Michelle Topham 
Chinese historical war-themed drama The Long Way Back is now listed on Douban with a 7.9 rating.
The announcement was made via Tencent Video on their Weibo account, with the congratulatory comment:
#The Long Way Back Douban Score 7.9#
Tempered by the harsh landscapes, faith ignited in the flames of war! Every step taken by the anti-Japanese united forces through the snow ultimately reflects their unwavering aspirations across time!
The Long Way Back has achieved the highest Douban rating for domestic war dramas since 2021.
Thank you for every acknowledgment as we carry forward the spirit of the anti-Japanese united forces. The prosperous era is as our forebears wished!
Watch all episodes on Tencent Video/WeTV as a subscriber.
And yes, you read that correctly. The Long Way Back has earned the highest Douban rating for a domestic war drama since 2021!
Congratulations, eh?
Why is The Long Way Back‘s 7.9 on Douban excellent?
A Douban score of 7.9 is considered very good, especially for a domestic Chinese war drama. Here’s a detailed breakdown of why:
1. Douban’s Rating Scale is Stringent
Unlike some review sites where a 7/10 might be average, Douban users are known for being critical and discerning, particularly with domestic films and TV shows.
The general perception of scores on Douban then is as follows:
9.0 and above: Masterpiece, classic territory (e.g., The Long Night, The Bad Kids)
8.0 – 8.9: Excellent, highly recommended, and a mark of great quality.
7.0 – 7.9: Very good to good. This is a solid and respectable score. It means the show is well-made, has been well-received by its audience, and is considered above average.
6.0 – 6.9: Passable or average. Flawed but might have some redeeming qualities.
Below 6.0: Generally considered poor or bad.
Therefore, a 7.9 is sitting at the very top of the “very good” tier, knocking on the door of “excellent.”
2. Genre Considerations: War Dramas
This is crucial. War dramas, and specifically historical/patriotic dramas, are often held to a different standard.
Scrutiny for Clichés: This genre can sometimes be prone to propaganda tropes, overly heroic stereotypes, and predictable storytelling, which critical viewers on Douban often penalize.
The Long Way Back hits 24000 on the Tencent heat index
High Bar for Authenticity: Audiences expect high production value, accurate historical details, realistic costumes and sets, and nuanced acting in order to feel immersed.
Emotional Resonance vs. Critique: While these shows aim to inspire patriotism and emotional connection, Douban reviewers will also critique their technical and narrative merits.
A high score in this genre indicates that the show successfully navigated these potential pitfalls.
In other words, The Long Way Back wasn’t just seen as patriotic content; it was recognized as a well-crafted piece of television that respected the audience’s intelligence.
3. The Key Evidence: “Highest Score Since 2021”
The promotional text itself provides the strongest proof: The Long Way Back‘s Douban score is hailed as the “highest Douban score for a domestic war drama since 2021.”
This directly tells you that within its competitive category, a 7.9 is outstanding. It beat all other similar shows released in that period.
This context is everything. If the average rating for comparable war dramas is around 6.5, then a 7.9 is a significant achievement.
Yep, The Long Way Back earning a 7.9 on Douban is excellent news.
Although, not particularly surprising if you have watched the Chinese war drama on WeTV as it truly is an exceptional watch.
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