Below the Lion Rock
| Company type | Television drama series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Founder | RTHK |
| Headquarters | Hong Kong , Hong Kong |
| Products | Television drama series |
Below the Lion Rock () is a television drama series from Hong Kong, produced by RTHK, which aired sporadically between 1972 and 2022. Each installment presented distinct narratives depicting the experiences of diverse social groups during pivotal moments in Hong Kong's history, including events like the Shek Kip Mei Fire and the early waves of immigration from Mainland China. The series struck a chord with viewers, earning strong ratings due to its heartfelt storytelling.
The initial focus was on the character "Uncle Tak" (德叔), portrayed by seasoned actor Leung Meng (良鳴), before evolving into an anthology format with standalone episodes. Esteemed directors such as Ann Hui, Allen Fong, and Derek Yee played significant roles in shaping the series.
Originally broadcast in black and white with 15-minute segments, the show's duration was extended to 30 minutes and subsequently to one hour by 1978. In 2006, a fresh season consisting of 10 episodes was released on TVB Jade.
Song
The series' theme song, sharing the title "Below the Lion Rock," was created in 1979 by composer Joseph Koo, featuring lyrics penned by Wong Jim. The arrangement was crafted by Koo alongside Choi Tak Choi, with vocals performed by Roman Tam. The song experienced a resurgence in popularity when Anthony Leung, serving as financial secretary, recited its words during his 2002 budget speech, evoking a wave of public nostalgia. After Tam's passing in October 2002, the track cemented its status as a classic within Cantopop. Its prominence grew further when Zhu Rongji referenced it during a visit to Hong Kong later that year. Presently, "Below the Lion Rock" is widely regarded as an unofficial anthem for Hong Kong and is regularly featured at official government ceremonies.