Introduction: A Groundbreaking Spy Narrative
While Western audiences often associate espionage dramas with James Bond-style glamour, China’s 2011 masterpiece The Borrowed Gun (借枪) offers a raw, humanized portrayal of resistance fighters during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Directed by Jiang Wei (姜伟) and starring Zhang Jiayi (张嘉益), this 30-episode series subverts genre clichés by focusing on an underfunded, unglamorous spy’s struggle for survival and moral integrity in occupied Tianjin. With a 8.4/10 Douban rating and critical acclaim for its historical authenticity, it’s a must-watch for fans of The Americans or Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy seeking fresh perspectives .
Plot Synopsis: Espionage Without Glory
Set in 1939 Tianjin, the story follows Xiong Kuohai (Zhang Jiayi), a Communist sleeper agent posing as a down-and-out pawnshop clerk. Unlike typical spies, Xiong lacks resources:
- He borrows money from gangsters to fund operations
- Negotiates with a Japanese officer (played by Yin Zhusheng) through chess games
- Relies on street-smart allies like his wife (Yan Bingyan) and a cynical nationalist agent (Li Naiwen)
The central mission—assassinating a high-ranking Japanese official—becomes a desperate scramble for weapons, intel, and trust. The title The Borrowed Gun symbolizes Xiong’s vulnerability: even his firearm isn’t his own.
Zhang Jiayi’s Career-Defining Performance
Zhang Jiayi, known internationally for A Bite of China (2012) and The First Half of My Life (2017), delivers his most nuanced work here. He transforms Xiong into:
- An Anti-Hero: Chain-smoking, financially struggling, and morally conflicted
- A Family Man: Scenes with his daughter humanize his sacrifices
- A Reluctant Leader: His leadership stems from pragmatism, not ideology
Critics praise how Zhang’s slumped posture and weary expressions convey wartime trauma more powerfully than dialogue . This role cemented his reputation as China’s master of understated acting.
Director Jiang Wei’s Signature Style
Jiang Wei, acclaimed for Latent Danger (潜伏, 2008), employs three innovative techniques:
- Documentary Realism: Handheld cameras capture Tianjin’s grimy alleyways
- Minimalist Soundtrack: Tense silences replace orchestral scores
- Moral Ambiguity: Both Chinese collaborators and Japanese officers receive multidimensional portrayals
A standout sequence uses split-screen editing to contrast Xiong’s covert meetings with his daughter’s school play—a poignant commentary on wartime duality.
Cultural Significance & Historical Context
-The Borrowed Gun* revitalized China’s WWII narratives by:
- Rejecting Propaganda Tropes: Xiong’s Communist superiors are depicted as bureaucratically inept
- Highlighting Civilian Resistance: Street vendors and beggars form an intelligence network
- Exploring Collaboration: A subplot involves a Chinese translator (Zhang Hanyu) rationalizing his choices
The series also sparked debates about historical accuracy. Adviser Li Xiaofeng (a military historian) ensured details like the Type 94 pistol’s mechanics and 1930s Tianjin dialect were meticulously recreated .
Why International Audiences Should Watch
- Universal Themes: Loyalty, fatherhood, and ethical compromise transcend cultural boundaries
- Unique Perspective: Rare portrayal of Sino-Japanese War espionage from the Chinese viewpoint
- Cinematic Quality: Cinematography rivals HBO dramas (e.g., the chiaroscuro lighting in Episode 19’s interrogation scene)
- Stream Accessibility: Available with English subtitles on platforms like Viki and iQIYI
For Western viewers, it’s an eye-opening counterpart to Das Boot in depicting the psychological toll of prolonged warfare.
Legacy & Critical Reception
Though initially overshadowed by Latent Danger, The Borrowed Gun has gained cult status:
- Awards: 2011 Shanghai TV Festival Best Director
- Academic Recognition: Taught in Peking University’s Film Studies program as a “deconstructed revolutionary narrative”
- Fan Theories: Online forums still debate whether Xiong’s final sacrifice was necessary
Zhang Jiayi later reflected: “Xiong isn’t a hero—he’s a man trying to stay human in inhumane times.” This ethos makes the series resonate a decade later.
How to Watch & Discussion Guide
Streaming:
- Viki (1080p, English subs)
- iQIYI International (free with ads)
Discussion Prompts:
- How does Xiong’s poverty affect his spycraft?
- Compare/contrast with Schindler’s List in depicting moral ambiguity
- What modern conflicts mirror the series’ themes?
Conclusion: More Than a Spy Drama
-The Borrowed Gun* isn’t just about wartime intrigue—it’s a meditation on how ordinary people preserve dignity amid chaos. Zhang Jiayi’s masterclass in subtlety and Jiang Wei’s uncompromising vision make this 2011 Chinese drama a timeless exploration of resilience. For global viewers seeking narratives beyond Hollywood’s spy glamour, Xiong Kuohai’s borrowed gun fires questions that linger long after the credits roll.