Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the role of theater as a powerful medium during the Anti-Japanese War, serving as a tool for national awakening and resistance against invaders [1] Group 1: Historical Context - The period of the Anti-Japanese War was marked by intense conflict, both on the battlefield and in cultural expressions [1] - Various forms of drama, including opera, spoken drama, and folk opera, were utilized to convey the sentiments of the people and to rally against oppression [1] Group 2: Cultural Impact - Artists transformed theater into a weapon against invaders, igniting a spirit of resistance and unity among the populace [1] - The performances were characterized by their close connection to the people's experiences, effectively expressing the era's anger and determination [1]

Group 1 - A large number of outstanding stage art works and exhibitions themed on the commemoration of the victory of the Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War and the World Anti-Fascist War are being presented to the audience, showcasing the historical significance through artistic expression [1] - The concert "Light of Victory" by the National Orchestra of China Opera and Dance Theater highlights the awakening of the Chinese nation from adversity and the struggle during wartime, allowing the audience to feel the great spirit of resistance through music [4] - Numerous high-quality anti-war themed stage art works are being performed across the country, including the original play "Qiantang Haoge" by the Zhejiang Drama Troupe, which depicts the historical efforts of figures like Mao Yisheng in building bridges and resisting enemies [8] Group 2 - The art sector is also vibrant, with exhibitions such as "People's Victory" at the National Art Museum of China, showcasing various art forms like Chinese painting, oil painting, and sculpture to reflect the commitment of artists in igniting the spirit of resistance through their work [10]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the establishment of the China National Literary and Art Anti-Japanese Association in Wuhan in 1938, which became a significant cultural and political center during the Anti-Japanese War, uniting writers and artists to promote national unity and resistance against Japanese aggression [4][13][32]. Group 1: Historical Context - Wuhan emerged as a military and political center after the fall of major cities like Beijing, Tianjin, and Shanghai during the Japanese invasion [5][6]. - The city was historically significant as a cultural hub, attracting intellectuals and artists who sought to contribute to the national cause [6][11]. Group 2: Formation of the Association - The China National Literary and Art Anti-Japanese Association (referred to as "Wenxie") was founded on March 27, 1938, in Wuhan, aiming to create a united front among writers and artists against Japanese aggression [13][17]. - The association was supported by prominent figures such as Zhou Enlai and included notable writers like Lao She, Guo Moruo, and Ba Jin among its leadership [17][20]. Group 3: Activities and Impact - The association encouraged writers to engage with the public and the front lines, leading to the creation of significant literary works that documented the war and inspired resistance [21][24]. - It published the journal "Anti-Japanese Literature," which became a vital platform for disseminating anti-Japanese sentiment and promoting cultural activities throughout the war [29][31]. Group 4: Legacy and Significance - The Wenxie played a crucial role in fostering a sense of unity among diverse literary figures, transcending political and regional divides [20][32]. - The collective efforts of the association and its members left a lasting cultural legacy, symbolizing the resilience and determination of the Chinese people during a time of crisis [41].

Core Viewpoint - The article reflects on the significance of the song "Guerrilla Song," created by He Luting during the Second Sino-Japanese War, emphasizing its role in inspiring patriotism and resilience among the Chinese people during a critical historical period [1][3][4]. Group 1: Historical Context - "Guerrilla Song" was composed in late 1937, following the outbreak of the Shanghai battle, as part of a cultural initiative to support national anti-Japanese propaganda [1][2]. - He Luting joined the Shanghai Cultural Rescue Theater Troupe, which aimed to mobilize public sentiment for the war effort through performances [2][3]. Group 2: Creative Process - The song's creation was influenced by the harsh realities faced by the Eighth Route Army, leading to the "three no-fire" principle, which inspired He Luting to write lyrics that reflected the guerrilla warfare strategy [3][4]. - The song premiered in January 1938 at a high-level Eighth Route Army meeting, conducted without formal musical accompaniment, highlighting its grassroots origins [3][4]. Group 3: Cultural Impact - "Guerrilla Song" quickly spread across the nation, becoming a rallying cry for the Chinese people during the war, symbolizing their determination to resist occupation [3][4]. - He Luting's other works, such as "Protecting the Homeland" and "Spring Mud," also contributed to the revolutionary spirit and cultural identity during the war [4]. Group 4: Legacy and Modern Relevance - In 1961, He Luting donated the original manuscript of "Guerrilla Song" to the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which is now a national cultural relic [4]. - The article discusses the importance of passing down the patriotic spirit embodied in He Luting's works to contemporary youth, emphasizing the role of art in national identity and revival [4][5].

Core Perspective - The article highlights the significance of Tang Yihe's painting "The Horn of July 7" as a powerful symbol of national spirit and artistic expression during the Anti-Japanese War, emphasizing its historical and emotional impact [2][7]. Group 1: Historical Context - "The Horn of July 7" was created in 1940 and is regarded as a visual representation of the national call to arms during the Anti-Japanese War, capturing the moment when youth stepped out to fight for their country [2][4]. - The painting reflects Tang Yihe's deep-rooted sense of national mission, influenced by his experiences during the May Fourth Movement and his education in France, where he chose realism over modernism [2][3]. Group 2: Artistic Contribution - Tang Yihe transformed his artistic approach in response to the war, using art as a tool for awakening and inspiring the public, leading to the creation of large-scale propaganda works [3][4]. - "The Horn of July 7" features a group of young students depicted in a dynamic composition, symbolizing the collective action of the youth in the national struggle, with various props representing the tools of resistance [4][5]. Group 3: Legacy and Impact - The painting is part of a larger artistic vision, contributing to Tang Yihe's unfinished epic "The Great Column - 400 Million Compatriots," which aims to portray the unity of the Chinese people during the war [5][6]. - The enduring relevance of "The Horn of July 7" lies in its ability to evoke historical memory and inspire contemporary youth to embrace patriotism and a spirit of struggle [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - The news highlights the commencement of the Sino-Russian co-produced documentary "The Great Victory - The Chinese Anti-Japanese War through the Lens of Soviet Photographers," which aims to recover and showcase historical footage from the Chinese Anti-Japanese War era, particularly focusing on the lost film "Yan'an and the Eighth Route Army" [3][4]. Group 1: Historical Context - "Yan'an and the Eighth Route Army" was filmed in 1938 and is recognized as the first people's film under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, documenting the life and struggles in Yan'an during the Anti-Japanese War [3][4]. - The film's creators, including director Yuan Muzhi and cinematographer Wu Yinxian, were prominent figures in the Chinese film industry before the war, having produced notable works such as "The Sons and Daughters of the Wind and Cloud" and "Street Angel" [4][5]. - The establishment of the Yan'an Film Group in 1938 marked the first formal film and photography institution in the history of the Chinese Communist Party, aimed at showcasing the Party's commitment to the Anti-Japanese cause [5][6]. Group 2: Film Production and Challenges - The film was shot under challenging conditions in Yan'an, which was a center for anti-Japanese cultural activities, with over 10,000 youth arriving there in 1938 [4][5]. - The production faced significant difficulties, including the loss of film materials during World War II, as the original footage was lost amidst the chaos of the war [6][7]. - The documentary "Through the Flames" was initiated to honor the legacy of "Yan'an and the Eighth Route Army," with the filming process uncovering historical documents and personal accounts related to the original film [7][8]. Group 3: Cultural Significance - The documentary serves to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Anti-Japanese War and the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema, emphasizing the importance of historical imagery in understanding the past [7][8]. - Interviews with descendants of the original filmmakers reveal the lasting impact of their work and the emotional connection to the historical narrative [8].