Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT

Micro-drama creators and platforms have been warned to avoid exaggerated patriotism and absurd storytelling in the production of wartime-themed content, according to new guidelines issued on Monday. The move is seen as a timely reminder ahead of a major national commemoration and amid the call for historical authenticity in artistic expression.

In the context of commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War, the network audio-visual department of the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) issued guidelines noting that some micro-dramas themed on the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression have recently featured overly exaggerated characters and plots that excessively pursue so-called "dramatic tension." 

This has led to a "fantastical drama" feel for viewers, which, to some extent, dilutes and trivializes the true history of the war. Such portrayals are detrimental to the shaping of sound values among young audiences, said the guidelines. 

Zhang Peng, an associate professor at Nanjing Normal University in East China's Jiangsu Province, told the Global Times on Tuesday that the guidelines are, in essence, a move to draw a red line against sensationalized "fantastical war dramas" on the eve of the 80th anniversary of victory in the war.

It aims to prevent the erosion of historical seriousness through unrealistic characters and exaggerated plots, and to extend oversight across the entire chain - from production to broadcasting and promotion. The goal is to both safeguard the authenticity of historical memory and ensure that wartime-themed micro-dramas follow a path of high-quality development, Zhang noted. 

Market players in the micro-drama industry should strengthen content review, and "avoid the crude transplantation of modern technology or knowledge into real historical wartime contexts, avoid portraying protagonists with overly exaggerated abilities or unrealistic character settings, avoid implausible military feats or fantastical skills that defy military logic, reject childish storylines that depict 'invincible heroes on our side and foolish enemies on the other side,' and steer clear of creative models that produce grand themes but lack historical logic," according to the guidelines. 

With the arrival of the anniversary, a large number of outstanding radio, television, and online audiovisual works and programs will be released to tell stories of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and promote its enduring spirit. The inclusion of micro-dramas to these many cultural works is expected to become a highlight of this year's artistic creations, Liu Jianguo, deputy director of NRTA, said at a press conference held by China's State Council Information Office on July 3.

Combining micro-dramas with the revolutionary culture of the war allows heavy historical themes to be presented through small yet refined stories and deep emotions, bringing greater diversity and a youthful touch to such works. For example, The Red Cradle will hit screens in September, Liu said. 

Micro-dramas, with their lighter format, faster pacing, and audience-friendly style, could offer people a fresh touch when telling the story of the Chinese people's unyielding struggle during the war. 

However, the spirit of the war must not be reduced to a form of entertainment consumption. The creation of micro-dramas based on this theme should adhere to the principle of historical authenticity and remain alert to the tendency of excessive fictionalization in pursuit of dramatic effect. Forcibly inserting modern technology or superhuman abilities into wartime settings not only undermines the gravity of history but also risks misleading young audiences about the true nature of the war.

As of June, the number of microdrama users nationwide reached 696 million, accounting for nearly 70 percent of all internet users in the country, according to a report by the Zhejiang Daily in July. 

The content of micro-dramas is evolving from simple emotional content to deeper levels of sentiment and cultural resonance. Themes such as real-life stories, women's growth, family healing, and niche innovations are increasingly favored by platforms, the report said.

Zhang said wartime-themed micro-short dramas in the new era should strive to recreate real history through meticulously researched details, evoke empathy by portraying the struggles of ordinary young people, and elevate storytelling. Enhanced through vertical-screen formats and interactive design, they can serve as a lightweight yet powerful new vehicle for passing on the legacy of red culture.

The new regulations are not a restriction on creativity, but rather a guide for the industry to shift from quantity to quality. By balancing artistic innovation with value-oriented storytelling and strengthening content review, micro-dramas are poised to play a greater role in telling China's stories to a broader audience.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. life@globaltimes.com.cn