Every once in awhile, a war movie comes along that does something truly innovative to make its story memorable. These are those movies.

A series of World War II dramas about China’s fight against Japan is drawing audiences to their feet, and, in some cases, to tears. Some say it helps deflect public discontent.

China will mark Japan’s defeat in World War II with a parade of missiles, soldiers and leaders like Kim Jong-un of North Korea and Vladimir Putin of Russia.

War movies have been major hits since the advent of cinema, with films about World Wars, Civil Wars, and even smaller wars along the way.

Japan is facing its most severe security environment since World War II as three potential adversaries in East Asia – China, Russia and North Korea – ramp up military activities in the region ...