Liu Tao is a popular Chinese actress. Born on July 12, 1978, she also goes by the name Tamia Liu. When she was a teenager, Liu Tao served for two years in a performance troop of the People’s Liberation Army. She broke into acting in television in 2000 and has since starred in many popular films and television dramas, including the acclaimed “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils” (2002), “Dali Princess” (2008), “The Glamorous Imperial Concubine” (2011), “Nirvana in Fire” (2015), “The Legend of Miyue” (2015) and “Ode to Joy” (2016). Liu Tao married Wang Ke in 2008.

Liu Tao

As a strong, independent, hard-working woman, Xiao Yan (Liu Tao) has never backed down from a challenge in her life. Determined to become a senior-ranking executive of Xiya Group, Xiao Yan hopes to create and launch an all-new domestic makeup brand. But the higher-ups at Xiya have other plans for Xiao Yan. Recognizing her talent, Xiao Yan is appointed to the much more lucrative “mother and child” sector of the company. As one who strictly adheres to the DINK (dual income, no kids) philosophy of life, this new appointment presents a whole new set of challenges for Xiao Yan.

Completely unfamiliar with the world of motherhood, Xiao Yan turns to her best friend, You Ya (Li Nian) for help. A full-time mother, You Ya is a fount of knowledge and inspiration. More than happy to help her friend,&nbsp;You Ya invites Xiao Yan into her world, showing her what it really means to be a mother. As the two friends spend an increasing amount of time together, Xiao Yan comes to understand the depths of a mother’s love, while You Ya begins to understand that even as a mother, she has a voice that deserves to be heard. As Xiao Yan pours herself into her work, her rival, Chen Jiao Rui (Wang Yuan Ke) works on a project of her own but because of her pregnancy, is forced to back out. Now a new mother, struggling to find a balance between work and family, Jiao Rui finds that it is Xiao Yan who provides her with the confidence she so desperately needs.

Inspired by both You Ya and Jiao Rui, Xiao Yan begins to see the world from a different point of view. With a new dream growing between them, Xioa Yan, You Ya, and Jiao Rui come together in a whole new way, supporting each other at every turn, as they endeavor to create a better future for all.

Full of strong women and incredible friendships, “Love is True” is a 2021 family life drama directed by Lu Xing.

Love is True

⁂ Empowered Women Team ⁂

In a compilation of seven short films, seven directors explore the history of modern China and its people, going back to the 1940s and the aftermath of World War II, on the eve of the birth of the People’s Republic of China, through to the 1960s, the 1980s, the 1990s, and finally the 2010s, with stars like Song Jia and Ou Hao making appearances.

The first film focuses on an engineer struggling to organize a ceremony to mark the birth of the nation and the second tells the story of a love-sick nuclear scientist. In the third film, a young boy does what he can to help his neighborhood watch the gold medal match of the women’s volleyball competition in the 1984 Olympic Games.

The remaining films focus on more recent events, including two groups of people preparing for the handover of Hong Kong by the British colonial government in 1997. There is another Olympic story in a film about events surrounding the 2008 Olympics, which were held in Beijing, as a taxi driver decides to gift a ticket he had bought for his own son to another boy.

In the sixth film, two homeless boys watch a spectacular space mission in the 2010s. And in the final film, a female air force pilot attempts to ensure that a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second Sino-Japanese War goes off without a hitch

“My People, My Country” is a 2019 Chinese movie that was directed by Chen Kai Ge,&nbsp;Zhang Yi Bai,&nbsp;Guan Hu,&nbsp;Xue Xiao Lu,&nbsp;Xu Zheng,&nbsp;Ning Hao, and Wen Mu Ye.

My People, My Country

The Patriots Team

Youku

In 3rd-century China, the Three Kingdoms period has dawned and Sima Yi (Wu Xiu Bo) is a trusted advisor to the Cao Wei ruler Cao Pi (Li Chen). Sima Yi is also married to the ever-smart Zhang Chun Hua (Liu Tao).

However, all is not peaceful in the land. Rival states Shu Han and Eastern Wu are plotting war, and when Cao Pi dies, his son succeeds to the throne – and turns to Sima Yi for help.

When the new emperor falls critically ill, he is forced to announce his young adopted son as heir. As the emperor's condition deteriorates, he appoints Sima Yi and strong-minded general Cao Shuang (Du Yi Heng) as joint regents of the Cao Wei state.

But the two men have opposing ideas for how the land should be governed, and their differences soon become irreconcilable. With the future of the Cao Dynasty – and the realm itself – at stake, who will prove victorious in the ensuing power struggle? And can Sima Yi sow the seeds for a yet more powerful dynasty to one day take the throne?

This drama is based on real-life events from the life of Sima Yi, who lived from 179 to 251 AD. It is also known as “Sima Yi: Growling Tiger, Roaring Dragon,” and is the sequel to a series entitled “The Advisors Alliance.”It is also known as “Sima Yi: Growling Tiger, Roaring Dragon,” and the first part of the series was entitled “The Advisors Alliance.”

“Growling Tiger, Roaring Dragon” is a 2017 Chinese drama directed by Zhang Yong Xin.

Growling Tiger, Roaring Dragon

Gone with the Shirt Team

Zhang Chun Hua

JSTV

In China, in the late 2nd Century AD, a boy named Sima Yi (Wu Xiu Bo) is born to the family of a government official in Wen County, Henan. From an early age, his parents and teachers recognize that Sima Yi is blessed with extraordinary intelligence. And he soon proves them right, rising to prominence and landing an influential position in the local government.

He also proves astute in his choice of bride, marrying the quick-witted Zhang Chun Hua (Liu Tao).

But these are troubled times. The Eastern Han Dynasty is in its dying days and all-out war has broken out between a warlord and his rivals. The young Sima Yi, meanwhile, is quickly rising through the ranks and has caught the eye of the mighty warlord himself.

But when the warlord dies, another power struggle breaks out between his sons, who battle for the right to succeed their father. The elder of the sons, Cao Pi (Li Chen), turns to Sima Yi for assistance.

But now Cao Pi has set his sights on an even more spectacular prize – the imperial throne.

Can Sima Yi help Cao Pi topple Emperor Xian and put an end to the Eastern Han Dynasty? And will the duo succeed in establishing a new national government – and can they open a new, glorious chapter in Chinese history?

This drama is based on real-life events from the life of Sima Yi, who lived from 179 to 251 AD. It is also known as “Sima Yi: The Advisors Alliance” and its sequel was entitled “Growling Tiger, Roaring Dragon.”

“The Advisors Alliance” is a 2017 Chinese drama directed by Zhang Yong Xin.

The Advisors Alliance

MEI DAXIA (大俠)

Zhejiang TV

Can five single, independent career women who live in the Ode to Joy apartment building find fulfillment on their own terms? 

An Di (Liu Tao) is a successful business woman who has returned to China after studying in New York to find her younger brother. Qu Xiao Xiao (Wang Zi Wen) is only 25 but already owns her own small business. Fang Sheng Mei (Jiang Xin) grew up in poverty but has shed her “Princess of the Streets” background to work for a multinational company. Qiu Ying Ying (Yang Zi) is a 20-year-old small-town girl who is trying to make it in the big city. Guan Ju Er (Bridgette Qiao Xin) is a 20-year-old from a highly educated family, but she must discover what she wants out of life when she enters the workforce for the first time. 

For these women, there is a man (or two) who is trying to get their attention. Dr. Zhao (Wang Kai) is a flirtatious, handsome doctor. Qi Dian (Zu Feng) is the stoic businessman. Wang Bai Chuan (Zhang Lu) is Sheng Mei’s steadfast friend who has always carried a torch for her. Yao Bin (Zhang Xiao Qian) is a second-generation chaebol. Tan Zong Ming (Jin Dong) is An Di’s boss who has been friend-zoned by her despite knowing her since their school days. 

Can the women find the personal happiness they seek?

“Ode to Joy” is a 2016 Chinese drama series directed by Sheng Kong. It is based on a novel by the same name.

Ode to Joy

The Splash Of Joy Team

An Di

In ancient China, a feudal war breaks out between the Northern Wei and Southern Liang dynasties. The Liang commander general, Lin Xie (Zheng Sheng Li), and his young son, Lin Shu (Hu Ge), lead the Chiyan Army to battle, soundly defeating the Wei forces. However, weakened from the battle, the entire army is slaughtered under the Emperor’s (Ding Yong Dai) orders, after political rivals convince him the Lin family is conspiring with Crown Prince Qi (Ji Chen), to start a rebellion. Enraged by this act of supposed treason, the Emperor orders the entire Lin family’s execution.

Barely escaping with his life, Lin Shu survives the massacre but, weakened by poison during battle, doesn’t get far. Falling under the care of Lin Chen (Jin Dong), the master of Langya Hall saves the ailing boy but, reacting to the medicine that saves him, his appearance is forever changed. 

Over the next twelve years, Lin Shu devotes himself to the establishment of the Jiang Zuo Alliance. In the process he becomes leader among the people and with his altered appearance, takes on the name Mei Changsu. When an opportunity arises, which allows him to return to the capital, he takes it, hoping to use this chance to prove his family’s innocence and help his childhood friend, Prince Jing (Wang Kai), take the throne.

Disguised as Su Zhe, Lin Shu becomes an imperial strategist who appears to support Prince Yu (Victor Huang) while secretly working to help take down the Crown Prince and set Prince Jing on the throne. Caught up in the chaotic and dangerous world of imperial politics, Lin Shu discovers the identity of those who framed his family and the conspiracy that changed his life forever. When the time is right, Lin Shu confronts the Emperor with the truth of what happened all those years ago, a truth so profound, it will alter the course of history forever.

Now dubbed in English, this popular 2015 historical drama is based on the novel, “Nirvana in Fire”, written by Hai Yan, and was directed by Kong Sheng and Li Xue.

Nirvana in Fire (English-Dubbed Version)

Ni Huang

Beijing TV, Dragon TV

Ancient China is being torn apart by a bitter feudal that pits the Northern Wei dynasty against the Southern Liang. With help from the Liang general and his formidable 19-year-old son Lin Shu (Hu Ge), the Liang secure a famous victory over the Wei. But treachery – rather than rewards – await the Lin family. A treacherous plot undermines the family, and many members are ruthlessly massacred.

Lin Shu escapes, but is poisoned. With his life in danger, a healer gives him an antidote that radically reduces his strength and robs him of his fighting powers. The antidote also leaves him looking very different. He assumes the name Mei Chang Su and begins on the long path to revenge. The journey brings him into contact with the Emperor’s son and unfavored Prince Jing (Wang Kai), whose brothers are locked in a vicious battle for the Imperial throne. He is also reunited with Mu Ni Huang (Liu Tao), a fearsome female general who does not want to be married off to a controlling husband. Will Lin Shu get what he is after? And will the truth of his identity ever come to light?

“Nirvana in Fire” is a 2015 Chinese drama series that was directed by Kong Sheng and Li Xue.

Nirvana in Fire

Lang Ya Bang

Princess Ni Huang

Hunan Satellite TV

A sitting princess has everything taken away from her by her power-hungry uncle, but can she get it all back? 

In 10th-century imperial China during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, Ma Fuya (Ruby Lin) is a princess in the Chu state during a tumultuous time of warring kingdoms and political unrest. When Fuya’s uncle seizes the throne and kills off her family, Fuya barely escapes with her life and is exiled. 

When both Meng Qi You (Kevin Yan), the prince of Later Shu, and Liu Lian Cheng (Wallace Huo), the prince of Northern Han, fall in love with Fuya, she becomes embroiled in succession struggles and battles between states. Can Fuya use her position to rise to power, avenge her family and regain her kingdom? 

“The Glamorous Imperial Concubine” is a 2011 Chinese drama series directed by Lin Feng and George Leung. The drama is based on a novel by the same name by Murong Yinr and marks the production debut of Ruby Lin, who also stars in the series.

Shows

About

Discussion