Red Sorghum (2014)
A landmark Chinese historical drama adapting Mo Yan's Nobel Prize-winning novel, marking Zhou Xun's long-awaited return to television.
Red Sorghum - Series Information
- Original Title: 红高粱
- First Air Year: 2014
- Last Air Year: 2014
- Created by: Xiaolong Zheng
- 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: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- Networks: LeTV, iQiyi, Mango TV, Tencent Video
- Alternative Titles: Red Sorghum (US)
- Production Companies: 花儿影视, Qingdao Phoenix Film & Television Media 青岛凤凰影视传媒, Shandong Film & TV Group
- Production Countries: China
Red Sorghum - Plot
Red Sorghum is a Chinese television series based on Nobel laureate Mo Yan's 1986/1987 eponymous novel. Directed by Zheng Xiaolong, it also features the highly-anticipated return of actress Zhou Xun to television after 10 years.
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Red Sorghum - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Xiaolong Zheng
Main Cast
- Zhou Xun
- Zhu Yawen
- Huang Xuan
- Yu Rongguang
- Qin Hailu
- Alvin Cao
- Han Tongsheng
- Lan Wang
- Ryu Kohata
- Chi Peng
Writers
- Zhao Dongling
- Geng Pan
Red Sorghum - FAQs
Is Red Sorghum based on a true story?
Red Sorghum is not based on a single true story, but draws from Mo Yan's acclaimed 1986/1987 novel of the same name, which itself weaves together folklore, family memory, and historical events set in rural Shandong during China's turbulent early 20th century and the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Why did Zhou Xun return to television for Red Sorghum?
Zhou Xun's casting in Red Sorghum was a major event — she had been absent from television for roughly a decade before taking the lead role of Dai Jiulian. Her return generated enormous anticipation among Chinese audiences and added significant prestige to the production.
Where can you watch Red Sorghum?
Red Sorghum is available to purchase on Amazon Video. The series originally aired across multiple Chinese platforms including LeTV, iQiyi, Mango TV, and Tencent Video. For a full list of current viewing options in your region, check JustWatch.
Who are the main actors in Red Sorghum?
The series stars Zhou Xun as Dai Jiulian and Zhu Yawen as Yu Zhan'ao, with Huang Xuan, Yu Rongguang, Qin Hailu, Alvin Cao, Han Tongsheng, Lan Wang, Ryu Kohata, and Chi Peng rounding out the principal cast.
How many episodes does Red Sorghum have?
Red Sorghum consists of 60 episodes across a single season, with each episode running approximately 45 minutes. The series aired in 2014 and has since concluded, offering a complete story from beginning to end.
What is Red Sorghum the TV series about?
Set in rural Shandong, Red Sorghum follows a spirited young woman navigating love, hardship, and resistance against the backdrop of Japanese occupation. Adapted from Mo Yan's Nobel Prize-winning novel, the series blends romance, family saga, and wartime drama across sweeping historical landscapes.
What are shows similar to Red Sorghum?
Fans of Red Sorghum may enjoy Yanxi Palace: Princess Adventures for its Chinese historical setting, or Call It Love and I Hear You for emotionally driven romance. Pretty Guardian of the City and If I Love A Boy also offer comparable dramatic storytelling rooted in Asian television traditions.
Who wrote the screenplay for Red Sorghum?
The television adaptation of Red Sorghum was written by Zhao Dongling and Geng Pan, who adapted Mo Yan's celebrated source novel into a 60-episode dramatic series directed by Zheng Xiaolong.
More About Red Sorghum
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