Drama Review: Glory of Special Forces (特战荣耀)

Glory of Special Forces (特战荣耀)

Synopsis

Based on the original novel, the drama tells a story about Yan Po Yue, a young man who wants to become the strongest soldier. The story follows his pursuit to accomplish his dreams, the friendships he makes, and the lessons he learns on his journey.

Adapted from the novel Zhong Guo Te Zhong Bing Zhi Te Bie You Zhong (中国特种兵之特别有种) by Fen Wu Yao Ji.

Where to watch Glory of Special Forces? Youhug’s Youtube

Glory of Special Forces Soundtrack list: 特战荣耀 电视剧原声大碟

Watch Glory of Special Forces (特战荣耀) if you like:

• Character development that’s slow and steady for the protagonist and other characters
• Several arcs to highlight the character development and shift in time Yan Po Yue has spent in military
• Main focus on the protagonist as the drama focuses on Yan Po Yue’s story

Avoid Glory of Special Forces (特战荣耀) if you dislike:

• Lack of romance as there is not a hint of romance in the drama between any of the members except for Yue Kong’s past. A character who isn’t even the main supporting characters.
• Shaky/non-steady camerawork was used quite often and those who doesn’t like that kind of camera work may find it off putting to watch it during the action scenes
• Lots of training scenes and explosives/crossfires but not a lot of combat fighting

Final Review: Glory of Special Forces (特战荣耀)

I am Cheetah, and I’m fearless

★★★★☆ 4/5 Enjoy it while it’s hot! 

Story & Character

The story revolves around Yan Po Yue, a twenty-year-old on his journey to becoming the strongest soldier. Yan Po Yue comes from a family with a military background. When he was six years old, he was kidnapped and thrown into a well with other children. Despite reaching out to help the others escape, they betrayed him by alerting the kidnappers. This betrayal shapes Yan Po Yue’s character and drives him to join a military base, where his father trains him relentlessly. As a recruit in the Tiger Special Forces, Yan Po Yue and his friend Xiao Yun Jie become targets for Commander Li due to their skills and behavior.

Yan Po Yue is portrayed as a mix of an anti-hero and a flawed protagonist, making him less likable than the relaxed Xiao Yun Jie or the goofy Lu Xiao Tian. His ego, stubbornness, and persistence set him apart from his peers, but they also hinder his growth. Yan Po Yue struggles with making decisions, relying on himself, and being wary of others due to his past trauma. Throughout the show, his leaders try to teach him the importance of comradeship and following instructions, but his actions and personality often hinder his progress. Nevertheless, his persistence drives him to overcome obstacles and pursue his goals.

Yan Po Yue’s journey and growth revolve around his trauma and its impact on him as a soldier. He undergoes slight changes as he encounters different people and experiences along his journey. While some individuals and story arcs have a greater impact on him than others, he gradually learns to let go of his trauma and become a better soldier. Although he doesn’t undergo a significant change in character, there is evident character growth throughout the show, which is a central aspect of the story.

The focus of the show is predominantly on Yan Po Yue, and other characters and arcs serve to enhance his story. Characters like Ai Qian Xue and Lu Xiao Tian appear when necessary for Yan Po Yue’s growth, and even Xiao Yun Jie is shown primarily in relation to the hero. As a result, many characters feel like cannon fodder to Yan Po Yue, and there are missed opportunities to explore their reactions and personalities in various situations. This aspect weakens the team dynamic and makes it challenging to connect with the other characters compared to Yan Po Yue.

The show delves into the characters’ mental health and trauma, which is an enjoyable aspect. The issues they face aren’t quickly resolved, but rather explored and expanded upon throughout the show. Characters like Yan Po Yue, Guo Xiao Xiao, and Bai Long are portrayed as raw, human, and likable due to their vulnerabilities.

As a military-based show, the political aspect surrounding the Political Armed Police is expected. Initially, the political focus is minimal, with more emphasis on Yan Po Yue’s growth. However, the ending episodes introduce a competition between different countries that portrays other nations in a negative light, which didn’t sit well with the reviewer. They suggest that the writer could have showcased Yan Po Yue’s growth and skills without disparaging other countries.

Conclusion

Overall, the show kept me invested throughout its airing schedule. It had its highs and lows in terms of arcs and events in Yan Po Yue’s journey. Some episodes and missions felt lengthy and slow-paced, while others were more tightly paced and intense. However, there were instances where certain missions felt unnecessary, and the show could have been condensed by five to ten episodes.

Many of the introduced characters were easy to root for, particularly those in the Tiger Special Force. Despite not having extensive backstories, their distinct characteristics made them stand out. While we did receive backstories for some of the Cheetah comrades, it felt a bit jarring due to their limited screen time. Consequently, it felt like I was forced to like these characters rather than developing a natural affinity for them through more detailed exploration.

Although this drama had its imperfections, as I expressed in my episode reaction commentary, it successfully captured the essence of what it takes to be a top soldier and a good comrade. The intention behind showcasing these qualities was well executed. I must admit that Glory of Special Forces has become one of my favorite watches this year, which surprised me since military dramas are usually hit or miss.

If you have watched Glory of Special Forces, share your opinions with me or feel free to give recommendations of similar dramas!

Extra Content

Video: Youhug created this wonderful clip that puts this whole drama together really well. Many of my favorite quotes and scenes from the drama made it in here.

^{Photo credits: Youku Weibo}