Married couple Fugui and Jiazhen endure tumultuous events in mid-20th century mainland China as their personal fortunes move from wealthy landownership to peasantry.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Ge YouXu Fugui | Xu Fugui |
 Gong LiXu Jiazhen | Xu Jiazhen |
 Niu BenTown Chief | Town Chief |
 Guo TaoChunsheng | Chunsheng |
 Jiang WuWan Erxi | Wan Erxi |
 Ni DahongLong'er | Long'er |
 Liu TianchiXu Fengxia | Xu Fengxia |
 Zhang LuYoung Fengxia | Young Fengxia |
 Dong FeiXu Youqing | Xu Youqing |
 Huang ZongluoFugui's Dad | Fugui's Dad |
 Liu YanjinFugui's Mom | Fugui's Mom |
 Li LianyiSgt. Lao Quan | Sgt. Lao Quan |
 Su YanObstetric Nurse | Obstetric Nurse |
| ZZhao Yu-XiuPhysician Wang | Physician Wang |
| XXiao JieYoung Fengxia | Young Fengxia |
| ZZhang KangMantou | Mantou |
 Dong Li-FanNot listed | Not listed |