Cao Cao () is a Chinese historical television series based on the life of Cao Cao, a warlord who rose to power towards the end of the Eastern Han dynasty and laid the foundation for the state of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period. Directed by Hu Mei, the series aimed to portray a more historically accurate image of Cao Cao, who is traditionally depicted as a villain in Chinese culture. Starring Zhao Lixin as the eponymous character, the series was filmed at the Xiangshan Film City in Ningbo, Zhejiang between 1 November 2011 and 15 March 2012.
Cao Cao was not broadcast in China until 7 September 2015, when it started airing on Anhui Satellite TV and LeTV. Before that, the series had already been released on DVD in Japan on 4 September 2013. It was also aired on Channel Ginga in Japan on 5 January 2014, and on Chunghwa TV in South Korea from 6 October to 28 November 2014.
Synopsis The series is divided into seven parts spanning 41 episodes. It covers Cao Cao's life from his adolescent years and early career to the period just before the Battle of Red Cliffs.
Title Episodes Synopsis Part 1: Hero of Chaos第1部-乱世奸雄 1–6 Covers Cao Cao's adolescent years and his early career in the service of the Han imperial court. Part 2: Decline of the Han Dynasty第2部-漢室衰退 7–12 Covers Cao Cao's involvement in helping to suppress the Yellow Turban Rebellion and the chaotic political scene after the death of Emperor Ling. Part 3: Defeating Dong Zhuo第3部-打倒董卓 13–21 Covers Cao Cao's participation in the Campaign against Dong Zhuo. Part 4: Supporting Emperor Xian第4部-献帝擁立 21–26 Covers Cao Cao's battles against the Heishan Bandits, Tao Qian and Lü Bu, and his role in supporting Emperor Xian and establishing the new Han imperial capital in Xuchang. Part 5: Lü Bu's Downfall第5部-呂布滅亡 27–32 Covers the battles of Wancheng (against Zhang Xiu) and Xiapi (against Lü Bu). Part 6: Battle of Guandu第6部-官渡大戦 33–38 Covers the Battle of Guandu between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao. Part 7: Before Red Cliffs第7部-赤壁前夜 39–41 Covers Cao Cao's battles against Yuan Shao's heirs and his campaign to unify northern China.
Cast
See also List of media adaptations of Romance of the Three Kingdoms
References
External links Cao Cao (TV series) page on cinemart.co.jp Cao Cao (TV series) page on Chunghwa TV's website