complexity through conflict while further weaving themes of patriotism and dignity into the script.
Zhao Huayong, a former director at China Central Television, acknowledged the compelling nature of dramas focused on the national flag escort team but raised concerns about the filming challenges. He advised balancing the narrative weight between the escort team and the female special operations unit to ensure cohesive storytelling.
Zhang Dexiang, vice chairman of the Chinese Literary and Art Critics Association, highlighted key elements in the script’s development, including a focus on thematic depth and character portrayal. He noted that showcasing the national flag escort team on screen for the first time offers strong appeal and that the narrative should center around core themes of national pride and ceremoniousness, while also portraying the spiritual growth of characters and the vibrant spirit of today’s youth.
Zhong Chengxiang, a member of the Academy of History and Culture, emphasized that the dramatization should align with Chinese aesthetic principles, striving for concise and restrained expression. He advocated for a well-structured narrative that shapes the identities of new-era figures like Chen Lele and Hao Tiegang, encapsulating the ideological essence of modern military practices.
Chen Xianyi, former head of the culture department at the People’s Liberation Army Daily, asserted that the script should reflect the military’s evolution post-reform and engage with historical contexts. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the national flag escort team as a portrayal of the new image of the people’s army, skillfully managing conflicts while highlighting themes of sacrifice, glorious tradition, and teamwork.
Ding Linyi, former director of the Armed Police Television Arts Center, remarked that the series should pay tribute to the revolutionary heroes from Shanxi’s Lvliang region, representing the sacrifice and discipline of soldiers. He stressed the need to balance authenticity with artistry, aiming to convey proper aesthetic values and moral guidance.
