The Water Margin

The Water Margin

Year: 1972

Runtime: 125 mins

Language: Chinese

Directors: Chang Cheh, Pao Hsueh-Li

ActionDrama

Seven deadly masters wield countless killing techniques amid the rampant corruption of 11th‑century Sung Dynasty China. Their tyranny spurs a band of honor‑bound outlaws—the Honorable 108—who, like Oriental Robin Hoods, live by a strict code and vow to topple the brutal overlords oppressing the people.

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Timeline & Setting – The Water Margin (1972)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Water Margin (1972). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Song Dynasty

Set during the Song Dynasty, a historical era marked by court intrigue, bureaucratic corruption, and widespread banditry. The period emphasizes loyalty, martial skill, and bold actions against a powerful state. The narrative weaves vengeance and honor into a backdrop of political tension and heroic feats.

Location

Liangshan Marsh, Northern Capital

Liangshan Marsh serves as the outlaw stronghold where the Liangshan brothers plot vengeance and operate beyond official reach. The marshy hideout provides a sanctuary for rebels to plan bold moves and test courage. The journey also takes the story to the Northern Capital, where infiltration and rescue missions unfold within the heart of imperial power.

🗺️ Liangshan Marsh 🏯 Northern Capital ⚔️ Outlaw epic

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:27

Main Characters – The Water Margin (1972)

Meet the key characters of The Water Margin (1972), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lu Junyi, Jade Unicorn (Tetsuro Tamba slug: tetsuro-tamba)

Lu Junyi is a renowned martial hero whose calm, principled nature anchors the Liangshan plan. He is drawn into the outlaw alliance to avenge Chao Gai, facing arrest and betrayal along the way. His climactic duel with Shi Wengong marks a turning point and solidifies his status as the band's leader.

🛡️ Loyal 🗡️ Skilled 🧭 Principled

Yan Qing, The Prodigy (David Chiang Da-Wei slug: david-chiang-da-wei)

Yan Qing brings versatility and tactical wit to Liangshan. He travels north to seek help, uncovers Li Gu's machinations, and helps orchestrate the rescue mission. His adaptability and skill make him a key strategist and fighter for the group.

🎯 Prodigy 🧭 Witty 🗡️ Skilled

Li Kui

Li Kui is a hot-tempered outlaw whose raw courage can breach guards and open paths, yet his impulsiveness can threaten stealth operations. He participates in infiltration and conflict, embodying the volatile but invaluable energy of the Liangshan brotherhood.

💥 Impetuous 🔪 Ruthless

Shi Wengong, Golden Spear (Toshio Kurosawa slug: toshio-kurosawa)

Shi Wengong is the formidable antagonist capable of matching Liangshan's forces. His ambush of Chao Gai sets the plot in motion, and his duel with Lu Junyi serves as a climactic test of strength and resolve for the band.

⚔️ Tyrant 🗡️ Deadly 🐉 Skilled

Li Gu

Li Gu, Lu Junyi's steward, becomes a catalyst for conflict when he betrays the master to authorities. His actions highlight the dangers of domestic treachery and political intrigue within Lu Junyi's inner circle.

💼 Betrayed 🧭 Steward

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:27

Major Themes – The Water Margin (1972)

Explore the central themes of The Water Margin (1972), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗡️ Revenge

The plot centers on avenging Chao Gai and challenging Shi Wengong. The outlaw band vows retribution, driving strategic maneuvers against a fortified fortress and defining their quest for justice.

🤝 Brotherhood

Loyalty forged among the Liangshan brothers anchors the story as they recruit Lu Junyi and Yan Qing. The alliance tests trust and unity, turning personal loyalties into a collective resolve to confront danger.

🕵️ Infiltration & Deception

Wu Yong disguises as a fortune teller and Li Kui poses as Lu Junyi's assistant to penetrate the capital. Deception and misdirection drive the rescue operation, highlighting how cunning can outmaneuver stronger forces.

⚔️ Honor & Leadership

Lu Junyi's climactic duel with Shi Wengong catalyzes a leadership shift within Liangshan. The themes of duty, martial prowess, and strategic vision shape who leads the band and how they wield their honor.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:27

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Brotherhood vs. Corruption movies like The Water Margin

Honorable outlaws band together to fight systemic injustice in a brutal world.If you liked The Water Margin, explore more movies about bands of honorable outlaws fighting systemic injustice. These films feature strong themes of brotherhood, codes of honor, and gritty action as the heroes take on corrupt and oppressive regimes.

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Narrative Summary

These stories typically follow a group of characters, bound by a strong code or shared goal, as they organize and execute a campaign against a powerful, corrupt antagonist. The narrative is driven by missions of revenge, rescue, or revolution, culminating in a cathartic and often triumphant confrontation.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped together because they share a heavy emotional weight rooted in themes of injustice, a tense tone from life-or-death stakes, and a focus on the powerful bonds of brotherhood that form in the face of adversity.

Vengeful Rescue Mission movies similar to The Water Margin

Fast-paced action epics driven by the urgent need for vengeance and justice.Find movies similar to The Water Margin that feature fast-paced, vengeful rescue missions. These action-packed stories are set in oppressive worlds where heroes undertake dangerous quests for justice, filled with tense battles and a satisfying resolution.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern is goal-oriented and linear, focusing on a specific mission—be it rescuing a captive, assassinating a tyrant, or dismantling an organization. The plot unfolds through a series of set-piece battles, infiltrations, and strategic deceptions, maintaining high tension and fast pacing from start to finish.

Why These Movies?

These films share a cohesive experience defined by a fast pace, high intensity, and a tense tone. The unifying element is the driving narrative of a mission, which creates a focused, action-heavy viewing experience with a clear emotional through-line of vengeance and liberation.

Unlock the Full Story of The Water Margin

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Water Margin in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Water Margin is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Water Margin Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Water Margin, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Water Margin Summary

The Water Margin Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Water Margin with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Water Margin Timeline

The Water Margin Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Water Margin Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Water Margin

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