Ke Wang Explained

Ke Wang is a Chinese television series released in 1990. It stars Zhang Kaili and Li Xuejian. "Ke wang" in Chinese means "aspiration", "yearning", thus the theme of the series concerns human nature. "Ke wang" tells a story of human nature with the era's background, revealing people's eager desire for traditional values, for love, friendship, and a good life.^[1]

Among the most watched Chinese television shows in history, the series has been known to achieved unprecedented television ratings and viewers in China.^[2]

Plot

The series is set in the age of "Wenge" (the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution), concerning the love story of two couples. The main character is called Liu Huifangn.

Reputation and awards

Here are some awards this series owned:

• "Excellent Drama Series" of Golden Eagle Award, 1991
• "Best actor" of Golden Eagle Award——Li Xuejian, 1991
• "Best actress" of Golden Eagle Award——Zhang Kaili, 1991
• "Excellent long TV series" of Flying Apsaras Award, 1991

Influence

This series was well known as a historic milestone in the development of Chinese TV series.

Notes and References

1. http://www.aisixiang.com/data/22808.html 启蒙的终结：《渴望》与中国特色的电视剧模式的确立
2. Ke Wang, a Chinese television soap opera with a message. Min Wang, Arvind Singhal. An audience of at least 550 million people in China watched Ke Wang, the largest audience in any single country for any television program.. 10.1177/001654929204900302. 49. 3. International Communication Gazette. 177–192. 12286006. 1992.