Now this is the best series ever shown of its kind. From being a school kid to having become a grown-up to me, this classic still has a magic to it. Often referred to as the Robin Hood of Liang Shan Po in the South chinese marsh lands Lin Chung leads his "army" of just men (and one woman). All joined him because of the faith they all met with and shared. Without spoiling anything it is safe to say the story is set in a corrupt ancient imperial china, in which a loyal and just army officer becomes a rival to a corrupt man named Kao Chiu who later even works his evil ways up to becoming a governor of the province. All members of Lin Chungs band are outlaws in the eyes of the corrupt powers that be. And so they fight a war of justice, which is not always easy. The "bad guys" are the good and the really bad are bad. Each member has his/her own specialty be it a fast runner, excellent archer, marvellous swordsman, or a great strategic mind. All characters develop from their wronged positions into free souls formerly belonging to knights, bringing out the good in (most) people. Often their fighting can be and is being compared to "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" for the flighing through the air and all martial arts moves...... Well, I remember loads of it and ordered the 24 out of 26 available parts from Amazon Video. It will be great to enjoy it all again from time to time. The voices have been dubbed and even that had been done in a great way, which makes us understand the dialogues and still gives the play its authenticity. NHK produced it in 1977. The star role of Lin Chung played by Atsuo Nakamura. Also there's comic relief in the overweight form of Lu-Ta a Buddhist "flower priest" an asian "Friar Tuck". Watch Wu Sung the Tiger man he is a lot of laughs too, eventhough I don't hear many comments on him. Hu San-Niang is the only feminine hero. It seems all other women die in the one episode they happen to appear in. At one stage we even saw Hu San-Niangs "kid" sister. Best other hero Shih Chin Tatooed dragon. All according to the chinese saga. Shih Chin always represented what I, then a schoolkid wanted to be like. Except for the tattoos. Well, I am no "yakuza".
So the Water Margin eventhough a while back, remains yet another oriental feast to watch, especially for people, who like me are very much into "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" stuff. BANZAI ! - a Ten out of Ten in my rating book.
