Honestly, it feels like this drama is underrated and deserves so much more attention, because it is quite simply - brilliant. The characters. The story. It's masterfully portrayed.

Wasn't quite sure what to expect going into it but by the middle it was clear that Battle of Changsha will leave a deep impression and it most certainly did.

It is by no means a light watch, yet manages to bring in humour. At a certain point it becomes unbearably heavy and you truly start to feel the consequences of war and it's impact on the simple citizens. You feel for them, you live with them.
I rarely cry, but this made me cry several times, so be warned, prepare the tissues.

The story may seem simple enough - we follow the Hu family during a time of war.
But...it is not so simple as that.
I'm really having trouble describing just how...emotional it is.
The writer, director and cast truly manage to bring you in into the story - they've done a spectacular job.

The characters are so well written...they truly have depth. They feel real.
Battle of Changsha is one of the rare dramas where the whole story is carried by the characters, their relationships and their growth alone.
It does not focus on the war or how one might expect the Japanese to be the evil ones in this case, that's no the point of the drama - the point is how a family lives through it all. War is no black and white.

I've seen Yang Zi and Wallace Huo in other dramas and knew they'd do good, but their characters here...I truly do believe this might very well be their best work. It certainly is in my eyes.
Individually - their character growth is a thing to behold, both actors were amazing in their portrayals.
And together - one might think the age difference is too big for the actors, but for their characters it's perfect - as the characters slowly change and romance starts to grow and you see the relationship start to form for the characters and naturally develop - it's a lovely thing to watch.
You no longer see the actors, you forget the age gap, you simply see the characters they are and rejoice in their relationship.

Once the story starts to hit heavy I'd advise taking a little break and watch something else that is more light and then come back. Battle of Changsha is not the kind of drama that can be easily marathoned. It really brings out the feelings.

All in all, I say this is a must watch:
The story is fantasticaly written.
The characters are flesh & blood - they have their faults, they're human and you know it's real.
The actors have outdone themselves - all of the cast were truly amazing.
The music fit the mood and while not exceedingly memorable, knew which strings to pick to get the desired emotion. Or at times, silence was all it took.
Re-watch value...only reason I give it an 8 is because this is no easy re-watch material, it needs time to settle down and then may watch again for sure.