The Disguiser (2015)

Synopsis

A 2015 spy thriller drama directed by Li Xue, starring Hu Ge, Jin Dong, Wang Kai, and Liu Mintao. Set in Japanese-occupied Shanghai during the 1940s, it follows the Ming family siblings — each hiding their true identity across different factions. Douban rating: 8.5.

Overview

The Disguiser (伪装者) is a 2015 Chinese spy thriller television drama directed by Li Xue (known for Beiping No War), starring Hu Ge, Jin Dong, Wang Kai, and Liu Mintao in leading roles. The series premiered on Hunan Television on August 31, 2015, and runs for 48 episodes.

Set in Shanghai during the 1940s under the Wang Jingwei puppet regime, the story follows the four Ming family siblings — eldest brother Ming Lou, second brother Ming Cheng, third brother Ming Tai, and eldest sister Ming Jing — each concealing their true identity while operating across different factions: the Juntong (military intelligence), the Chinese Communist underground, and the puppet government. With its gripping narrative pace, ingenious undercover setup, and outstanding performances, the series became one of the most popular spy dramas in recent years, holding a Douban rating of 8.5 out of 10.

Plot

The story is set in 1940s Shanghai during the Japanese occupation. The Ming family appears to be a wealthy, mysteriously connected household.

Eldest brother Ming Lou (Jin Dong) is a high official in the puppet government, but he harbors multiple identities — he works for Juntong (the Nationalist military intelligence) and also has connections with the Communist underground. Second brother Ming Cheng (Wang Kai) is Ming Lou's right-hand man, also concealing his identity as an agent. Third brother Ming Tai (Hu Ge) starts as a wealthy young playboy but is "converted" by a Juntong operative and trained to become a Juntong agent, codename "Poisonous Snake." Eldest sister Ming Jing (Liu Mintao) appears to be a powerful businesswoman but is actually a Chinese Communist underground member.

The four siblings, working in different camps, share the common goal of resisting Japanese aggression. Through a series of thrilling espionage operations, they face tests of trust and betrayal, family bonds and duty.

Cast

Production and Cultural Significance

The Disguiser's success lies in elevating the traditional Chinese spy drama to a new level. The ingenious "multiple identity" setup — nearly every main character has at least two identities — creates a narrative structure full of suspense and tension.

Director Li Xue, skilled in period drama production, achieved remarkable authenticity in recreating 1940s Shanghai — from streets and costumes to lifestyles, all reflecting the era's characteristics. Hu Ge's acting transformation was also a highlight, successfully shifting from his previous idol drama image to a mature serious actor.

The series enjoyed continuously rising ratings during its broadcast and sparked extensive discussion on social media. The combination of Hu Ge, Jin Dong, and Wang Kai as the "Ming family brothers" became one of the hottest topics of the year.

The Disguiser helped fuel the subsequent wave of Chinese spy dramas and is regarded as a benchmark work in the spy drama genre.

References

1. Douban - The Disguiser (2015): movie.douban.com/subject/26356956
2. Baidu Baike - The Disguiser: baike.baidu.com/item/伪装者
3. Wikipedia - The Disguiser: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Disguiser
4. Hunan Television official records
5. Li Xue director filmography