Synopsis
A 2023 blockbuster Chinese crime drama following a police officer's 20-year battle against a crime boss who rose from a humble fishmonger to become the most powerful underworld figure in Jinghai City.
Overview
The Knockout (狂飙) is a 2023 Chinese crime suspense television series directed and written by Xu Jizhou, starring Zhang Yi, Zhang Songwen, Li Yitong, Zhang Zhijian, and Wu Gang. The series premiered on iQIYI in January 2023 and quickly became one of the most popular and discussed dramas of the year, achieving a Douban rating of 8.5 with over one million user ratings.
Plot
Set in the fictional city of Jinghai, the story unfolds across two timelines. In 2000, upright criminal police officer An Xin (Zhang Yi) crosses paths with fishmonger Gao Qiqiang (Zhang Songwen) during an investigation. By 2021, An Xin is a middle-aged cop with graying hair, while Gao Qiqiang has transformed from an oppressed small-time vendor into the most powerful crime boss in Jinghai.
Gao Qiqiang's rise from a bullied underdog to the head of a sprawling criminal empire is driven by violence and political maneuvering. An Xin, unwavering in his commitment to justice, spends two decades pursuing Gao despite enormous pressure and personal cost. Ultimately, with the help of a central government anti-organized-crime inspection team, Gao and his criminal network are brought to justice.
Cast
| Role | Actor | Character Description |
|---|---|---|
| An Xin | Zhang Yi | An upright criminal police officer who pursues justice for 20 years |
| Gao Qiqiang | Zhang Songwen | A fishmonger who becomes a powerful crime boss |
| Meng Yu | Li Yitong | An Xin's wife |
| Meng Dehai | Zhang Zhijian | A high-ranking official in Jinghai City |
| Xu Zhong | Wu Gang | Leader of the central anti-crime inspection team |
| Uncle Tai | Ni Dahong | Behind-the-scenes underworld boss |
| Chen Shuting | Gao Ye | Gao Qiqiang's wife |
Awards and Nominations
| Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 32nd China TV Golden Eagle Awards | Best Television Series | Nominated |
| 28th Shanghai TV Festival Magnolia Awards | Best Chinese Television Series | Nominated |
| 2023 China Film & TV Night | Best Director | Won |
| 2023 iQIYI Scream Night | Powerful Actor of the Year (Zhang Songwen) | Won |
| 2024 TV Directors Conference | Annual Drama Series | Won |
Cultural Impact
The Knockout sparked nationwide discussion after its broadcast. The character of Gao Qiqiang became one of the most discussed television figures of 2023. Zhang Songwen's exceptional performance elevated him from a respected character actor to a top-tier leading man, with his iconic lines from the show being widely quoted by netizens. The drama is regarded as a landmark in China's anti-organized-crime genre, portraying the struggle against underworld forces with remarkable realism.
References
- Douban: https://movie.douban.com/subject/35465232/
- Baidu Baike: https://baike.baidu.com/item/狂飙/57027307
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Knockout_(TV_series)
- RADIES: https://radii.co/article/best-chinese-drama-2023-the-knockout
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