8.1
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The Water Margin
1973·Show
The Water Margin fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense and spectacular
- Tension7
- Spectacle7
- Violence7
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Pathos6
- Family Dynamics6
- Catharsis5
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Dark Humor3
- Physical Comedy2
World
History, crime, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout storytelling and characters
- Narrative Structure8
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
HighTense and spectacular
The Water Margin is tense, spectacular, and violent.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Warfare6Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
LowEmotionally reserved
It keeps its emotions at a distance.
All heart traits
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumHistory, crime, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, crime, and politics. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Warfare6Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout storytelling and characters
The storytelling and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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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?""
Japanese Historical EpicOutlaw AdventureMartial Arts DramaPhilosophical ThemesClassical Novel AdaptationWartime IntrigueRebellion & JusticeCharacter-Driven SagaFeudal China
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Water Margin
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Water Margin worth watching?
80
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80/100 (IMDb 8.1). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Water Margin rated?
NRViolence
It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: violence.
How many seasons does The Water Margin have?
2 seasons
It has 2 seasons with 26 episodes of about 50 minutes each.
When did The Water Margin air?
S1S2
It ran from 1973 to 1974 and has ended.
What language is The Water Margin in?
Japanese
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.
In how many countries can I watch The Water Margin?
5
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Water Margin in 5 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.