Ludicrous plots defy belief

There are around 50 TV crews shooting in Hengdian World Studio making TV dramas set during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. However, most of them shouldn't bother as audience fatigue is setting in, says an article in Wuhan Evening News. Excerpts:

Audiences are tired of dramas about the Second Sino-Japanese War, which were omnipresent on television last year. Such dramas, which are supposed to advocate patriotism, remind people of a shameful page in our history, pay our respects to our ancestors and encourage the younger generation to work hard, have been led astray by their desire to entertain.

The writers have challenged people's suspension of disbelief and tolerance with absurd plots intended to attract young audiences. For example, love stories of all kinds have become indispensable and a PLA soldier falling in love with the enemy is now indispensable.

But what most annoys viewers is that TV dramas are becoming increasingly unrealistic. Scenes such as an enemy plane being destroyed by a grenade have made it difficult for parents to explain to children why the war lasted eight years given such gallant soldiers and such explosive firepower.

It is a tragedy for the nation that television shows have become junk food for the eyeballs. For the sake of the bitter historical lesson, those making television programs should respect historical truth and accept their social responsibilities.

(China Daily 02/27/2013 page9)