The Disguiser is a 2015 Chinesespywartelevision drama based on Zhang Yong's novel, Spy War on Shanghai Bond. It was produced by Hou Hongliang and directed by Li Xue, and stars Hu Ge, Jin Dong, Liu Mintao and Wang Kai as the members of the Ming family. The series tells the story Ming Tai, a rich and naive young master of the Ming household, who is trained to become a spy for the Kuomintang to fight Wang Jingwei’s leadership of Japan’s puppet regime in China. It originally aired daily on Hunan Television from 31 August to 28 September 2015. The series was met with critical acclaim, receiving 37.5 million views on Youku as well as topping Sohu TV ratings, and was nominated for "Outstanding Drama" at the 30th Flying Apsaras Awards.
Synopsis
The plot centers around the Ming household during the Japanese occupation era: college student Ming Tai is kidnapped by Nationalist government leader Wang Tianfeng, who gives him spy training and a life-and-death partner Yu Manli to carry out the party's many missions. The oldest brother, Ming Lou is the patriarch of the Ming household, while also holding many important positions and connections in the Nationalist government, Communist Party of China, the Reorganized Government, and the Japanese government, although not many know his true intentions and loyalties. Ming Cheng acts as the Ming Lou's trusted assistant, making him the number one target for others to get to Ming Lou. Through the many dangerous predicaments the family face, together, they fight to bring down their enemies and end the occupation.
Cast
; Ming household
Hu Ge as Ming Tai, a spoiled, naive and youngest brother of the family. His birth mother died saving Ming Lou and Ming Jing from an assassination attempt, leaving him orphaned. The siblings later took him in as an adopted member of the family. Ming Tai is gifted in his skills as a spy but still retains an immature personality. His code name is "Scorpion".
Jin Dong as Ming Lou, the oldest brother. On the surface he is an official in the collaborationist government, but his true loyalties are a mystery. Highly skilled in the ways of espionage, his code name is "Viper".
Liu Mintao as Ming Jing, the sister who acts as the mother of the whole family unit. She is the chairman of the Ming Corporation and secretly funds the Chinese Communist Party. She tries to keep Ming Tai away from politics for his safety by sending him away for an education.
Wang Kai as Ming Cheng, the middle brother who is the assistant of Ming Lou. He was adopted by the Ming housekeeper Auntie Gui. After seeing how abusive she was toward the boy, the Ming siblings decided to take Ah-Cheng into their family.
Guo Hong as Auntie Gui, Ming Cheng's adopted mother who was dismissed for her abusive behavior toward him. She later reappeared and became a spy for Wang Man Chun, collecting intelligence from the Ming family.
Zhu Mengyao as Ah-Xiang, the family maid.
Feng Hui as Ming Tang, Ming's cousin and a wealthy business owner.
; Nationalist government
Liu Yijun as Wang Tianfeng, the leader of the Nationalist government's military training program who recognized Ming Tai's abilities and kidnapped him. He trained Ming Tai to become a spy and made him the leader of his team. His code name is "Wasp".
Song Yi as Yu Manli, Ming Tai's life-and-death partner. She was sold to a brothel by her father but was saved by Boss Yu, who sent her to school. However, he was robbed and killed. She later took revenge by murdering the criminals, and while waiting for her death sentence, was discovered and recruited by Wang Tianfeng.
Wang Lejun as Cheng Jinyun, a medical student who works as a spy for the Communist party. She is a frequent partner during Ming Tai's missions. The two eventually fall in love and marry.
Guo Xiaofeng as Uncle Li, Ming Tai's long lost father.
Zhang Yanyan as Dr. Su
Sun Chen as Dong Yan
Gao Xin as Zhang Yueyin
; Department 76
Wang Ou as Wang Manchun, Ming Lou's lover and director of the intelligence department of Department 76. She is of the Wang family, who are sworn enemies of the Mings, although she still cares for Ming Lou deeply.
Yue Yang as Liang Zhongchun, Director of Operations at Department 76. He is often competing with Wang Manchun for the head of Department 76.
The Disguiser was adapted from Zhang Yong's novel, The Spy War on Shanghai Bond. The script was inspired by the novel's characters who have multiple identities, with many skills to transform and camouflage in a variety of scenarios; and hence the television series' title. The creative team included author Zhang Yong as the screenwriter, Magnolia award-winning director Li Xue, Hou Hongliang as head producer as well as Meng Ke and Wang Shuyi as the main composer of the soundtrack. Other members of the production team include casting and dubbing directors Bi Yingjie, Jiang Guangyao and Zhang Kai, artistic director Shao Changyong, action stunt director Hao Wanjun, costume designer Ru Meiqi and set designer Su Zhiyong. Location filming began on January 4, and ended on April 27, 2015, where it entered post-production.
Soundtrack
Tracks 1 through 20 were composed by Meng Ke, while tracks 21 through 24 were composed by Wang Shuyi, who also composed the theme song, "From the Heart ".
Ratings
Highest ratings are marked in red, lowest ratings are marked in blue
