This drama has a relatively interesting beginning than the ending and the initial development of the characters from naive new recruits to war veterans is also good, especially in Gu Yiye.

Coming to the story, the pace was slow and steady for the first 20 eps and can be said better than the rushed later eps. The freshness and curiosity of youth and then the heavy emotions after losing their loved ones are well handled in the first half. It could've been better if they'd not cut too many scenes in later eps because the story seems to be very irregular and fast paced after that.

It is not a regular military drama since it shows beyond the monotonous war politics.
However actual military life is far from this drama. And there are some unrealistic moments such as new recruits shouting at their superiors and still not thrown out of the amry. Another spooky thing is the subtle favouritism of Division Commander and other officers towards GL. There are many instances when his stay in army depends on their mercy and guess what - he gets it everytime, one time even if costs them the better one!!! Why? Because GYY is smarter and richer and he can live a better life even without army, but GL has no one so he should stay?. Like hell, this was one of crappiest reasons ever to choose a soldier. Although GL's selflessness and bravery is touching, his dependence on luck and superhuman strength seem to annoy us. Also he is the only character that doesn't age- he looks the same even after 20 years!

Aside from those flaws, there are many good scenes including the emotional outbursts of GYY and GL at war and the hilly love triangle. The tragic sub plots can leave an impression. Xiao Zhan and Zhong Chuxi did great jobs as GYY and JNZ. Huang Jingyu was good too but his character is not much different from his previous roles.

Overall it's worth watching one time to have a change of genre or if you are fan of any of the actors.