In the 80s of the last century, the domestic TV industry was just starting, and domestic dramas were far from meeting the needs of the audience, so a large number of Hong Kong, Taiwan dramas and foreign dramas were introduced. These dramas not only greatly enriched the mainland screen, but also became a sensation after they were broadcast that year.
Let's review together, each of the 10 popular foreign TV series in the 80s is a classic, carrying the memory of our youth!
The first "Man from the Bottom of the Atlantic"
The 21-episode American science fiction TV series "The Man from the Bottom of the Atlantic" is the first American drama introduced by the mainland. The show was broadcast in the United States in 1977 and translated and broadcast by CCTV in 1980.
It tells the story of a mysterious night when huge waves under the sea send a strange creature Mike Harris to shore. When the medical profession saw it as death and could not do anything about it, oceanographer Dr. Elizabeth Marie released him back into the ocean to bring him back to life. Mike undergoes a series of trials to test his speed, agility, and strength. Although Mike is allowed to return to the world of the ocean, he decides to stay and help Dr. Mary and others explore the ocean, while also learning about the world of humans.
Although it was broadcast in the United States to a mediocre reception, it became a huge sensation in China. This drama not only shows the rapid development of technology, but also stimulates the audience's strong interest in the unknown. Elements such as the actor's dolphin swimming, LCD electronic watches, and toad glasses became a fashion trend that young people were vying to imitate at that time.
Part 2: "Garrison's Expendables"
The 26-episode American TV series Garrisons premiered in the United States in 1967 and aired domestically in 1980. It is the second American drama introduced by China.
The TV series consists of 26 unit stories. It tells the story of Lieutenant Garrison of the U.S. Army Intelligence Department at the end of World War II, who formed a death squad of criminals of all kinds. They went behind enemy lines and were tasked with carrying out secret missions during World War II. They were brave and wise, and through their own efforts, they did many miraculous feats and eventually became heroes.
The whole drama has a tight plot, and the team members face challenges in each episode, which makes the audience addicted to the moment full of tension and excitement. The main character, Garrison, is a clever and witty leader who always devises the best strategy to get the job done. And his team members have a variety of talents and specialties to ensure that they can successfully complete various difficult tasks. It's an eye-opener.
Although this is a war-themed work, it is tense and full of humor. The audience can't help but laugh, and this unique movie-watching experience is truly unforgettable.
"Garrison's Expendables" had a great impact on the youth of the time. According to media reports, many teenagers have been injured by imitating the skills of throwing knives in the play, thieves have imitated serial theft techniques, and students have imitated bad habits such as smoking and drinking...... Therefore, when the drama was broadcast to the 16th episode that year, the TV station announced: "This drama has been broadcast." This incident has attracted widespread attention in the history of CCTV.
Twenty years later, the book "The First and Change of CCTV" revealed the truth about the suspension of the broadcast: it was suspended because its content was too violent and lacked artistic value.
Part 3 "Sanshiro Figure"
The 25-episode Japanese drama "Zisanshiro" premiered in Japan in 1970. In 1981, it was translated and broadcast by Shanghai TV, which was also the first Japanese TV series introduced in the mainland.
The play is adapted from the fourth novel of the same name by Tsuneo Tomita, which tells the story of the 16th year of the Meiji era, when the turmoil in Japan gradually subsided. Shogoro Yano improved the traditional jiu-jitsu into judo, and with this new idea, he unified the divided jiu-jitsu world at the time. The story of his gradual growth from a hot-blooded young man to a judo master.
The protagonist in the play, Zi Sanshiro, is a kind and promising young man, who is somewhat similar to the Chen Zhen we are familiar with. In the opinion of "Zi Sanshiro" in the translation field back then, the plot was too bland and the character portrayal was not rich enough, so it was not optimistic. But unexpectedly, the show caused a sensation in Shanghai after it aired, and it is said that the local crime rate had decreased by the time the show aired.
The fourth "Man on the Blacklist"
The 13-episode Yugoslav TV series "The Man on the Blacklist" premiered in 1974 and aired domestically in 1982. "The Man on the Blacklist" turned out to be a movie and was a huge hit after its release. It was later adapted into a television series. Therefore, the first episode of the show is the movie version, and the last 12 episodes are the TV version.
The plot is based on 13 independent stories. It depicts the heroic resistance of the Serbian people to Hitler in the summer of 1941, at the time of the Nazi invasion of Yugoslavia. The members of the Einsatzgruppen were blacklisted for their resistance to the Nazis, but they were not afraid to use the power of the people to skillfully and courageously deal with the Nazis, such as raiding German garages, arresting traitors, setting up underground printing offices, and even attacking German ammunition depots and military columns. The courage and determination of the guerrillas, who did not hesitate to sacrifice their lives in defense of the Motherland, are admirable.
This series is both wonderful and classic. The plot is magnificent and fascinating. The setting of "creating a hero in each episode, and at the same time there is also a character sacrifice", is full of dramatic tension and suspense. In addition, the theme song is touching, the ending song is even more beautiful, and the melancholy harmonica melody is like an elegy, which is unforgettable.
It is worth mentioning that although this drama was very popular back then, it also published a comic book of the same name. Unfortunately, there are very few replays these days.
The fifth "Volleyball Girl"
The 71-episode Japanese co-production TV series "Volleyball Girl" (also known as "The Flame of Youth") premiered in Japan in 1979 and was released in mainland China in 1982. This drama is performed by powerful actors such as Yumiko Araki and Yutaka Nanjo, and is based on the famous manga works of Shotaro Ishimori.
This drama tells the story of Junko Oga, who has been dependent on her father since she was a child, and her biggest wish is to become an excellent volleyball player and realize her mother's ideals. Although she lost her mother when she was a child, she is still cheerful, optimistic and energetic. From the age of four, volleyball became a part of Junko's life from childhood to adulthood. When she grew up, she left her hometown and came to Tokyo to join the White Fuji School volleyball team. Here, Junko's ball skills increased dramatically every day, and she practiced her smashing skills, and she and her friends joined the national women's volleyball team. But when his dream was about to come true, Yuka died of illness. Junko turns her grief into strength and marches towards the Olympics in order to fulfill Yuka's wish.
This classic Japanese drama has had a profound impact on the mainland, especially Junko Oga's perseverance and optimism, which has deeply inspired a generation. It is known as one of the earliest youth inspirational film and television works in China, and it caused a sensation when it was broadcast.
The sixth "Blood Suspicion"
"Blood Suspicion" is a Japanese television series broadcast by the Tokyo Broadcasting Corporation in Japan in 1975, starring Momoe Yamaguchi and Tomokazu Miura. is the second part of the red series of TV series. A total of 29 episodes, which aired in China in 1984.
This TV series has touched countless Chinese audiences. tells the story of Sachiko Oshima, a 17-year-old girl in the flower season, who is innocent and kind. Unfortunately, she contracted blood cancer and needed constant exchange transfusions, but her parents and her blood were different. Mitsuo Sagara, a medical student, has the same blood type as her, and through multiple blood transfusions, the two gradually develop a love. But they can't be together, because Sachiko and Mitsuo Sagara are actually half-siblings, and they deduce a touching and heartfelt story.
"Blood Suspicion" should be one of the early Japanese TV dramas imported from China. Terminal illness, brother and sister love...... Such bloody plots are common today, but they were fascinating back then. The development of the plot and the fate of the characters affect and move the audience, and the actors' performances are artistically appealing. Many viewers therefore liked Momoe Kamiguchi and Tomokazu Miura, the screen couple. And they were all impressed by Ken Utsui's performance. Shigeru Oshima's image as a good man is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.
"Blood Suspicion" is one of the iconic symbols of the good character of an era. When it was broadcast that year, it caused a sensation of more than 10,000 empty alleys and earned enough tears from the audience. The theme song "Thank You" in the play was also all the rage and became a classic melody in the hearts of a generation.
The seventh "Slave Girl"
The 100-episode Brazilian TV series "Slave Girl" premiered in Brazil in 1976 and was broadcast on Beijing TV in 1984. The TV series is based on the novel of the same name by author Bernardo Guimarães.
Set in the 19th century when slavery was at the height of slavery in Brazil, the protagonist Izola is a beautiful and kind white slave whose mistress, Marvina, treats her as if she were her own daughter. However, with the advent of Malvina's son, Leon, Izola's life changes drastically. Leon has a crush on Izola, but the way he pursues it is painful for Izola. In order to save Izola, Malvina decides to release her. In the process, Izola meets and falls in love with the handsome young master Dobias. When Leon learns about it, he becomes jealous and tries to sabotage the relationship. In the end, he paid the price for his actions.
This 100-episode Brazilian classic set off a ratings boom in the mainland in the 80s of the last century. Izola's fate tugged at the heartstrings of countless viewers, and her hairstyle also set the fashion trend at the time. To this day, many viewers still remember the plot vividly. Lucelia Santos, who played the heroine "Slave Girl Izola", won the 1985 Popular Television Golden Eagle Award for Best Foreign Actress for her outstanding performance of the role.
"Slave Girl" has been a worldwide hit and has been broadcast in more than 80 countries. Its success lies not only in the plot and the superb acting skills of the actors, but also in its in-depth exploration and presentation of Brazilian culture.
Part 8 "Ashin"
The 297-episode Japanese drama "Ashin" aired in Japan between 1983 and 1984. In 1985, CCTV broadcast "The Story of Ashin" as the title, with a total of 74 episodes. The show received a high score of 9.2 on Douban.
This drama is based on the novel of the same name by Shoukako Hashida, and the prototype of the protagonist "Ashin" is based on the entrepreneurial process of Yaohan in Japan. Set in the Meiji period of Japan, the story tells the story of Ashin, the daughter of a tenant farmer in Yamagata Prefecture, who began working as a child laborer in a lumber shop at the age of 7 in order to make a living. Despite the hard work, Ashin studied hard and gradually became the right-hand man of the rice shop. When she grew up, Ashin left the rice shop due to emotional frustration, and then in the turbulent years, she studied hairdressing, business, and went through all kinds of hardships in life. However, this resilient woman never stopped moving forward and finally ushered in her own moment of glory.
The reason why "Ashin" is so popular is, first of all, the exquisite conception of its script: the joys and sorrows of the great era are cleverly integrated into the image of a seemingly weak but resolute woman. In the play, Ashin, who is old, middle and young, is played by Nobuko Otoha, Yuko Tanaka, and Ayako Kobayashi, who portray the inner world of the characters vividly and vividly, which makes people resonate strongly. The audience was impressed by her simplicity, sincerity and courage.
When the show premiered in Japan, it had an astonishing average rating of 52.6%, making it the most-watched Japanese drama in Japanese history. Not only did it hit a hot spot in Japan, but it also won the love of many viewers around the world. In China, it has set a record of 80% of the viewership. To this day, it is still a classic to appreciate and taste, and it is also a masterpiece that can inspire people to think and understand life.
The ninth "Detective Hunter"
In 1984, the American drama "Detective Hunter" premiered in the United States, and by 1988, it had entered the Chinese television screen. The show has a total of seven seasons and 153 episodes, and Shanghai TV has selected 58 episodes for translation and premiere.
The show focuses on Detective Hunter of the Los Angeles Police Department and his female partner Dee Dee McCall working together to solve various major cases. Despite his humble background, Hunter has repeatedly saved the day with his ingenuity, while McCall is witty and works seamlessly with Hunter. Their tacit cooperation not only makes them partners in life and death, but also shows a unique sense of humor in the process of solving crimes.
"Detective Hunter" is actually a very ordinary American Hamilton police drama, under the production level at that time, there were many murders, violence, gunfights and car chases, which were still rare, which is also the reason why this TV series was able to set off a strong ratings whirlwind at that time.
Part 10 "Growing Pains"
"Growing Pains" is a seven-season, 166-episode 30-minute episode, and premiered in 1985. Later, it was introduced and translated by Shanghai TV, and from 1990 to 1994, it was the first foreign sitcom introduced by the mainland.
The play mainly depicts the life of the Seaver family in the suburbs of Long Island, USA. His father, Jason Seaver, was a psychiatrist, and his mother, Maggie Seaver, was a journalist, and they had three children: Mike, Carol and Ben. A series of vivid and interesting stories unfold here. The life of this family is full of laughter and tears, and they have experienced countless troubles and challenges in growing up together.
"Growing Pains" has attracted wide attention since its release, and has won the favor of not only primary and secondary school students, but also college students and young people. For many post-80s generations, this may be the first American drama they came into contact with, and the American lifestyle and educational concept at that time brought a deep shock to the audience. It can be said that this drama has accompanied a generation through their youth.
There are too many foreign TV series introduced in the 80s, so I won't introduce them one by one here, in your mind, which foreign TV series makes you unforgettable, please let me know in the comment area!