Water Margin 1998

During the reign of Emperor Renzong of the Northern Song Dynasty, there was a severe plague in the capital one year, causing great harm to both military and civilians. The emperor personally appointed Grand Marshal Hong to go to Longhu Mountain in Xinzhu, Jiangxi, to invite Master Zhang to exorcise evil spirits. Grand Marshal Hong searched for the Master but could not find him, and out of stubbornness, he went to suppress the one hundred and eight demons in the Shangqing Palace. Decades passed, and it was during the reign of Emperor Zhezong. The fallen official Gao Qiu (played by Wei Zongwan) gained the favor of Prince Duan with his extraordinary skills, quickly rising in rank. When Prince Duan ascended to the throne as Emperor Huizong, Gao Qiu reached an unparalleled status. Both the emperor and the minister indulged in pleasures, neglecting their duties and leading to widespread discontent throughout the country, as well as the rise of banditry. Meanwhile, at the forefront was Song Jiang (played by Li Xuejian), along with 1,807 heroes who successively rose to Liangshan, causing chaos in Jiangzhou, attacking Zhu's Manor three times, battling in Qingzhou... all stirring up great turmoil in the Song Dynasty. This film is adapted from one of China's four classic novels, 'Water Margin'.