The Water Margin
Series Overview
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?""
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
2 Seasons • 26 Episodes
50 min per episode
1973 – 1974
Premiered: Tue, Oct 2, 1973
Creative Production Team
Latest Aired Episode
Season 2, Episode 13: “The Dynasty of Kao”
The prophecy is now complete: the nine dozen heroes of the water margins of Liang Shan Po gather like storm clouds to the south of the capital city. Kao Chiu, like a caged tiger, plots to kill the Emperor, now a prisoner in his own palace. The dynasty of Kao will replace a hundred and fifty years of rule by the Sungs. Lin Chung speeds to the capital in an attempt to save the Emperor from the coming battle. Meanwhile, thousands of peasants join the rebel knights of Liang Shan Po as they march on the capital city. Lin Chung must save the life of the Emperor-and confront Kao Chiu for the last time.
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Cast & Creators
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Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Shi Nai'an
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Water Margin.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Water Margin
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What is The Water Margin about?
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?""
How many seasons does The Water Margin have?
The Water Margin comprises 2 seasons available to explore.
Who stars in The Water Margin?
Key cast members in The Water Margin include Atsuo Nakamura, Sanae Tsuchida, Kei Satō, Takeshi Ōbayashi, Toshio Kurosawa.
Who created or directed The Water Margin?
The Water Margin was developed and directed by Not specified.