Where did "San Mao Join the Army" come from?

"San Mao Joins the Army" was produced in Shanghai. "San Mao Joins the Army" is a comedy film adapted from the comic of the same name by writer Zhang Leping and produced by Shanghai Film Studio. Directed by Zhang Jianya, written by Zhang Leping and Zhang Jianya, it co-starred Jia Lin, Wei Zongwan, Sun Feihu, Li Ying, Zhu Yi, Zhang Mingyu, Jiang Wen and Shi Ling.

The film describes Sanmao’s transformation from a street child to a soldier during the Anti-Japanese War, and his experience of remaining homeless in the end, as well as a series of bizarre and funny experiences he had while serving in the army. "San Mao Joins the Army" premiered in mainland China in October 1992. After the film was broadcast, it won the Best Feature Film at the 1st Beijing University Student Film Festival and the Best Children's Film at the 13th China Film Golden Rooster Awards. Extended information

Plot summary:

In 1937, the Japanese invaders brazenly launched a full-scale war of aggression against China, and homeless Sanmao also joined the army. Sanmao, wearing a large military uniform that didn't fit at all, solemnly lined up in the queue to participate in recruit training. However, during the live grenade throwing training, the weak Sanmao accidentally missed and threw the grenade into the team. After a loud noise, the platoon leader showed a charred face full of anger.

Finally went to the front line to fight. Sanmao was very brave, but made many jokes. He inexplicably joined a death squad and wiped out all the Japanese troops. Chiang Kai-shek personally went to the front line to express condolences to the soldiers. Sanmao was unexpectedly favored by Chiang. Not long after, Sanmao, who worked as a "nanny" for the division commander, returned to the military camp because of the division commander's suicide and fought side by side with his old partners.

Baidu Encyclopedia - San Mao’s Military History