Twilight of a Nation (1988)
A sweeping Hong Kong historical epic chronicling the rise and fall of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom during the turbulent final decades of the Qing Dynasty.
Twilight of a Nation - Series Information
- Original Title: 太平天國
- First Air Year: 1988
- Last Air Year: 1989
- Created by: Siu Sang
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, War, Politics
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 45
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: CN
- Spoken Languages: Cantonese
- Networks: TVB Jade
- Production Companies: TVB
- Production Countries: Hong Kong
- Alternative Titles: 太平天国 (CN), 太平天國 (HK), Twilight of a Nation (US)
Twilight of a Nation - Plot
Twilight of a Nation is a Hong Kong television series based on the events of the Taiping Rebellion and the rise and fall of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom during the late Qing Dynasty. The 45 episodes long series was produced by Siu Sang and was first aired on TVB Jade in Hong Kong in November 1988. It was broadcast again on TVB in 1996. The theme songs and insert songs in the series were performed by Roman Tam.
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Twilight of a Nation - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Siu Sang
Main Cast
- Ray Lui
- Barbara Chan
- Jimmy Au Shui-Wai
- Felix Wong Yat-Wah
- Carrie Choi
- Teresa Mo Shun-Kwan
- Sean Lau Ching-wan
- Sheren Tang Shui-Man
- Joseph Lee Kwok-Lun
- Chan Wing-Chun
Twilight of a Nation - FAQs
What is Twilight of a Nation about?
Twilight of a Nation dramatises the Taiping Rebellion, a massive mid-19th-century civil war against the Qing Dynasty, tracing the rise and ultimate collapse of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. The 45-episode TVB series blends political intrigue, military conflict, and personal drama set against one of Chinese history's most turbulent periods.
Is Twilight of a Nation based on a true story?
Yes. The series is rooted in the historical Taiping Rebellion (1850–1864), one of the deadliest conflicts in human history. It dramatises real events surrounding the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom's rise under Hong Xiuquan and its eventual defeat by Qing imperial forces, though characters and storylines are fictionalised for dramatic purposes.
Where can you watch Twilight of a Nation?
Streaming availability for Twilight of a Nation varies by region. You can check current viewing options, including any subscription, rental, or free streaming platforms, on JustWatch. The series originally aired on TVB Jade in Hong Kong in November 1988 and was rebroadcast on TVB in 1996.
Who are the main actors in Twilight of a Nation?
The series features a prominent ensemble cast including Ray Lui, Barbara Chan, Jimmy Au Shui-Wai, Felix Wong Yat-Wah, Carrie Choi, Teresa Mo Shun-Kwan, Sean Lau Ching-wan, Sheren Tang Shui-Man, Joseph Lee Kwok-Lun, and Chan Wing-Chun, alongside Aaron Kwok in an early role.
Did Aaron Kwok appear in Twilight of a Nation?
Yes. Aaron Kwok, who would later become one of Hong Kong's 'Four Heavenly Kings' of Cantopop, appeared in Twilight of a Nation in a supporting role. The series is notable for featuring several actors early in their careers who went on to achieve major stardom in Hong Kong entertainment.
How many episodes does Twilight of a Nation have?
Twilight of a Nation consists of 45 episodes across a single season. It was produced by TVB and first broadcast on TVB Jade in Hong Kong beginning in November 1988, concluding in 1989. The series was later rebroadcast on TVB in 1996.
Who created Twilight of a Nation?
Twilight of a Nation was produced by Siu Sang for TVB. The series was broadcast on the TVB Jade network in Hong Kong. Its theme songs and insert songs were performed by the celebrated Cantopop singer Roman Tam, adding significant cultural weight to the production.
What are shows similar to Twilight of a Nation?
Viewers who enjoy Twilight of a Nation may also appreciate Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty (2019), Eternal Brotherhood (2024), and Palace Shadows: Between Two Princes (2024), all of which explore Chinese historical settings with costume drama elements, palace intrigue, and sweeping period narratives.
More About Twilight of a Nation
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