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Action drama

The Water Margin (1972): Cast & Plot

The Water Margin (1972) movie poster

The Water Margin is a 1972 action drama directed by Chang Cheh and Pao Hsueh-Li, starring Ti Lung as Tiger Killer Wu Sung, Tetsuro Tamba and Lu Wei. It runs 2 hours 5 minutes.

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The Water Margin (1972) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 5m (125 min)
Directors
Chang Cheh and Pao Hsueh-Li
Genres
Action , Drama
Original language
Chinese
Studio
Shaw Brothers
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Water Margin About?

The premise of The Water Margin without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

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.

The Water Margin Themes & Keywords

· 23 tags
  • wuxia
  • swordsmen
  • brotherhood
  • prisoner
  • bribe
  • kung fu master
  • rescue mission
  • adultery
  • swordplay
  • assassination attempt
  • cheating wife
  • kung fu
+11 more
  • swordsman
  • corruption
  • corrupt government officials
  • rescue attempt
  • martial arts master
  • martial artist
  • bribery
  • prison
  • epic
  • martial arts
  • based on novel
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Cast & crew

The Water Margin Cast & Characters

Ti Lung leads the cast as Tiger Killer Wu Sung, with Tetsuro Tamba as Jade Unicorn, Lu Chun I and Lu Wei as Escort Guard Tung Chao. Directed by Chang Cheh and Pao Hsueh-Li; 98 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Water Margin

· 94 more
Show all 98 cast members
From the directors

More from Chang Cheh and Pao Hsueh-Li

More films directed by Chang Cheh and Pao Hsueh-Li: Journey to the West, Shanghai 13, The Nine Demons and Death Ring.

Plot

The Water Margin Plot Summary

What happens in The Water Margin from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Based on the Jade Unicorn legend, the film unfolds the arc of Lu Junyi, a famed warrior, as he is drawn into the Liangshan outlaws after their chief Chao Gai is ambushed and killed by Shi Wengong [Toshio Kurosawa]. The surviving outlaws vow vengeance and, recognizing Lu Junyi’s strength, seek his help to strike back. Song Jiang and Wu Yong, the leaders of Liangshan, believe that Lu Junyi’s alliance will also win over Yan Qing [David Chiang Da-Wei], a legendary martial artist whose loyalty could tip the balance in their favor.

Full summary

The whole story of The Water Margin, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

The Water Margin Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Water Margin.

Water Margin, The (1972) Shaw Brothers **Official Trailer** 水滸傳
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Water Margin?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

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  10. Question 10: not answered

Which legendary warrior does the film follow as he joins the Liangshan outlaws?

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FAQ

The Water Margin FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, post-credit scenes and language of The Water Margin, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Water Margin?

The Water Margin runs 2 hours 5 minutes (125 minutes).

When was The Water Margin released?

The Water Margin was released on March 17, 1972.

Who directed The Water Margin?

The Water Margin was directed by Chang Cheh and Pao Hsueh-Li.

More films by Chang Cheh

Who is in the cast of The Water Margin?

The Water Margin stars Ti Lung as Tiger Killer Wu Sung, Tetsuro Tamba as Jade Unicorn, Lu Chun I and Lu Wei as Escort Guard Tung Chao, among 98 credited actors.

Does The Water Margin have a post-credit scene?

No. The Water Margin has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is The Water Margin in?

The original language of The Water Margin is Chinese.

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