Awakening Age (2021)
A sweeping Chinese historical drama tracing the birth of the New Culture Movement and the revolutionary figures who reshaped modern China.
Awakening Age - Series Information
- Original Title: 觉醒年代
- First Air Year: 2021
- Last Air Year: 2021
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 43
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- First Air Date: February 1, 2021 (United States - TV-14)
- Networks: CCTV-1
- Alternative Titles: Awakening Age (CN)
- Production Companies: 北京广电影视传媒有限公司, 安徽广播电视台
- Production Countries: China
Awakening Age - Plot
During a turbulent time from 1915 to 1921, Chen Du Xiu and Li Da Zhao, along with other like-minded individuals, founded the Magazine La Jeunesse that started the New Culture Movement. The magazine promoted science and democracy and revolutionized the thinking of the masses and encouraged them to fight against imperialism that has been ingrained in everyone. The series follows a colorful cast with various well-known authors, politicians, and revolutionists as they all try in their own way to save their country.
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Awakening Age - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Bi Yanjun
- Yu Hewei
- Zhang Tong
- Zhang Wanyi
- Ma Shaohua
- Cao Lei
- Hou Jingjian
- Zheng Hao
- Xia Dejun
- Lu Yi
Writers
- Long Pingping
Awakening Age - FAQs
Is Awakening Age based on a true story?
Awakening Age is rooted in real history. It dramatizes the lives of actual figures — Chen Duxiu, Li Dazhao, Mao Zedong, and Zhou Enlai — during the pivotal 1915–1921 period when China's New Culture Movement took shape and the Chinese Communist Party was founded.
Who are the main actors in Awakening Age?
Yu Hewei leads the cast as Chen Duxiu, with Zhang Tong portraying Li Dazhao. Zhang Wanyi plays Chen Yannian, Ma Shaohua takes on Cai Yuanpei, Cao Lei portrays Lu Xun, and Hou Jingjian appears as a young Mao Zedong. Xia Dejun plays Zhou Enlai.
Is Awakening Age worth watching?
For fans of prestige historical drama, it absolutely is. Awakening Age earned widespread critical praise in China for its nuanced portrayals of iconic revolutionary figures, its rich period detail, and emotionally resonant storytelling. Yu Hewei's performance as Chen Duxiu in particular drew exceptional acclaim from audiences and critics alike.
Where can I watch Awakening Age?
Awakening Age originally aired on CCTV-1 in China. For international viewers, availability varies by region. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming and viewing options in your country, as platform availability can change over time.
What historical period does Awakening Age cover?
The series spans the years 1915 to 1921, a transformative era in Chinese history. It begins with the launch of the magazine La Jeunesse and the New Culture Movement, and concludes with the founding of the Chinese Communist Party — one of the most consequential moments in modern Chinese history.
Did Awakening Age win any awards?
Awakening Age was one of the most celebrated Chinese dramas of 2021, winning multiple prestigious awards including honors at the China TV Drama Awards. It was widely recognized for its outstanding performances, direction, and production quality, and became a cultural phenomenon in China upon its release.
Who wrote the script for Awakening Age?
The series was written by Long Pingping, a screenwriter known for his meticulous research into Chinese revolutionary history. Long spent years developing the script, drawing on extensive historical records to craft a drama that balances political authenticity with deeply personal character portrayals.
What are similar shows to Awakening Age?
If you enjoy Awakening Age's blend of history and drama, consider The Plot Against America, a gripping alternate-history political drama, or The Man in the High Castle, which similarly reimagines pivotal historical forces. For Chinese-language series, Youth (2012) and The Legend of Hao Lan offer comparable period storytelling.
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