There was high drama, tears, screams and much weapon-wielding at a World War II victory day entertainment gala in Beijing on Thursday night after a picture-perfect military parade in the morning.

Photo: CCTV screencap.

The “Victory and Peace” show was held at the Great People’s Hall. It depicted the Chinese people’s resistance against the Japanese invasion in a horrifying and melodramatic way, complete with howling soldiers and ravaged women.

Photo: CCTV screencap.

Photo: CCTV screencap.

One of the most striking scenes featured women clad in blood-stained and torn dresses. They were likely representing victims of the 1937 Nanking Massacre, sometimes called the Rape of Nanking.

Photo: CCTV screencap.

Photo: CCTV screencap.

Amongst all the screaming, a mother carrying her deceased child emerged from the back.

Photo: CCTV screencap.

Her eyes were full of anger as she took centre stage.

Photo: CCTV screencap.

Photo: CCTV screencap.

Equally frightening – if not mildly camp – were topless men dancing in waves, mimicking the movement of a “roaring Yellow River.”

Photo: CCTV screencap.

Photo: CCTV screencap.

Another scene took us back to the 1937 Battle of Pingxingguan, in which the Communist Party’s 8th Route Army defeated Japanese soldiers in central China.

Photo: CCTV screencap.

Photo: CCTV screencap.

The fur-trapper-wearing “heroes” of northeastern China’s Heilongjiang were hailed for their bravery and sacrifices for the country.

Photo: CCTV screencap.

Photo: CCTV screencap.

Other memorable scenes from the gala included soldiers of the revolution “basking in the light of Chairman Mao’s thoughts.”

Photo: CCTV screencap.

Photo: CCTV screencap.

The Normandy Landings were just as emotional.

Photo: CCTV screencap.

Photo: CCTV screencap.

After almost a decade of fighting, victory was upon China and peace finally dawned on the country.

Photo: CCTV screencap.

Chinese pianist Lang Lang played victorious ditties whilst the people looked to their future with hope.

Photo: CCTV screencap.

Photo: CCTV screencap.

Then, a war veteran related tales of the war to a dozen children sitting around him.

Photo: CCTV screencap.

And of course, no Chinese gala will be complete without a harmonious dance of the country’s 55 minorities celebrating China’s national unity.

Photo: CCTV screencap.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0BsrokfH1hMkBEAHupeSWPfm3CX7lRpw

State news agency Xinhua called the show “majestic and inspiring.”