The Water Margin
The Water Margin is a Japanese television series based on Water Margin, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. The novel details the trials and tribulations of 108 outlaws during the Song Dynasty. This adaptation follows Lin Chung and his clashes with the local government official Kao Chiu. The Water Margin is famous for its, sometimes obscure, but memorable philosophical quotes, such as "Do not despise the snake for having no horns,for who is to say it will not become a dragon?""
Overview
The Water Margin is a Japanese television series based on Water Margin, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. The novel details the trials and tribulations of 108 outlaws during the Song Dynasty. This adaptation follows Lin Chung and his clashes with the local government official Kao Chiu. The Water Margin is famous for its, sometimes obscure, but memorable philosophical quotes, such as "Do not despise the snake for having no horns,for who is to say it will not become a dragon?""
Episodes
1. Nine Dozen Heroes and One Wicked Man
The Emperor dispatches his favourite, wicked Kao Chiu, to the sacred mountain to exorcise the evil behind the terrible plague that grips China. Kao Chiu discovers an ancient temple, its doors sealed shut on the orders of a previous emperor. Within is a pit believed to contain the souls of nine dozen rebellious knights. The souls are scattered over China, now reborn as heroes who will take a stand against the corruption that has gripped the empire. One such hero might be Lin Chung, an honourable officer in the imperial army. However, Kao Chiu hatches a plot to have Lin Chung discharged from the army in disgrace.
2. None Ever Escape Alive
Lin Chung accepts his punishment, continuing his journey to Tsang Chou jail. On the way he encounters a band of rebel outlaws who try to persuade him to join them. Lin Chung refuses. fearing for the safety of his wife, Hsiao Lan, still in the capital city - and under the lustful gaze of Kao Chiu. Once imprisoned, Lin Chung earns the respect of head guard Lu Ta. However, Kao Chiu still plots against Lin Chung from a distance - and his evil desire for Hsiao Lan grows all the time.
3. Both at Last Will Reach the Sea
Yang Chih - known as 'Blue Face' - is one of the few honourable men in government. Kao Chiu has banished him to a distant province - with orders to capture and kill Lin Chung. Lin Chung, searching for his wife Hsiao Lan, is offered refuge by Wang Lun, leader of the rebel warriors of Liang Shan Po. However, Yang Chih has captured Lin Chung's wife: Lin Chung must face Yang Chih in a duel that will decide the fate of them all.
Cast & Crew
Atsuo Nakamura
Lin Chung
Sanae Tsuchida
Hu San-Niang
Kei Satō
Kao Chiu
Takeshi Ōbayashi
Sung Chiang
Toshio Kurosawa
Tai Sung
Makoto Satō
Yang Zhi
