The Water Margin
水滸伝
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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?""
Cast
Seasons
Season 1
All 13 episodes from the first series of the 1970s TV show about a gang of outlaw heroes dedicated to fighting tyranny in feudal China.
Season 2
All 13 episodes from the second series of the 1970s TV show about a gang of outlaw heroes dedicated to fighting tyranny in feudal China.
Episodes
Season 1
Nine 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.
None 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.
Both 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.
Ever 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.
A 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.
Bandits 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.
How Easy to Die, How Hard to Live
Kao Chiu is sent the head of Wang Lun. Furious, and suspicious of the good judge Sung Chiang, Kao Chiu orders him to investigate Yen Po-Hsi, Wang Lung's former lover. Working for Kao Chiu, Yen Po-Hsi seduces Sung Chiang. stealing vital information regarding Liang Shan Po. The judge is forced to kill the girl, then flees, seeking refuge with Lord Chai Chin and his mighty servant, Li Kwei, the Black Whirl-wind'. However, only Lin Chung's intervention at the battle of the Shallow River of the Dead can now save the judge.
A Man's Only Happiness
Sung Chiang, not yet ready to join the bandits of Liang Shan Po, seeks the counsel of his friend Hua Yung, prefect of Ching Feng. Knowing of Hua Yung's fairness, Kao Chiu has appointed an additional, corrupt prefect. The new prefect's wife, Hsiu Lan, has been captured by bandits. Shih Chin - 'Tattooed Dragon' - has joined the group of outlaws, who also capture Sung Chiang. Shih Chin persuades the bandits to release their captives. However, Hsiu Lan tells her husband that Sung Chiang and Shih Chin were her captors, Lin Chung must now rescue them both, bringing them to the justice and honour of Liang Shan Po.
Where does The Water Margin rank today?
The Water Margin is #3876 on the Bowood.TV Daily Streaming Charts today.
- Highest: #3876
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Watch The Water Margin Online Free — All Episodes in HD
Stream The Water Margin online free in HD on Bowood.TV. A well-rated drama and action & adventure series originally produced in Japanese and released in 1973, it's earned a solid 7.8/10 from 13 viewers worldwide.
About 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?"" Across 2 seasons and 26 episodes, originally airing on Nippon TV.
The Water Margin Cast and Characters
The cast features Atsuo Nakamura (as Lin Chung), Sanae Tsuchida (as Hu San-Niang), Kei Satō (as Kao Chiu), Takeshi Ōbayashi (as Sung Chiang), and Toshio Kurosawa (as Tai Sung). Their performances are a major reason The Water Margin has built such a passionate audience.
Where to Watch The Water Margin Online
On Bowood.TV you can watch The Water Margin free — no account, no credit card, no ads in the middle of the show. We stream the full series in 720p / 1080p HD, with subtitles when available, on any device: phone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV browser.
▶ Watch The Water Margin NowWhy People Are Watching The Water Margin
There's a reason The Water Margin keeps showing up on "must-watch" lists. What makes it work is emotional weight that hits where it counts and action sequences that don't feel cheap. If you enjoy Japanese storytelling that doesn't follow the same tired beats, this is the kind of show you'll end up recommending to friends.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Water Margin
Where can I watch The Water Margin online for free?
You can watch The Water Margin online free on Bowood.TV. Just open the page and hit play — no signup, no subscription, full HD streaming on phone, tablet, or desktop.
How many episodes does The Water Margin have?
The Water Margin has 26 episodes across 2 seasons. All episodes are available to stream right here on Bowood.TV.
Is The Water Margin good? What's the rating?
The Water Margin holds a 7.8/10 rating based on 13 reviews — well above average.
Who is in the cast of The Water Margin?
The main cast includes Atsuo Nakamura, Sanae Tsuchida, Kei Satō, and Takeshi Ōbayashi, plus a strong supporting ensemble.
Is The Water Margin available in Japanese?
Yes — The Water Margin was originally produced in Japanese and that's the version you'll stream here on Bowood.TV. English subtitles are provided when available.
When was The Water Margin released?
The Water Margin first aired in 1973.
Do I need an account to watch The Water Margin on Bowood.TV?
No. Bowood.TV is free and you can watch The Water Margin without creating an account. Sign-up is optional — only useful if you want a personal Watchlist or to comment on episodes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch The Water Margin for free?
You can watch The Water Margin online for free on Bowood.TV. All 26 episodes across 2 seasons are available to stream in HD without a subscription, signup, or paywall. Just open the show page and press play.
How many seasons and episodes does The Water Margin have?
The Water Margin currently has 2 seasons and a total of 26 episodes. The series status is "Ended", so the episode count may grow as new seasons are released. You can browse the full episode list on Bowood.TV and continue watching from where you left off.
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.… It belongs to the Drama, Action & Adventure genres.
In which language is The Water Margin originally available?
The Water Margin was originally produced in JA. On Bowood.TV the show is available in its original JA audio. Check the player options on the watch page for available subtitle tracks.
When was The Water Margin first released?
The Water Margin first premiered on October 2, 1973 (1973). The series has since concluded its run.
All Seasons
Browse every season of The Water Margin — 2 seasons in total
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