Directed by Yu Zhong (俞钟) Composer(s) Wang Xian Network China Central Television | Ending theme 那时候 Country of origin China Number of episodes 29 Language Standard Mandarin | |
Written by Wang HaoLei XianheZhong Jimin Starring Li YoubinYin TaoShen XiaohaiWu JianSong WenfeiGu YanJi Ta |
In That Distant Place (simplified Chinese: 在那遥远的地方; traditional Chinese: 在那遙遠的地方; pinyin: Zài nà yáoyuǎn de dìfāng) is a 2009 Chinese drama television series. The TV series is set in the 1970s during and just after the Cultural Revolution. It follows four childhood friends - three males and one female - as they joined the Kunlun Division of the People's Liberation Army and are posted to Ürümqi and the Kunlun Mountains. The series chronicles their army and love lives as the two of the males become border guards and the female a combat medic.
Contents
The series debuted on CCTV-1 on 26 July 2009 and comprises 29 episodes.
Plot
The series follows four childhood friends - Yuan Ying, Ding Haotian, Fang Yang and Lü Qiang - as they join the Kunlun Division of the PLA in the early 1970s. All four are idealistic young people looking to defend their country. Yuan Ying, the only girl, is the sole daughter of a middle-aged couple of a military background; however, she is really the biological daughter of her adopted father's former military colleague, now the Commandant of the Kunlun Division, Wei Tie.
The series follows the love and army lives of the four friends, especially between Ding Haotian, Lü Qiang and Yuan Ying. Ding Haotian and Lü Qiang become border guards, Yuan Ying becomes a medic and Fang Yang a driver. It also deals with Yuan Ying's changing relationship with her true parents and wilful sister Wei Jie, although none are aware of their true ties at the series' start.
The series ends with Yuan Ying sacrificing herself to save natives during a snow-storm and the subsequent avalanche.
Although the series is set in the 1970s, the series contains very little reference to the Cultural Revolution.
Main Cast (simplified Chinese)
Reception
In That Distant Place was very well received during its premiere on CCTV-1, averaging around 6.27 points in viewership. Mainstream newspapers and audiences alike gave high praise to the series. Audiences found the kinship between Yuan Ying and her parents particularly moving. This was the third high-profile TV series made by actor Li Youbin, who played Commandant Wei Tie, Yuan Ying's father. Actor Wu Jian, who played Lü Qiang, was also singled out for his outstanding performance as antagonist.