The Drive of Life (2007)
A sweeping TVB and CCTV co-production tracing family, ambition, and Hong Kong's transformation across a defining decade.
The Drive of Life - Series Information
- Original Title: 歲月風雲
- First Air Year: 2007
- Last Air Year: 2007
- Created by: Tommy Leung Ga-Shu
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 60
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: CN
- Spoken Languages: Cantonese
- Networks: TVB Jade, CCTV-8
- Alternative Titles: 岁月风云 (CN), Sui yuet fung wan (US)
- Production Companies: TVB
- Production Countries: Hong Kong
The Drive of Life - Plot
The Drive of Life is a 2007 grand production drama by TVB and CCTV as a joint production. It was specially filmed to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong back to China from Britain during the period of 1997-2007.
The theme of the series revolves around the automobile industry in China. Told in flashback from 1994, the ups and downs and transformations that Hong Kong has been experiencing before and after the transfer of the sovereignty of Hong Kong is used as a narrative device. The series was filmed in Hong Kong, Beijing, Ningbo and Vancouver from early October 2006 until May 2007. The automobiles featured in the series are from Geely Automobile, as a fictional brand name "Hua-Zhe". This film ties with TVB drama "War and Beauty" for the record of having the most "Best Actress" winners, where Jessica Hsuan, Charmaine Sheh, Sheren Tang and Myolie Wu won their respective "Best Actress" awards in 1999, 2006, 2009/2010, and 2011.
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The Drive of Life - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Tommy Leung Ga-Shu
Main Cast
- Damian Lau Chung-Yan
- Jessica Hsuan
- Raymond Lam Fung
- William Feng
- Michael Miu Kiu-Wai
- Sheren Tang Shui-Man
- Toby Leung Ching-Kei
- Ron Ng Cheuk-Hai
- Joe Ma Tak-Chung
- Charmaine Sheh Sze-Man
Executive Producers
- Tommy Leung Ga-Shu
The Drive of Life - FAQs
What is The Drive of Life about?
The Drive of Life follows the fortunes of a Hong Kong family deeply embedded in China's automobile industry, spanning the turbulent years surrounding the 1997 handover. Told partly in flashback from 1994, it charts personal and political transformation across a decade of sweeping change in Hong Kong and mainland China.
Why was The Drive of Life made as a joint production?
The series was commissioned as a prestige collaboration between TVB and CCTV specifically to mark the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to Chinese sovereignty. The partnership allowed the production to film across Hong Kong, Beijing, Ningbo, and Vancouver, giving it an unusually broad geographic and political canvas.
Which actresses won Best Actress awards for The Drive of Life?
Four cast members went on to win TVB Best Actress: Jessica Hsuan (1999), Charmaine Sheh (2006), Sheren Tang (2009/2010), and Myolie Wu (2011). This ties the series with War and Beauty for the most Best Actress winners ever produced by a single TVB drama.
Who are the main actors in The Drive of Life?
The ensemble cast is led by Damian Lau Chung-Yan and Jessica Hsuan, with Raymond Lam Fung, William Feng, Michael Miu Kiu-Wai, Sheren Tang Shui-Man, Charmaine Sheh Sze-Man, Ron Ng Cheuk-Hai, Joe Ma Tak-Chung, and Toby Leung Ching-Kei rounding out the principal cast.
Where can viewers stream The Drive of Life?
Streaming availability for The Drive of Life varies by region. For the most up-to-date information on where to watch the series legally — including subscription, rental, and free options — check JustWatch, which aggregates current platform availability in your country.
Where was The Drive of Life filmed?
Principal photography took place across four locations: Hong Kong, Beijing, Ningbo, and Vancouver. Filming ran from early October 2006 through May 2007, giving the production an international scope that reflected the story's themes of cross-border identity and economic ambition.
What role does the automobile industry play in the series?
The automobile industry serves as both backdrop and metaphor throughout the series. The fictional car brand 'Hua-Zhe' — based on Geely Automobile — anchors the family drama, using the rise of Chinese automotive manufacturing as a lens through which to examine ambition, identity, and the economic shifts reshaping post-handover China.
What are some shows similar to The Drive of Life?
Fans of sweeping family sagas with historical and political backdrops may enjoy At the Threshold of an Era, another TVB epic covering Hong Kong's handover era. For broader drama with generational storytelling, Twin Peaks, Yellowjackets, and A Time Called You offer compelling narrative depth across different genres and cultures.
More About The Drive of Life
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