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"The Informant," a spy drama starring Liu Yunlong, Zhang Jiayi, and Wang Likun, is finally a good show to watch.

Thu Jul 10 2025

“The Informer”: A New Benchmark for Spy Dramas, a Showdown of Acting Prowess

A bizarre dismemberment case, a group of highly skilled agents, and a thrilling spy drama. This isn’t a description of a James Bond film, but rather the recently popular Chinese drama, “The Informer.” Since its premiere, the show has sparked heated discussions among viewers, with many exclaiming, “There’s finally hope for Chinese spy dramas!”

A Gathering of Acting Giants: Who is the Ultimate Agent?

The cast of “The Informer” is a veritable who’s who of veteran actors. Liu Yunlong, Zhang Jiayi, and Wang Likun are all seasoned performers. Liu Yunlong plays Long Fei, an extraordinary public security officer. What surprises will this “Godfather of Chinese Spy Dramas” bring us this time? He portrays an agent who is both calm and collected, yet resourceful and decisive, perfectly capturing the essence of a character who remains steadfast in his beliefs despite being in grave danger.

Opposite him is Zhang Jiayi as the villain, Du Shengkui. Despite his usually affable demeanor, Zhang Jiayi delivers a chillingly “evil” performance. He portrays Du Shengkui as insidious and cunning, making him both hateful and frightening, truly solidifying his reputation as a “villain specialist.”

Don’t think that only male actors can shine in spy dramas. Wang Likun’s portrayal of Pigeon, a loyal and steadfast underground Communist agent, is equally impressive. Wang Likun vividly portrays Pigeon’s inner struggles and unwavering dedication to her beliefs, moving the audience deeply.

A Plot of Twists and Turns: Suspense Escalates

The plot of “The Informer” is full of unexpected twists. The story takes place in the 1950s, during the early days of the People’s Republic of China. Long Fei takes on what seems to be a routine dismemberment case, only to discover that it involves a “mole” hidden within the new government.

The screenwriter of this drama is a master of suspense. Each episode ends with a major cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager for the next installment. Long Fei and his team proceed cautiously, while the hidden enemy refuses to be outdone, resulting in a thrilling and captivating battle of wits.

Beyond the gripping plot, “The Informer” also delves into the conflict between good and evil in human nature. In that particular era, everyone faced difficult choices. Loyalty and betrayal, justice and evil – these timeless themes are explored in depth throughout the drama.

Behind-the-Scenes: Little-Known Secrets

Filming a spy drama like this is no easy feat. It is said that the production team put in a lot of effort to recreate the scenes of the 1950s. From costumes and props to architectural settings, every detail was meticulously crafted. To play the role of Long Fei well, Liu Yunlong even learned some special agent skills, and Zhang Jiayi also studied psychology to better portray the villainous character.

Interestingly, many of the thrilling action scenes in the drama were reportedly performed by the actors themselves. This is a testament to their dedication and professionalism.

Overwhelming Popularity: Rave Reviews from Viewers

“The Informer” has sparked heated discussions since its premiere. Many viewers have said that the show has rekindled their confidence in Chinese spy dramas. Some have commented, “Finally, a good drama that relies on acting skills rather than looks!” Others have exclaimed, “After watching ‘The Informer,’ other spy dramas seem bland in comparison.”

On Douban, “The Informer” has a high rating of 7.8, which is quite impressive for a Chinese drama. Many film critics have also praised the show, noting that it is not only meticulously produced but also has considerable depth of thought.

Does the success of “The Informer” mean that Chinese spy dramas will usher in a new era? Only time will tell. But there is no doubt that this drama has set a new benchmark for Chinese spy dramas and provided viewers with a thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience.

If you haven’t seen “The Informer” yet, be sure to take some time to watch it. Like other viewers, you’ll be captivated by this exciting spy drama. And after watching it, don’t forget to share your thoughts with your friends!