Laramd13

The context of blackface in Formed Police Unit movie is not even done to mock anyone, the police officers had to be undercover and needed to blend in a dangerous situation. it was not for entertainment reasons.
But there are disturbing cases in which blackface was used in China recently, like one of their New Years event live tv in which blackface was used in a comedy skit. And the Chinese drama Dance of the Phoenix, the FL was supposed to depict someone ugly in appearance in the beginning (her skin was dark with unruly hair and freckles) and when her appearance changed, her skin was light and was more neat. Well, good for you to teach someone about why it is wrong to do blackface for entertainment. Their culture is clearly different than in the West depending what they are influenced with and exposed to, some may be unaware about it.
There is also a saying "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." Again it depends if the imitation is done in mocking way or for entertainment which is clearly wrong. And it is important to not imitate something we have no prior knowledge about, because there might be historical or cultural significance to it that we should be careful of. But there are culture exchanges that are harmless and sometimes people copy something they just clearly admire.

It depends of the context of the situation and the reason for it. Is done in a mockery and degrading way or something that is done harmlessly?

* There is a US movie called White Chicks in which two black men pretended to be White Chicks.
And there is also a US movie called Tropic Thunder in which blackface is used during a military operation.

In Wikipedia it only states the examples in which blackface was used in various countries. But other than that it does not say much how each country have change regulations or learned from it. Researching things online yourself and being taught about such topics in school can have different outcomes. There is a lot of ignorant people out there who don't bother doing any research and are unaware about lots of things. Most people have different priorities they are focused on. Do you think in China people are being taught about blackface the same way we are taught about it in America, since it is an part of history? America's POV about blackface will not be the same POV in China or other countries.
Wikipedia and Google information is and can be used in countries that have it. That is something many in Western countries have access to, but each country have their own restrictions. You do know that China has their own alternative websites that replaces Google, Wikipedia, and other forms of social
media right? What are the chances those in China will be looking up things in Google and Wikipedia websites. The Web in China is also closely monitored by the government and what information can be searched.

Of course racism is never okay, and you can say that proudly and easily. But you need to think about which country he is from and born in. Even though he is a celebrity, it is not like in the western countries in which we have freedom of expression and can easily say what we want and criticize unjust things and those in power. It is easy for you to speak up and say whatever you want because you will not be punished for it. Many western countries have protected rights that many Asian countries do not have. Do you really expect Yibo to go against his home country and government? Of course he going to side with the country he is born in, otherwise he would be unpatriotic to his own country. The Uighirs in China will have to fight and speak for themselves about the human rights violations there, which is likely limited by the government. We are mostly outsiders to these kind of situations and have limited point of view. If Yibo involves himself in anything political against his country's government he will be banned from his own country. Where will he go? He does not have relatives or protective rights in other countries, his life would likely be in danger. He suffered a lot already when he was young, you expect him to suffer more? Please be aware of his situation and not only see your point of view. He might be a celebrity but he to is human and like anyone will have to make tough choices at certain times.Those who are able to speak freely about unjust things have protected freedom that allows them to, some people in other countries just don't have that kind of right. We have seen that many Chinese celebrities can get in trouble for any slight mistake to their reputation, in which they can be completely banned/disappear. Western culture is likely far different from East Asian culture, that is something we have to think about.

Please read this research paper about China's Freedom of expression:

https://www.chathamhouse.org/2021/03/restrictions-online-freedom-expression-china/chinas-domestic-restrictions-online-freedom

This is Chinese movie that is only released in China and Thailand. Which are none Democratic Countries. It is Chinese Propaganda movie released on May 1, which is their Labor Day in China. It is most likely backed by the Government, how much say and choice does these actors in the drama really have doing blackface? Would they get banned from their own country? How much freedom of speech do they have? Zhang Zhehan was supposed to be in this movie. But he was banned because he supposedly went to a Japanese Shrine, and had one photo taken near one. Thankfully he is doing well outside of China, but he is banned from his own country as if he did not exist there. Chinese culture is definitely different than the rest of the world, they have banned Korea and did not want their influence in C-ent. There is a lot of people in China to support their own economy and not be influenced by other
countries' ideas/beliefs. Since they can easily ban any person or company.

The context of blackface comes from American History, after the civil war and how blacks were terribly portrayed and mocked by white people wearing blackface as a sort propaganda against them, so they have less access to jobs, education, and way of living. But this is Western history, is this kind of history even taught in other countries like China, which is a communist country?
There is still likely discrimination and racism in East Asia and even in some parts of America as well ( rural areas that are mostly white and none multicultural), for some , they say it is hard to blend in in such community because they can feel the racial bias, whenever they go to town.

In the movie the actors are not playing roles of black people but are Chinese UN police officers. They did blackface only during the mission. According to sources, the story is happened in Sierra Leone 20 years ago during the civil war. The question is, why did they do blackface? Was is to mock or degrade
someone? Was it to blend in and not get caught by the rebels during the civil war? Will they be easily targeted if they go on a mission without blending in? Soldiers use camouflage in the jungle so they can easily blend in with their surroundings during certain missions.

I don't have Weibo, but those who have one, have said that some c-
netizens mocked and made jokes about the blackface pictures of the actors in the movie. Which is definitely sad to know because it is not funny at all.

The Disney Mulan live action did not even portray Chinese culture well, the traditional clothes and historical sets
were taken from two different Dynasty.
Even though the animation is one of my fave, I did not see the movie because they changed to many things, mostly the beloved characters in the animation was not in the movie.
The Disney Little Mermaid live action
got backlash because she was portrayed by a black actress and not a white one. Some loved it especially after they saw the movie and some did not like even though did not even see the movie itself.
I loved the movie because it stayed true to the original story and many of the characters from the animation was there.
So, how much historical inaccuracy can be in a drama or movie, unless it is a docudrama that is thoroughly research ? We do need to understand that any forms of entertainment is likely to be exaggerated. and not always accurate in real life. Lots of C-dramas can be unrealistic, depends on script, production, and directing. Most cases it can be changed in the middle of production, the actors will just have to do their best. There are so many dramas with really great acting but badly written scripts. There are contracts involved, so if an actor backs out from a project, will there be a fine for breaking the contract?

We watch not to follow what we see but to understand the context, our emotions, and have conversations about certain topics.
This movie is not even available internationally compared to Wang Yibo's other dramas. I guess this movie is mainly for the Chinese audience. It is up to each person whether to watch the movie, it mainly depends on one's POV.

I am excited to see Xiao Zhan as Gou Jing and I hope the movie will have an international release, so many fans can watch the movie in theaters around world.

A very good ending to a wonderfully suspenseful drama. It is nice that Wei Rou Lai survived the Long March with the Red Army. Then it ended with the two main leads alive, Wei Rou Lai returning to Shanghai and meeting Shen Tu Nan at the Shanghai Stock Exchange.
The ending song change when WRL went to Jiangxi and the ending song returned to its original song when he returned back to Shanghai.
In episode 37 I was nervous and definitely at the edge of my seat wondering how WRL and his team will be able to complete the mission without getting caught or hurt by LQS and his men. I am glad they were very smart about the plan and survived it. For episode 38, that was scary on the train, definitely was not a good time for those passages to be in it and witness a very dangerous battle. Song Meijuan finally found out about her brother and LQS confessed that he killed him. SMJ wanted to kill LQS for lying to her, but he said he is not sure if he will survive the mission on the train.
Just Wow, Huang Congyun, STN's assistant was very loyal to him till the
end, HCY sacrificed himself by blocking and protecting STN when LQS was shooting at STN. It was sad that Kong, Nui Chunmao's friend died, but at least she was safe. It was a good conclusion for STN to finally kill LQS, it was right for STN to take revenge at LQS because he was one the who caused SJZ and HCY's death.
STN finally accepted SJZ and WRL's belief in wanting to help the people that are poor and just want to live peacefully. I am glad the mentor and student never waivered in their belief in each other even though they were in different teams of the civil war. What a journey and battle it was, I hope WRL and STN can live more peacefully in Shanghai.

Congrats to War of Faith Cast and Crew to have reached 10K index!🥳🥳🥳 That would be awesome to see the trio Wang Yibo, Li Qin , and Wang Yang dance together! I am even more curious, what type of dance style will it be? After this current episodes 35 and 36, a fun dance would be nice to see from them to kind of help us fans cheer up a bit from a teary episode.

In episodes 33 and 34 was sad and traumatic for Yu to see her dad kill someone, even though it was for self defense, since the woman was aiming towards him, it was still devastating for Yu to witness especially when her classmates accused her dad being a murderer. It must been hard for a little to process. STN really caused lots of pain for his family, while he suffers from headaches because of his previous head injury and added stress. STN really needs to quit his job for the his own health and his family's health.

In episodes 35 and 36, LQS just keeps getting crazier and have psychopathic tendencies, except for his comrades, he does not seem to care for basic human lives, that he would he just kill anyone that have ties/connection to communist, even civilians that are just trying to survive and live. So, his girlfriend SMJ's brother was undercover with the Red Army, and she has no clue that her brother is being forced/used by LQS. I cannot believe many wonderful characters have died, but LQS keeps surviving near death experiences. With LQS has done so many bad things, I don't feel sorry for him, someone needs to kill him before more tragedy happens. The Red Army seems more sympathetic towards SMJ's brother than LQS, who sees him as a tool.

It was so sad to see SJZ death and also sad for WRL, to have who lost another person close to him. At least SJZ and WRL got to go in a few missions together before her death. At least SJZ got to see, comfort, and help her niece Yu get better with just one visit. Most people who are part of the military/army, it is expected that they might die anytime when they are working on a mission. I was definitely on edge and nervous when SJZ and WRL were doing their missions and was closely watched by LQS and his men. Even though SJZ died, she died a heroic death to save someone else's life, will be remembered as one. She definitely saved so many people's lives and brighten lots of people's lives by her piano performance right before her death.

Will just see how this story/drama will conclude tomorrow, what will happen between the KMT and Red Army, as well what will happen with STN, LQS, and WRL in this battle that includes the finance side of the war.

* Even though I am devastated about SJZ (Li Qin's character) death in this drama, I try to understand it is part of the story. In her other drama The Wolf, her character Mao Zhai Xing died also, trying to save ML's life/humanity. Especially, I recently watched the drama "A Journey to Love" with its tragic ending. Which all are related to fighting some sort of war.

What interesting episodes 31 and 32 were. I had to kind of gather my thoughts and clear my head a bit before trying to put into words what I thought about the episodes. Very surprising yet expected somehow.

Chunmaio was definitely too forceful towards Roulai wanting to join with the Communist Party in Jiangxi. She needs to read the room or at least Roulai a bit more. Jinzhen finally understood Roulai when he tried to explain his thoughts and feelings. Jinzhen finally told Chunmaio to stop bullying Roulai. Jinzhen said it best when she said to Roulai when he kept saying he wanted to go home and not join the Communist Party, " Roulai I understand after all that happened, you want to go home, reflect and clear your head." This moment shows that SJZ understood WRL well and knows what he needs at for the mean time.

After all that happened in Shanghai, as an intellectual like WRL is, he did not want to join something without understanding what it is all about, beacuseso many things already went wrong in the past, WRL needed a break and a bit of comfort presently, that is why he wanted to go home to and see his dad.

Besides the fact that WRL needed to tell his dad about his older brother Rouchan's death in Shanghai, he probably just wanted to talk to someone who can help him make sense of it all. When WRL talked to his dad, he was given the comfort he needed, when his dad assured him that there was nothing wrong with the choices he made, including the revenge for his brother. It knd of took some of the weight he has been holding in for quite sometime.

I actually love the scene where there was 3 different scenes put together; Jinzhen was training with the Red Army, Roulai teaching Fang Ling accounting/math, and Chunmaio learning martial arts from her dad. It was a kind of nice picture of the simple life they were currently living in Jiangxi at that time.
So, Roulai's neighbor Fang Ling was actually killed by loan sharks? Since her dad could not pay off their debt with the loan sharks? Roulai wanted to help Fang Ling but was powerless, but when the Red Army helped the farmers in Roulai's village to get rid of the loan sharks and the debt contracts with the farmers illegal, whiched helped appease Fang Ling's death and save others from getting scammed. So, this was reason Roulai finally joined the Red Army and Communist bank in Jiangxi, he wanted to do something to help others in his village.

Wow! Shen Tunan's decision was a disappointment, he was finally getting ready to leave with his family abroad with a different identity. But the higher ups with the KMT had a different plan to use him, and I can't believe he chose to side with the corrupt group leaders over his family. Cishu was in utter devastation about it but decided to stay with Shen Tunan/Tu Nanshen to keep her family together and not separated.
Crazy how TNS and LQS are willing to work together along with their corrupt leaders even though they don't seem to get anything from it but are being used. It is like they are so brainwashed to think that they are doing something good/saving their country by killing/defeating the Communist Party in Jiangxi. LQS's girl Song Meijuan also chose to follow him, even though when she does not even know what really happened to her brother. So SMJ's brother is really alive and doing military work for KMT.
When WRL and SJZ saw the obituary article written in the paper that faked STN's death, they both reminisced about their times with him, STN as SJZ's brother, and STN as WRL's mentor. It is bit of a metaphor that STN's fake death resembles the death of the STN they new of him in the past. As Tu Nanshen had said, "Shen Tunan no longer exist." He has chosen a darker path that he himself, his family, people that knows him would no longer recognize.

So,there is another counterfeit scam , this time with dollar bills compared to the counterfeit silver coins in Shanghai, the KMT did in purpose to disrupt the Jiangxi Bank and prevent it from succeeding. After TNS asked LQS to killed elite members without guilt in Jiangxi to make a point that they should not work with Communist Party in an
y business trade. Was shocking, scary, and sad scene, TNS plans to blockade and Siege the Red Army from receiving supplies, aid, and gaining profit from trade. Usually this is a common technique military used to get their enemies to surrender, but it can be very devastating if it affects common
people/civilians from getting the aid they need or starve to death. In Jiangxi they are surrounded by farming villages, hopefully the civilians can survive and starve. We will see how this drama unfolds and end soon, as it seems now WRL and his previous mentor now called TNS will have to go war against each other.

Wow! Each episode is just so fascinating as it goes on. Definitely keeps you wondering what is next to come? Shen Jinzhen and Xu Nou are total badass in this episode! SJZ must have some feelings towards WRL by saving his life but exposing herself that makes her become a target by Lin Qian Song and his police men. SJZ was about to suicide because she run out of bullets and was trapped, thankfully WRL stopped her. I don't think it would be good for WRL to see another close friend suicide, after Wen's and Xu Nou's death.

Xu Nou saved Wei Rou Li's life and Shen Tunan saved his sister Shen Jinzhen's life. Seeing her brother hurt made her feel devastated, especially after Xu Nou's death is painful. But both WRL and SJZ needed to leave Shanghai with Chunmaio right away, otherwise the sacrifice of Xu Nou and STN would all be in vain. WRL and SJZ needs to survive/live and fight another day, Shanghai is too dangerous to be in. LQS is dangerously crazy and desperate to kill/torture any Communist he finds within the city.

STN got injured trying to save his sister, his wife is amazing in staying by her husband through all these crazy times he put her through, this was the second time STN had put his life in danger. So, he was favored by Mr. Song and order to protect STN, he put an obituary article to fake STN's death. I think this is a good thing, hopefully STN and his family can get away from KMT and live a simple their life abroad instead.

STN might not agree with SJZ and WRL's faith in CCP but he would rather let them go to Jiangxi where he knows they would be safe compared to being hunted by the KMT in Shanghai. Let us see what is next with WRL and SJZ story living in Jiangxi participating in a rebellious cause against the KMT.

Thanks for all detailed historical information you gave. So the Song family, especially the Song sisterswere very popular during that era. Kind of reminds me when royal families marry their kids off to their cousins or someone influencial to keep all the money and power within the family.
A drama/film can be a story inspired from real events/stories but for
entertainment purposes it needs to be simplified for the general audience and exaggerated a bit to entertain the audience. So it won't be as accurate as documentary series would be, It is great to have stories/ historical events about the past told vividly and informatively, but someone has to produce it first and someone has to sponsor it as well. Like History channel and some PBS /BBC channels would showcase some documentary series.

It is scary! Makes me think what some radicals and suicide bombers do and their mentality. But in Xu Nou's case, he had no other options except death, otherwise he would be tortured to confess and he did not want to betray anyone or put anyone else in danger.
I guess WRL was right about his brother's comrades strange behavior, that were all acting like their a ready to die any moment for some cause/purpose.

Definitely was heartbreaking to see Xu Nuo death. But when he died, he did it with a bang through an explosion and taking some of KMT officers with him .

Wang Yibo definitely improved a lot in his acting over the years, but his acting was not bad in any of his drama. Most of the roles/characters he played in the past dramas was quite well done. He brings the right emotion needed for each role/characters he plays and each one varies differently from each other. The Love Actually drama he played a support role in is the only drama I don't like, not because of acting, he did a great job in his role, but I did not like the story/plot. Wang Yibo has great on screen presence that when he not on screen, you will miss his presence. He can show subtle emotions like his character Lan Wangji (The Untamed) or
Secretary Ye ( Hidden Blade), he can play more fun and teasing characters like Xue Yun ( Legend of Fei) and Ji Xiangkong (Gamk Your Heart), and very passionate and tearful characters like Lei Yu (Born To Fly movie), Chen Yu (Being a Hero), and Chen Shou (One and Only Movie). Of course he still young and have a lot to grow and will get better over time. I would say, his drama The Untamed and War of Faith are his best top two. Not only because of Wang Yibo's acting, but because these two dramas are masterpieces when it comes to the story/plot, acting (main &support gave their all), directing, cinematography, music, and costume design. Wang Yibo is a great actor, but to have a great drama, it is all about teamwork l, script, directing, cast, and crew.

"There is a fire within you, don't ever lose that fire inside you and become someone you hate the most." - Shen Tunan to Wei Rou Lai

That is a very powerful quote and message, because STN sees the fire in WRL the fire he use to have in himself that he no longer has with his shattered hope and faith. The KMT is using STN and LQS like strings in a puppet. But neither are able to break away from the path they chose, they are aware and dislike the tasks their KMT Superiors are forcing them to do, but have no option of saying no. Either they survive or be killed which are both tragic choices in which neither they can win in. WRL already quit his job and still has a chance way get away from
KMT and being used by them. I am glad WRL is also wise enough to not join the Communist Party, like he said he is still unfamiliar with it and do not know much about it, that he is cautious in joining something he needs information on. KMT and CCP are two powerful groups with their own rules that require commitment. It is like joining a gang, you want to make sure you are fully aware about what you are joining before you commit.
They were about to arrest STN and he was willing to take the blame because "Big Sister" in KMT is angry. WRL sadly had admitted that he was the one who leaked the transaction list to save STN from being arrested. Oh these two are moving in different paths in what they believe in but still care enough about
each other, trying to protect each other in sometimes foolish way.
The scene where WRL was sneaking about like a spy and suddenly found SJZ sneaking about in the file room both looking for Transaction List, really these two would make great spy partners in the future. Xu Nou is right that what WRL and SJZ have in common is that they are man/woman of action. Both are clever and smart, one is an engineer and the other in finance.
Also love the part when Xu Nou said Wei Rou Lai is born to be a revolutionist, with how clever WRL though of a plan to leak the Transaction List to the public with the least harm as possible. So sad many innocent lives who are just protesting against corruption/lies from the government were easily killed. It is hard to fight those with great power, many sacrifice their lives for a revolution so the future generations don't have to suffer. After Sino-Japanese War and now this, people in this era must suffered a lot, seeing so much tragedy. Turbulent times is when you will be tested the most. Do we just go with the flow or fight against injustice? Not really an easy choice to make.

Yeah, I felt so bad for WRL who was already depressed after losing Wen, to be blamed by others who did not listen to his sound advice. Definitely was unwise for Ms. Zhou to buy stocks with money she did not even have. Others were ready to sell their stocks as WRL suggested but Ms. Zhou made others lie about it. A very sad outcome that deeply affected WRL.

I agree with you! With so much depth to the story, romance is the last thing I would want/need in the drama. If there is romance, I prefer it to be subtle in which does not take away from the main story. Small guestures of care, working together, supporting each other, and trust shows love in much better and memorable way.

Thank you for sharing! Love reading about history and nice to see a little piece of it in the drama.

Yeah, STN and LQS are in similar situation of Kill or be Killed. Both had dreams to do something great for their country and hopes but completely shattered by those on the top position. LQS in earlier episodes was ready to leave Shanghai with his girl after his suspension, but he was forced to stay in the police force by threatening Meijuan's life. In the current episodes 27 and 28 STN was ready to quit his job at the Central Bank. But the KMT leaders at the top forced him to stay with threatening Zhouzheng sword, with the message "Sink or Swim." To either follow orders (swim) or sink (suicide). It is like STN and LQS joined a were recruited in a gang not a government job.
When a person joins a gang, most cases the only way to leave it is to die. It is very rare for anyone to escape from because they will always something against you. This drama is so interesting!