Viewers of China Central Television's (CCTV) new series "My Brother Shunliu" reached record numbers, indicating a new popularity for heart-warming military-themed television.

A scene from TV series "My Brother Shunliu" [Global Times]

The CSM Media Research in China revealed that the first episode of the series received an initial rating share of 5.4 %, rising to 8.3% on June 21, just three days after it hit the screen.

"My Brother Shunliu" recounts the story of a boy from the countryside who bravely serves as a sniper during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-45).

In China, historically set military dramas usually tend to be rigid in plot and presented as solemn and serious melodrama. But "My Brother Shunliu" stands out, imbued with both romantic and light-hearted elements. The witty banter between soldiers adds even more color to this refreshingly different television series.

In explaining the defining characteristics of "My Brother Shunliu," the director Hua Jing said, "I hope to first seize audiences' attention with a sense of humor and true-to-life storylines in the initial episodes. But I think by the time they get to the end, they'll be deeply touched. This series is more thought-provoking than laughter-provoking."

This is Hua Jing's first stint in directing a TV series, but he is very confident in it. "I dare not say it is a great one, but I think it will bring a breath of fresh air to military-themed TV," Hua said.

"Shunliu is depicted as a brave and loyal solider, but is also very stubborn. I am attracted to his optimism and straightforwardness, not only him being a war hero," loyal viewer Lin Xiangmeng said.

However, the series has also met some mixed opinions. "I find the plots redundant, over-exaggerated and failed to create a sense of history," another viewer Wu Ru said.

(Global Times June 29, 2009)