A new TV series commemorates the 80th anniversary of the victories of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War and the World Anti-Fascist War, with release expected later this year.

A poster for "The Long Way Back." [Image courtesy of Tencent Video]

"The Long Way Back," produced by Tencent Video under guidance from the National Radio and Television Administration, follows a Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army squad during China's 14-year-long struggle against Japanese aggressors.

The series depicts soldiers who become cut off from their main forces and the Communist Party of China leadership after a fierce battle, forcing them to endure relentless Japanese pursuit. Bound by their oath to fight to the death, they survive extreme hardships to regroup and return to the battlefield, their sacrifice contributing to China's victory and the world anti-fascist triumph.

The series is directed by Zang Xichuan and Zhao Yang, with a screenplay developed by celebrated screenwriter Gao Mantang along with Li Li, Ru Sheng and Li Zhou. The ensemble cast features Hu Jun, Li Naiwen, Chen Jingke, Yuan Shanshan, Ren Bin and Song Jiateng. Renowned musician and singer Han Hong serves as music supervisor.

The series' release date has not yet been announced, but its theme song "Return" was released on May 9 to coincide with the anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War. The occasion was marked in Russia by a grand military parade at Red Square earlier that day, featuring over 11,500 military personnel, including contingents from more than 10 countries. Notably, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Guard of Honor participated in the event.

Reflecting the historical connection between the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army and the Soviet Union, singer Zhou Shen performs the series' theme song in a music video featuring alternating verses in Chinese and Russian. The song features lyrics by Shu Wang, music by Li Ran and Russian lyrics adapted by He Xiangji and Wang Liye, with orchestral accompaniment by musicians from the China Philharmonic Orchestra.

Tencent Video said the bilingual song commemorates the wartime mutual support between Chinese and Soviet forces against fascism, symbolizing their revolutionary camaraderie and shared vision for peace.

The song celebrates the soldiers who fought in the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army by honoring those "bravely facing national peril, remaining loyal to the homeland, sacrificing for righteousness and uniting against aggression," according to the production company.