Synopsis
A blockbuster 2023 anti-crime drama directed by Xu Jizhou, starring Zhang Yi and Zhang Songwen. Spanning 20 years, it follows a police officer's pursuit of a fishmonger-turned-mafia boss. Douban rating: 8.5. The biggest hit drama of 2023.
Overview
The Knockout (狂飙) is a 2023 Chinese anti-crime and anti-corruption television drama directed by Xu Jizhou, starring Zhang Yi, Zhang Songwen, Li Yitong, and Zhang Zhijian in leading roles. The series premiered on CCTV-8 and iQiyi in January 2023, running for 39 episodes.
The story spans twenty years, from 2000 to 2021, centered on the cat-and-mouse game between criminal police officer An Xin (Zhang Yi) and Gao Qiqiang (Zhang Songwen), a fishmonger who rises to become a powerful mafia boss. Through their decades-long confrontation, the series reveals the full cycle of organized crime — from its origins to its eventual destruction — in the city of Jingzhou. With its profound social insight, masterful performances, and gripping narrative, the series became one of the biggest television hits of 2023, holding a Douban rating of 8.5 out of 10.
Plot
The story begins in Jingzhou in the year 2000. Young police officer An Xin crosses paths with Gao Qiqiang, a humble fishmonger, during an investigation. Gao, originally an honest little man, begins to abuse An Xin's police identity after being bullied by market managers, gradually tasting the sweetness of "having connections."
From that point, Gao Qiqiang descends step by step into the abyss of crime. From an oppressed fish vendor, through cunning and manipulation, he gradually develops into a local underworld boss. He builds a vast business empire and penetrates the political and judicial systems through bribery and intimidation.
Meanwhile, An Xin holds fast to his sense of justice. Over twenty years, he endures the betrayal of colleagues, the suppression of superiors, and the departure of his lover — but never gives up his pursuit of Gao Qiqiang and his criminal organization. Eventually, in the context of the national anti-gang campaign, An Xin finally gets his chance to bring Gao to justice.
Cast
| Role | Actor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| An Xin | Zhang Yi | Police officer, holds to justice for 20 years |
| Gao Qiqiang | Zhang Songwen | From fishmonger to mafia boss, anti-hero lead |
| Meng Yu | Li Yitong | Journalist, An Xin's love interest |
| Zhao Lidong | Zhang Zhijian | Deputy Secretary of Jingzhou Municipal Committee, the "umbrella" |
| Gao Qisheng | Su Xiaoding | Gao Qiqiang's younger brother |
| Chen Shuting | Gao Ye | Gao Qiqiang's wife |
Social Impact
The Knockout sparked widespread public discussion after its broadcast, with ratings soaring continuously. Zhang Songwen's portrayal of Gao Qiqiang became one of the most talked-about television characters of 2023 — a villain who inspires both hatred and sympathy. Zhang Songwen leapt from a respected character actor to a nationally beloved star, with his performance widely acclaimed.
The series' exposure of the "protective umbrella" problem is particularly incisive — organized crime can only grow to such proportions because powerful figures stand behind it. This theme resonated with the real-life nationwide anti-gang sweep operations.
Lines from the drama such as "Old Mo, I want to eat fish" became internet memes, and "Gao Qiqiang's" name was a trending topic on social media for weeks. The series also sparked debate about whether audiences should empathize with a villain protagonist.
References
- Douban - The Knockout (2023): movie.douban.com/subject/35540393
- Baidu Baike - The Knockout: baike.baidu.com/item/狂飙
- Wikipedia - The Knockout (TV series): en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Knockout_(TV_series)
- CCTV-8 official records
- iQiyi platform data
Stills & Gallery
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