The Water Margin (1998)
A monumental Chinese historical drama bringing the legendary tale of 108 outlaws to life across 43 gripping episodes.
The Water Margin - Series Information
- Original Title: 水浒传
- First Air Year: 1998
- Last Air Year: 1998
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-Y
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (46 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 43
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- First Air Date: January 8, 1998 (United States - TV-Y), January 8, 1998 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: CCTV-1
- Production Companies: China Central Television 中央电视台 (CCTV), China Television Production Center 中国电视剧制作中心 (CTPC)
- Production Countries: China
- Alternative Titles: 央视版水浒传 (CN), Thủy Hử 1998 (VN), 수호전 (KR), The Water Margin 1998 (US)
The Water Margin - Plot
The trials and tribulations of 108 outlaws during the mid Song Dynasty.
The Water Margin - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse of this sweeping historical epic:
Where to Watch The Water Margin
Looking for where to watch The Water Margin?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Water Margin - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Li Xuejian
- Ning Xiaozhi
- Li Dongguo
- Liu Weihua
- Zhao Xiaorui
- Hengping Zhang
- Ding Haifeng
- Zhou Yemang
- Zheng Qiang
- Zang Jinsheng
Writers
- Zhengguang Yang
- Ran Ping
Executive Producers
- Weiguang Yang
The Water Margin - FAQs
Is The Water Margin based on a true story?
The Water Margin is based on the classic 14th-century Chinese novel Water Margin (水浒传), attributed to Shi Nai'an. While rooted in folklore surrounding real Song Dynasty rebels, the characters and events are largely legendary rather than strictly historical, blending fact with rich literary tradition.
Where can you watch The Water Margin online?
The Water Margin (1998) is available to stream online. You can compare all current viewing options, including subscription services and digital rental or purchase platforms, by visiting JustWatch, which lists regional availability for this classic Chinese historical drama.
What is The Water Margin 1998 series about?
The Water Margin follows the trials and tribulations of 108 outlaws during the mid Song Dynasty. Adapted from one of China's Four Great Classical Novels, the series depicts how these rebels gather at Liangshan Marsh, forming a brotherhood that challenges corrupt imperial authority through loyalty, sacrifice, and martial valor.
Who are the main actors in The Water Margin?
The principal cast includes Li Xuejian as Song Jiang, Ning Xiaozhi as Wu Yong, Ding Haifeng as Wu Song, Zhou Yemang as Lin Chong, Zhao Xiaorui as Li Kui, Zang Jinsheng as Lu Zhishen, Li Dongguo as Ruan Xiaoqi, and Liu Weihua as Ruan Xiaer, among others.
How many episodes does The Water Margin have?
The Water Margin (1998) consists of 43 episodes across a single season, with each episode running approximately 46 minutes. The series was produced by China Central Television (CCTV) and the China Television Production Center, and originally broadcast on CCTV-1.
When did The Water Margin first air?
The Water Margin premiered on January 8, 1998, on CCTV-1 in China. The series quickly became one of the most celebrated television adaptations of the classical novel Water Margin, drawing massive audiences across China and earning recognition throughout East and Southeast Asia.
Is The Water Margin 1998 considered a classic Chinese TV series?
Yes, the 1998 CCTV adaptation of The Water Margin is widely regarded as one of China's definitive television classics. Alongside adaptations of Dream of the Red Chamber, Journey to the West, and Romance of the Three Kingdoms, it is celebrated as part of a golden era of Chinese historical drama production.
What is the content rating for The Water Margin?
The Water Margin (1998) carries a TV-Y content rating in the United States, indicating it is suitable for all audiences. In South Korea, the series received a 15 rating. Despite its action-oriented storyline, the production maintains a tone accessible to a broad range of viewers.
More About The Water Margin
Explore further details about The Water Margin on these authoritative reference platforms.