Looking Back in Anger (1989)

A landmark Hong Kong TVB drama that moved Chinese audiences worldwide with its tragic story, celebrated cast, and an unforgettable theme song.

Looking Back in Anger - Series Information

  • Original Title: 義不容情
  • First Air Year: 1989
  • Last Air Year: 1989
  • Created by: Wai Ka-Fai
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Drama
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (42 minutes)
  • Number of Seasons: 1
  • Number of Episodes: 50
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: CN
  • Spoken Languages: Cantonese
  • Networks: TVB Jade
  • Alternative Titles: yiburongqing (CN), Looking Back In Anger (FR), Looking Back In Anger (US)
  • Production Companies: TVB
  • Production Countries: Hong Kong

Looking Back in Anger - Plot

Looking Back in Anger was a 1989 Hong Kong TV series and one of the most watched TVB series by Chinese people in Hong Kong and around the world. Many factors contributed to the success of this series. As well as its tragic but memorable storyline, this series featured a strong cast, with Felix Wong, Deric Wan, Carina Lau, Kathy Chow Hoi-Mei and Maggie Shiu. The popular theme song of the series "Yat sang ho kau" was sung by Danny Chan and later by Deric Wan himself.

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Looking Back in Anger - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Wai Ka-Fai

Main Cast

  • Felix Wong Yat-Wah
  • Deric Wan
  • Carina Lau
  • Kathy Chow Hoi-Mei
  • Maggie Shiu
  • Kwan Hoi-San
  • Gallen Lo Ka-Leung
  • Kiki Sheung
  • So Hang-Suen
  • Lee Shing-Cheong

Writers

  • Cheung Siu-Han

Looking Back in Anger - FAQs

What is Looking Back in Anger about?

Looking Back in Anger follows the intertwined lives of two brothers and the women around them in a story filled with love, sacrifice, and tragedy. The 1989 TVB production became one of the most emotionally resonant Hong Kong dramas ever made, celebrated for its gripping narrative and memorable characters.

Why did Looking Back in Anger become such a cultural phenomenon?

The series struck a deep chord with Chinese audiences in Hong Kong and around the world thanks to its emotionally devastating storyline, a powerhouse ensemble cast, and the haunting theme song "Yat sang ho kau" performed by the beloved Danny Chan. It remains a defining milestone of the TVB golden era.

Who are the main actors in Looking Back in Anger?

The series stars Felix Wong Yat-Wah as Ding Youjian, Deric Wan as Ding Youkang, Carina Lau as Ni Chujun, Kathy Chow Hoi-Mei as Li Hua, and Maggie Shiu as Zhao Jiamin, alongside Kwan Hoi-San, Gallen Lo Ka-Leung, Kiki Sheung, So Hang-Suen, and Lee Shing-Cheong.

Where can you watch Looking Back in Anger?

Streaming availability for Looking Back in Anger varies by region. As a classic 1989 TVB production, it may be found on platforms specialising in Hong Kong and Chinese-language content. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options available in your area.

What is the famous theme song from Looking Back in Anger?

The iconic theme song "Yat sang ho kau" became inseparable from the series' emotional legacy. It was originally performed by the legendary Cantopop singer Danny Chan and later recorded by cast member Deric Wan himself, adding a deeply personal dimension to the show's already powerful soundtrack.

Who created and wrote Looking Back in Anger?

Looking Back in Anger was created by Wai Ka-Fai, who would go on to become one of Hong Kong cinema's most celebrated directors and screenwriters. The series was written by Cheung Siu-Han and produced by TVB, airing on TVB Jade in 1989.

How many episodes does Looking Back in Anger have?

The series ran for a single season comprising 50 episodes, each averaging around 42 minutes in length. Broadcast on TVB Jade in 1989, its extended run gave the story ample room to develop its complex characters and emotionally layered relationships across the full season.

What shows are similar to Looking Back in Anger?

Fans of Looking Back in Anger who enjoy emotionally driven family dramas may also appreciate The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils (1997), Brothers and Sisters (2006), and Ambitions (2019). Road to Avonlea (1990) offers a similarly nostalgic, character-rich storytelling style from the same era.

More About Looking Back in Anger

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