The Water Margin
The Water Margin is a Japanese television series based on Water Margin, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. The novel details the trials and tribulations of 108 outlaws during the Song Dynasty. This adaptation follows Lin Chung and his clashes with the local government official Kao Chiu. The Water Margin is famous for its, sometimes obscure, but memorable philosophical quotes, such as "Do not despise the snake for having no horns,for who is to say it will not become a dragon?""
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Ep 1Nine Dozen Heroes and One Wicked Man
The Emperor dispatches his favourite, wicked Kao Chiu, to the sacred mountain to exorcise the evil behind the terrible plague that grips China. Kao Chiu discovers an ancient temple, its doors sealed shut on the orders of a previous emperor. Within is a pit believed to contain the souls of nine dozen rebellious knights. The souls are scattered over China, now reborn as heroes who will take a stand against the corruption that has gripped the empire. One such hero might be Lin Chung, an honourable officer in the imperial army. However, Kao Chiu hatches a plot to have Lin Chung discharged from the army in disgrace.
Ep 2None Ever Escape Alive
Lin Chung accepts his punishment, continuing his journey to Tsang Chou jail. On the way he encounters a band of rebel outlaws who try to persuade him to join them. Lin Chung refuses. fearing for the safety of his wife, Hsiao Lan, still in the capital city - and under the lustful gaze of Kao Chiu. Once imprisoned, Lin Chung earns the respect of head guard Lu Ta. However, Kao Chiu still plots against Lin Chung from a distance - and his evil desire for Hsiao Lan grows all the time.
Ep 3Both at Last Will Reach the Sea
Yang Chih - known as 'Blue Face' - is one of the few honourable men in government. Kao Chiu has banished him to a distant province - with orders to capture and kill Lin Chung. Lin Chung, searching for his wife Hsiao Lan, is offered refuge by Wang Lun, leader of the rebel warriors of Liang Shan Po. However, Yang Chih has captured Lin Chung's wife: Lin Chung must face Yang Chih in a duel that will decide the fate of them all.
Ep 4Ever Busy are the Gods of Love
With Lin Chung now at Liang Shan Po, the union of the rebel knights has begun. Hearing the news, 'Tiger Hunter' Wu Sung heads for the water margins. Shih Chin - 'Tattooed Dragon' - has already joined the mountain bandits led by Chu Wu, but in pursuit of his true love he is captured and faces certain death. Now Lin Chung must unite with Wu Sung and Chu Wu to execute the daring rescue of Shih Chin.
Ep 5A Treasure of Gold and Jade
Evil Kao Chiu, not content with being Viceroy and head of the army, plots with his brother-in-law to become Prime Minister as well. Yang Chih -'Blue Face' - is given a chance to redeem himself after his earlier failure: he must guard the tax collections destined for Kao Chiu. The good rebels of Liang Shan Po soon learn that a huge fortune of jade and gold is on the move - as does the respected nobleman Chao Kai. With Chao Kai ride Hu San-Niang and Lu Ta, the former head guard of Tsang Chou jail. Lin Chung is on a collision course with Chao Kai - and Yang Chih.
Ep 6Bandits Who Steal Are Executed
Kao Chiu, desperate to retrieve the stolen treasure, dispatches his forces to all corners of the empire. He discovers that Lin Chung has joined the bandits of Liang Shan Po, and that Chao Kai was involved in the theft. Wang Lun, the leader of the rebels, hears that Chao Kai has been arrested, and sends Lin Chung to rescue both the fortune and the nobleman. Kao Chiu lures Wang Lun into a trap which will deliver the defences of Liang Shan Po, the outlaws, and the treasure, into his hands.
Nippon TV
JP
