Cop role provides a challenge for veteran actor

Despite a career spanning four decades, award-winning acting veteran, Li Youbin, believes that his latest TV drama, In Law We Believe, is one of his most challenging roles.

The 45-episode series has recently concluded its first run on Beijing Satellite TV.

Penned by renowned writer, Zhao Dongling, the show is based on a true story about a man who was held in prison for 17 years before it is discovered that he was wrongly convicted of murdering his wife.

Li stars as a dutiful, yet headstrong, police chief, who feels guilty about the man being jailed due to his mistake.

"I've played many police characters in the past, but this is the first time acting the part of a police officer who has wrongly arrested a man. He blames himself and wants to seek redemption, making the role more relatable and emotional," says Li.

An additional challenge is that the show takes place over a period of nearly two decades — requiring Li's performance to reflect the aging of his character over that time.

"Despite being physically difficult, I tried my best to act like, and be as quick and agile as, a young man when performing the character as a 30-year-old," recalls Li.

The series, directed by Shen Yan and Liu Haibo, also boasts performances by actress Li Xiaoran and actor Zhang Fengyi.