Draw the Line (Chinese TV series)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | 2022 |
| Headquarters | China |
| Products | Drama series |
Draw the Line () is a Chinese drama series helmed by director Liu Guotong, featuring lead performances from Jin Dong, Cheng Yi, and Cai Wenjing. Key supporting roles are filled by Wang Xiuzhu, Wang Shasha, Wang Fang, and Wu Chao. The show was broadcast on Hunan Satellite TV from September 19 to October 11, 2022, with concurrent streaming available on Mango TV and iQiyi.
Synopsis
Fang Yuan serves as the chief judge of the Filing Division at the Xingcheng District People's Court, while Song Yufei holds the position of deputy chief judge in the First Criminal Division of Rongzhou Intermediate People's Court. Both are disciples of Zhang Weimin, vice president of the Xingcheng District People's Court, forming a mentor-apprentice lineage committed to advancing China’s judicial system. Zhou Yian, who recently qualified as a judge, is Fang Yuan’s former apprentice and legal assistant. Although their judicial roles have diverged, this group continues to influence court operations significantly. The arrival of Ye Xin, a young cadre from the Supreme Law Research Office assigned to Star City Court for training, introduces new dynamics. Together, these three generations maintain a legacy rooted in mentorship while steadfastly upholding justice, ethics, and humanity.
Main
Jin Dong as Fang Yuan
- Serving as president of the Case Filing Division at Xingcheng District People's Court, Fang Yuan is recognized for his modest demeanor and deep grassroots experience. His approach to mediation emphasizes sincerity and community engagement. His professional skills and leadership qualities have earned him a promotion to vice president of the court.
- Young Xi Yun is portrayed by Li Xiyuan.
Cheng Yi as Zhou Yian
- A young judge characterized by his strong commitment to justice and approachable personality. While serious in his professional duties, Zhou Yian adopts unconventional mediation techniques that occasionally create tension with colleagues such as Ye Xin.
Cai Wenjing as Ye Xin
- A cadre from the Supreme People's Court who joins Zhou Yian’s court for practical training. Initially formal and somewhat distant in her legal style, Ye Xin gradually develops a collaborative relationship with Zhou Yian as they work through their differing perspectives.
Supporting
- Wang Xiuzhu as Song Yufei
- Wang Shasha as Shu Su
- Wang Fang as Sheng Fangming
- Li Fanning as Wu Chao
- Wang Zi Quan as Xu Tian Xu [Lawyer]
- Wang Jin Song as Chen Kang
- Zhao Zi Qi as Li Xiao Le [Fang Yuan's wife]
- Zhang Xi Wei as Fang Ke Li [Fang Yuan's daughter]
- Zeng Meng Xue as Zhong Yuan Yuan [Judge]
- Wang Yi Nan as Wang Xiu Fang
- Hu Hao Bo as Wei Zhen Hua
- Zhang Zhi Jian as Zhang Wei Min
- Mu Li Yan as Zhou Yi An's mother
- Liu Jun as Ye Cun Yuan [Ye Xin's father]
- Li Si Nan as Ma Kun
- Cao Lei as Kuang Tian Shu [Lawyer]
- Yin Jun Zheng as Lu Zhong Hua [Judge]
- Wang Wen Ze as Xiao Xiao
Script writing
Director Liu Guotong disclosed that, guided by the Supreme People's Court, the creative team conducted extensive research across more than 60 courts nationwide. They interviewed upwards of 200 frontline judicial personnel and studied over 500 representative cases. Throughout development, they refined the script through 20 drafts and shot scenes on location at over 170 sites in Changsha. To ensure authenticity, they constructed approximately 3,000 square meters of sets including 40 courtroom interiors.
Production Team
The project was managed under the guidance of the Supreme People's Court, the Propaganda Department of the Hunan Provincial Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, and the Hunan Provincial Radio and Television Bureau. Oversight responsibilities were handled by the Information Bureau and Case Filing Division of the Supreme People's Court. Key planners comprised Li Guangyu, who serves as deputy director of the Supreme People's Court’s Political Department and Information Bureau, along with Qian Xiaochen, the president of the filing tribunal. To ensure accuracy and professional standards, specialists from local courts were consistently present during filming to supervise the authenticity of content, settings, costumes, and props.
Filming Process
The core creative team, convened by the Supreme People's Court in collaboration with the Hunan Provincial Radio and Television Bureau, initiated the conceptual development phase in 2019. The process of gathering stories began in October 2020 and extended over a period exceeding 90 days. Principal photography started in February 2022, marked by an opening ceremony at Changsha County People's Court. After 94 days of AB double-team shooting, production wrapped up on May 30th, culminating a total duration of three years.
Awards and Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 Weibo Night | 2022 Weibo Annual Drama Series | Draw The Line | Won |
| 2023 | 2023 Capital TV Program Spring Promotion Conference | Excellent TV Series of the Year | Draw The Line | Won |