''King's War'', also known as ''Legend of Chu and Han'', is a Chinese television series based on the events in the

Chu–Han Contention The Chu–Han Contention ( zh, , lk=on) or Chu–Han War () was an interregnum period in ancient China between the fallen Qin dynasty and the subsequent Han dynasty. After the third and last Qin ruler, Ziying, unconditionally surrendered t ...

, an

interregnum An interregnum (plural interregna or interregnums) is a period of discontinuity or "gap" in a government, organization, or social order. Archetypally, it was the period of time between the reign of one monarch and the next (coming from Latin '' ...

between the fall of the

Qin dynasty The Qin dynasty ( ; zh, c=秦朝, p=Qín cháo, w=), or Ch'in dynasty in Wade–Giles romanization ( zh, c=, p=, w=Ch'in ch'ao), was the first Dynasties in Chinese history, dynasty of Imperial China. Named for its heartland in Qin (state), ...

and the founding of the

Han dynasty The Han dynasty (, ; ) was an imperial dynasty of China (202 BC – 9 AD, 25–220 AD), established by Liu Bang (Emperor Gao) and ruled by the House of Liu. The dynasty was preceded by the short-lived Qin dynasty (221–207 BC) and a warr ...

. It started airing on

Anhui TV Anhui Television (AHTV; ), is a television network in the Hefei and Anhui province. It was founded and started to broadcast in September 1960. AHTV currently broadcasts in Mandarin. List of Anhui Television programs Current programming Former prog ...

Zhejiang TV Zhejiang Television (ZJTV, ) is a Satellite television, satellite television channel owned by Zhejiang Radio and Television Group serving Zhejiang, Zhejiang Province. It was launched on October 1, 1960. History January 1, 1994, Zhejiang TV pro ...

, Jiangxi TV and

Tianjin TV Tianjin Renmin Guangbo Diantai (), translated as the Tianjin People's Broadcasting Station (TPBS) is a major radio broadcaster in Tianjin, China. They also operate the Tianjin Television station, also known as TJTV. Tianjin Television (TJTV) () ...

on 28 December 2012. The show began streaming on

Netflix Netflix, Inc. is an American subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming service and production company based in Los Gatos, California. Founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in Scotts Valley, California, it offers a fil ...

in 2017.

Cast

* Chen Daoming as

Liu Bang Emperor Gaozu of Han (256 – 1 June 195 BC), born Liu Bang () with courtesy name Ji (季), was the founder and first emperor of the Han dynasty, reigning in 202–195 BC. His temple name was "Taizu" while his posthumous name was Emper ...

Peter Ho Peter Ho (, born September 13, 1975) is an American-Hong Kong-Taiwanese singer, actor and model based in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Since his debut in 1998, he has released seven albums and has starred in over 25 films and television series, most not ...

Xiang Yu Xiang Yu (, –202 BC), born Xiang Ji (), was the Hegemon-King (Chinese: 霸王, ''Bà Wáng'') of Western Chu during the Chu–Han Contention period (206–202 BC) of China. A noble of the Chu state, Xiang Yu rebelled against the Qin dynas ...

Duan Yihong Duan Yihong (; born May 16, 1973) is a Chinese actor best known for his role as Yuan Lang in '' Soldiers Sortie'' (2006), Long Wenzhang in '' My Chief and My Regiment'' (2009), and Hei Wa in '' White Deer Plain'' (2011). Biography Duan Yihon ...

Han Xin Han Xin (; 231/230–196 BC) was a Chinese military general and politician who served Liu Bang during the Chu–Han Contention and contributed greatly to the founding of the Han dynasty. Han Xin was named as one of the "Three Heroes of the ear ...

Qin Lan Qin Lan (; born 17 July 1979) is a Chinese actress, model, and singer. She is known for her roles as Empress Fuca in ''Story of Yanxi Palace'', Zhihua in '' My Fair Princess III'' and Mo Xiangwan in '' We Are All Alone''. Career Qin won a Golde ...

Lü Zhi Lu, Lü, or LU may refer to: Arts and entertainment * Lu (music), Tibetan folk music * Lu (duo), a Mexican band ** ''Lu'' (album) * Character from Mike, Lu & Og * Lupe Fiasco or Lu (born 1982), American musician * Lebor na hUidre, a manuscrip ...

* Li Yixiao as Consort Yu * Yang Lixin as

Xiao He Xiao He (257 BC–193 BC) was a Chinese politician of the early Western Han dynasty. He served Liu Bang (Emperor Gao), the founder of the Han dynasty, during the insurrection against the Qin dynasty, and fought on Liu's side in the Chu–Han Co ...

* Sun Haiying as

Fan Zeng Fan Zeng (277–204 BC) was an adviser to the warlord Xiang Yu, who fought for supremacy with Liu Bang (Emperor Gao), the founder of the Han dynasty, during the Chu–Han Contention (206–202 BC). Life Fan Zeng was from Juchao (present-day Yafu ...

* Huo Qing as

Zhang Liang Zhang Liang is the romanization of common names like 張良, 張亮 and 張梁. 張良 * Zhang Liang (Western Han) (died 189 BC), early Han dynasty strategist ** Zhang Liang, an animation character from the animated TV series ''The Legend of Qin'' ...

* Zhang Jinyuan as Chen Ping *

Liu Yuxin Liu Yuxin (born March 13, 1988) is a Chinese actress and model. She is best known for her role as Gororo Mingyu in the 2011 television series ''Scarlet Heart''. She graduated from the Central Academy of Drama. Biography Liu bought and owned the ...

Concubine Qi Consort Qi may refer to: Consorts with the surname Qi * Consort Qi (Han dynasty) (224–194 BC), concubine of Emperor Gaozu of Han * Empress Qi ( 412), wife of Yao Xing (Emperor Wenhuan of Later Qin) Consorts with the title Consort Qi * Consort Qi ...

* Hu Dong as

Ying Bu Ying Bu (died 195 BC) was a warlord and vassal king who lived in the early Han dynasty. He was a native of Lu County (六縣; present-day Lu'an, Anhui). In his early life under the Qin dynasty, Ying Bu was convicted and sentenced to ''qing'' (黥 ...

* Wang Xinjun as

Peng Yue Peng Yue (died 196 BC), courtesy name Zhong, was a Chinese military general and politician in the late Qin dynasty and early Western Han dynasty. He was involved in the Chu–Han Contention – a power struggle between the Han dynasty's founder, ...

You Yong You Yong (born 13 December 1963) is a Chinese actor. He enrolled in the Xi'an Drama School (西安话剧院) in 1979 and joined the Shanghai Theatre Academy Shanghai Theatre Academy () is a public university in Shanghai, People's Republic of ...

as Yong Chi * Kang Kai as

Fan Kuai Fan Kuai (242–189 BC) was a military general of the early Western Han dynasty. He was a prominent figure of the Chu–Han Contention (206–202 BC), a power struggle for supremacy over China between the Han dynasty's founder, Liu Bang (Emper ...

* Wang Jishi as

Lu Wan Lu Wan (died 194 BC) was an official and vassal king of the early Han dynasty. He served under Liu Bang (Emperor Gaozu), the founding emperor of the Han dynasty. Early life Lu Wan was from Feng Town (), which is in present-day Feng County, ...

* Fan Yulin as

Long Ju Long Ju (died 204 BC) was a military general who served under the warlord Xiang Yu during the Chu–Han Contention. Life Long Ju was a childhood friend of Xiang Yu and they were said to be as close as brothers. When Xiang Liang (Xiang Yu's uncle ...

* Zhang Chenghao as

Zhou Bo Zhou Bo (died 169 BC), posthumously known as Marquis Wu of Jiang, was a Chinese military general and politician who served as a chancellor of the early Western Han dynasty. Life Zhou Bo's ancestral home was in Juan County (; present-day Yuanyan ...

* Xu Xiaojian as

Cao Shen Cao Shen or Cao Can (died 190 BC), courtesy name Jingbo (), was a chancellor of the Western Han dynasty. He participated in the Chu–Han Contention on Liu Bang (Emperor Gaozu of Han)'s side and contributed greatly to the founding of the Han dyn ...

* Lin Peng as

Xiahou Ying Xiahou Ying (died 172 BC), posthumously known as Marquis Wen of Ruyin, was a Chinese official who served as Minister Coachman () during the early Han dynasty. He served under Liu Bang (Emperor Gaozu), the founding emperor of the Han dynasty, a ...

* Jiang Yongbo as Cao Wushang * Yu Hewei as

Qin Shi Huang Qin Shi Huang (, ; 259–210 BC) was the founder of the Qin dynasty and the first emperor of a unified China. Rather than maintain the title of "king" ( ''wáng'') borne by the previous Shang and Zhou rulers, he ruled as the First Emperor ( ...

* Yu Bin as

Qin Er Shi Qin Er Shi (; (230–October 207 BCE) was the second emperor of the Qin dynasty from 210 to 207 BCE. The son of Qin Shi Huang, he was born as Ying Huhai. He was put on the throne by Li Si and Zhao Gao, circumventing Fusu, Ying's brother an ...

* Chi Dong as Han Sheng * Li Yuan as

Ji Bu Ji Bu ( 200s BC) was a Chinese military general of the early Western Han dynasty. He was from Xiaxiang (下相; present-day Sucheng District, Suqian, Jiangsu). He previously served under Xiang Yu, a warlord who engaged Liu Bang (Emperor Gao), ...

* Li Yixin as Zhao Chuiluan * Zheng Wei as Liu Ying * Yu Mingjia as Lady Cao * Cai Yida as

Xiang Zhuang Xiang Zhuang ( 206 BC) was a younger cousin of Xiang Yu, the "Hegemon-King of Western Chu". He fought on Chu's side as a military general during the Chu–Han Contention (206–202 BC), a power struggle for supremacy over China between Xiang Yu a ...

* Qiu Yunhe as Xiang Di * Yang Ziduo as Yu Ziqi * Zhu Yanping as

Xiang Liang Xiang Liang (died 208 BC) was a military leader who led a rebellion against the Qin dynasty. Early life Xiang Liang was from Xiaxiang (下相; present-day Suqian, Jiangsu) and was a descendant of a family who served the Chu state in the Warring ...

* Xu Maomao as

Xiang Bo Xiang Chan (died 192 BC), courtesy name Bo, better known as Xiang Bo, was a noble of the Chu state of the Seven Warring States. He was an uncle of the warlord Xiang Yu, who competed with Liu Bang (Emperor Gao), the founder of the Han dynasty, ...

* Ye Dingming as

Fusu Fusu (died 210BC) was the eldest son and heir apparent of Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of the Qin dynasty. Life After being deceived by two alchemists while seeking prolonged life, the First Emperor supposedly ordered more than 460 scholars ...

* Ji Chenmu as

King Huai of Chu King Huai of Chu (, died 296 BC) was from 328 to 299 BC the king of the state of Chu during the Warring States period of ancient China. He was born Xiong Huai () and King Huai (懷, a different Chinese character) was his posthumous title. Kin ...

* Cao Weiyu as Zhang Han * Miao Luoyi as Liyuan * Gong Yirong as Ruojiang * Liu Xiaoxiao as Jitao * Wang Zitong as Emei * Ye Peng as

Zhongli Mo Zhongli Mo (died 201 BC) was a military general who served the warlord Xiang Yu during the Chu–Han Contention (206–202 BC), a power struggle between Xiang Yu and Liu Bang (Emperor Gao), the founder of the Han dynasty. His name is sometimes i ...

Elvis Tsui Elvis Tsui Kam-kong (born October 12, 1961) is a Hong Kong actor and artist. Tsui is primarily known for his roles in erotic films and martial arts films, where he's more often cast as villains. Some of the famous characters he has portrayed repe ...

Wei Bao Wei Bao (died 204 BC) was the ruler of the Kingdom of Western Wei () of the Eighteen Kingdoms during the Chu–Han Contention, an interregnum between the Qin and Han dynasties of China. Life Wei Bao was a descendant of the royal family of ...

* Li Jianxin as

Li Si Li Si (Mandarin: ; BCSeptember or October 208 BC) was a Chinese philosopher, politician, and calligrapher of the Qin dynasty. He served as Chancellor (or Prime Minister) from 246 to 208 BC under two rulers: Qin Shi Huang, the king of the Qin ...

* Xu Wenguang as

Zhao Gao Zhao Gao (died 207 BC) was a Chinese politician and calligrapher. He was an official of the Qin dynasty of China. Allegedly a eunuch, he served as a close aide to all three rulers of the Qin dynasty – Qin Shi Huang, Qin Er Shi and Ziying � ...

* Wang Shengnan as Xiaoyi * Wu Gang as Shen Yiji * Li Jichun as

Ziying Ziying, King of Qin (, died January 206 BC) was the third and last ruler of the Qin dynasty. He ruled over a fragmented Qin Empire for 46 days, from mid-October to early December 207 BC. He is referred to in some sources with t ...

* Shang Yue as Song Xiang * Liao Jianheng as Liu Fei * Sun Erchen as Li Si's youngest son

Production

''King's War'' is the second historical drama television series directed by

Gao Xixi Gao Xixi (; born June 16, 1962) is a Chinese television director and producer, famous for directing a number of commercially successful Chinese television series. Selected filmography As director Gao Xixi has directed over 50 films and TV serie ...

, after ''

Three Kingdoms The Three Kingdoms () from 220 to 280 AD was the tripartite division of China among the dynastic states of Cao Wei, Shu Han, and Eastern Wu. The Three Kingdoms period was preceded by the Han dynasty#Eastern Han, Eastern Han dynasty and wa ...

'' (2010). The production cost for ''King's War'' was expected to break records, as Bona Film Group announced on 8 June 2011 that it would provide Gao Xixi with a budget of 1.7 billion yuan for the project, excluding the costs for possible future expansions. Filming started on 25 August 2011高希希陈道明联手打造《楚汉》
/ref> and ended on 5 May 2012.

Set construction

According to reports, apart from its huge budget, one of the highlights of the series is its realistic sets. The palace, along with other important locations in the television series, had to be totally reconstructed in accordance with the requirements stated in the script. The sets were expected to be completed by July 2011.

Casting

Chen Daoming formally signed on to play

, one of the lead roles in the drama. On 25 August 2011,

appeared in public with six confirmed members of the cast, including Chen Daoming,

, Hu Dong and

. Chen Daoming had been confirmed to play Liu Bang while Peter Ho was a likely choice for the role of

.传奇大剧《楚汉传奇》开机何润东担纲项羽
/ref>

Script

Screenwriter Wang Peigong spent years creating the script for ''King's War''. Gao Xixi said in an interview, "Peigong and I would discuss about ''King's War'' when we have time. It has been four years, I believe the time is ripe now. The story will begin from

starting off as a patrol officer in

Pei County Pei County, or Peixian (), is under the administration of Xuzhou, Jiangsu province, China, bordering the Shandong prefecture-level cities of Jining to the northwest and Zaozhuang to the northeast and sitting on the western shore of Nansi Lake. It ...

, until he established the

and became the emperor. This series will not follow the narrative style of historical dramas. The clever part about ''Legend of Chu and Han'' lies in the word ''Legend''."

English dub

On 15 August 2015, an English dub of all 80 episodes was completed for release on South African Cable Television.

Reception

The series received average ratings, but Gao Xixi claimed that it was attracting a highly educated audience.高希希：《楚汉传奇》受众学历高
/ref>

Awards and nominations

International broadcast

})

References

External links

* {{Gao Xixi 2012 Chinese television series debuts Television series set in the Western Han dynasty Television series set in the Qin dynasty Zhejiang Television original programming Chinese historical television series