Legend of the Condor Heroes 2006 (Ariel Lin, Hu Ge)

[Dragon Heiress]

Dragon Heiress, thanks for sharing. I did really enjoy the 2003 version of LOCH too minus how I wasn't thrilled with the actor who played YK. Totally disappointed me there, but then if I were to pick, to me, YK of 1983 still rocked the best.

Lol, I don't think anyone quite understands why Zhou Jie was casted as YK.

[CBWarm]

I just rewatched this series the other day, and I'm not sure if I ever commented, but I actually am realllllly glad they chose Bryan Leung Ka Yan as Hong Qi Gong. Interesting because he's Guo Jing in ROCH 1983. But I loved him in here and was soooo happy he played Qi Gong and not Sun Xing. I don't think I'd be able to take Sun Xing seriously as Qi Gong.

and of course, gosh the love story here feels strongest between HR and GJ compared to previous versions, so one huge reason I love this just as much as the 1983 one.

Interesting fact that Sun Xing was 97' GJ. Bryan as Qi Gong was just as good.

[NuDaFu]

NaDaFu,I know this is a bit off topic, but do you happen to remember what episode you were talking about with Qi Gong and HR playing that prank on each other in the 80's version? It's been such a long time since I've watched it...I might go back to watch that again too. HAHAHA

2nd arc, Dong Xie Si Du: Episodes 1-4 I believe.

Most people I know thought Hu Ge and Ariel's chemistry here was a disappointment compared to their previous collaboration in Fairy from Wonderland.

Both were really wonderful in the own way. I prefer them as GJ and HR, plainly because there was more depth to be had from this couple.

YH was meant for OYK role (which had similar traits with Yelu Xie).

Thank heavens! Li Jie was absolutely delicious as OYK. First time I shipped a OYK/HR pair because of him.

Well, I was totally in love with HR and GJ in LOCH03.
I think it was the acting, and maybe a bit to do with direction. I think the script was alright, even if it wasn't as good as the 2003 version in my opinion. Ariel's HR really didn't sit well with me. I didn't feel like she captured the essence of the character and to me she was kind of annoying.

The problem with the script was they had too many areas where they were trying too hard and hitting anti-climaxes rather than climaxes.

The problem with how they handled LOCH08 HR (then again, I find this the same with nearly all adaptations of LOCH) is that productions think it necessary to be over-the-top or blatant about how dazzingly witty/intelligent HR is. It leads to all sorts of opportunities for over-acting the way I see it. I've found Barbara to have handled this the best.

HR is a multi-faceted character, for all of her 15-16yo age. To me, Ariel did capture the depth of her love for GJ. The scene when GJ had to personally announce his acceptance of HJ as his betrothed in front of HR and HYS, Ariel really clinched that scene. I think HG said that was one of his favourites too.

Unfortunately, I think Ariel couldn't balance all the other aspects of HR as a character. I've found Barbara to be the closest one to achieve this. Or perhaps Ou Yang Pei Ling as mature HR.

I loved Zhou Xun's portrayal too, but for her unique way of performing it. In many respects, she was another Ariel, but with perhaps greater finesse at handling the facets of HR she was good at.

One of my favourite and moving scenes in LOCH (and I love every production that includes it), is when GJ and HR are travelling from Niu Jia Chuan to Yue Zhou, and HR stops in the rain and tells the story about the person who found it needless to continue on in the rain, for travelling futher would still find one in the rain (analogy to express to GJ that some types of pain are hopeless to avoid). Really zoning into this scene, I found Ariel try - realizing the importance of this scene - but didn't get the 'punch'. Zhou Xun however did it fair justice (the dialogue was changed a bit in her version, which I thought took away from the angst). Of course, it was practical too, because the painting needed to be wet for GJ and HR to discover the hidden details re:mountain.

As a whole, I really loved Ariel and HG's joint efforts. They did create a special magic between them...enough for me to dedicate a fanfic to them.

But yeah, my top fav couple in this version was OYK/HR.

Lol, I don't think anyone quite understands why Zhou Jie was casted as YK.

I heard he was willing to be considerably underpaid in order to get the role. Or maybe that was for HZGG EK? YK in LOCH03was just plain weird. I think they mistaking the YK persona for a LHC one .

Interesting fact that Sun Xing was 97' GJ.

Wasn't that Yang Tan Tan's ROCH? Another strange but fascinating portrayal. Mature HR was portrayed as her manipulative best in that version...music was quite haunting.

[NuDaFu]

[xiaolong]

Thank heavens! Li Jie was absolutely delicious as OYK. First time I shipped a OYK/HR pair because of They did create a special magic between them.

it's a pity Li Jie didn't repeat his success and impressive acting in his post-LOCH08 projects. I know he was in the New Shui Hu Zhuan (where I like blinked and missed him). Other than that, I never heard much about him again.

[CBWarm]

Wasn't that Yang Tan Tan's ROCH? Another strange but fascinating portrayal. Mature HR was portrayed as her manipulative best in that version...music was quite haunting.

Yup, that's the one. I hardly had any impression that I could recall from ROCH '97. All I could remember was just quite an ok production.

[Dragon Heiress]

The problem with how they handled LOCH08 HR (then again, I find this the same with nearly all adaptations of LOCH) is that productions think it necessary to be over-the-top or blatant about how dazzingly witty/intelligent HR is. It leads to all sorts of opportunities for over-acting the way I see it. I've found Barbara to have handled this the best.

Another problem I had with LOCH08 HR was that she just didn't seem very smart to me. The script overdid her cleverness but Ariel's acting didn't make HR seem very smart at all. A lot of time, I felt like she was OOC.

[autuymnrain]

I feel the same way you do on this, NaDaFu--that the depth to HR and GJ was deeper compared to the couple in Fairy from Wonderland. Hu Ge and Ariel did well, but I too loved them most here.

I think I may find time to go rewatch the 1982 and the 2003 series again to analyze the HRs.

[cherieluv]

I haven't watched Fairyland yet but after looking at the recent stills here, I went back for another round of GJ/HR highlights and for the 100th time, I still love them to death.

I found Ariel suitably smart and playful here - I thought the book made her too unrealistic especially with some of the over the top pranks she did.

[xiaolong]

Oh, you should watch Fairyland. Hu Ge & Ariel were absolutely wonderful there. It took me a long time to get round to watching it, but glad I finally did.

OYK was such a well scripted character. But when I watched Li Jie in his other roles after LOCH08, frankly I was disappointed - no presence and charisma in any other role. I can only attribute his great performance as OYK as due purely to a good character script that comes only once in a blue moon.

[Dragon Heiress]

^I'm sure there's some acting talent in there. LSS did comment on how he was a great teacher to her and helped her find emotions in certain scenes.

Was he really that bad in other series?

[NuDaFu]

Yup, that's the one. I hardly had any impression that I could recall from ROCH '97. All I could remember was just quite an ok production.

It was a quirky adaptation. Then again, that's Yang Pei Pei for you. Although, after this, rumour has it that Mr Jin Yong was displeased with her changes and would not permit any further adaptations from YPP. A shame, I like her perspectives.

Another problem I had with LOCH08 HR was that she just didn't seem very smart to me. The script overdid her cleverness but Ariel's acting didn't make HR seem very smart at all. A lot of time, I felt like she was OOC.

I found Ariel suitably smart and playful here - I thought the book made her too unrealistic especially with some of the over the top pranks she did.

It wasn't only the cleverness, it was when she was hyper. Any performance that was done during overly excited phases felt 'plastic' (although, I was amused by them for the light-hearted feel it projected). Anytime she was somber, I thought she tapped into the character quite well.

As much as I love Ariel as an actress, I thought the intelligent elements more motions through the script than acting it out organically.

OYK was such a well scripted character. But when I watched Li Jie in his other roles after LOCH08, frankly I was disappointed - no presence and charisma in any other role. I can only attribute his great performance as OYK as due purely to a good character script that comes only once in a blue moon.

Could there be less freedom for personal interpretation of his other roles? I hear that LJ got to add his own perceptions to the OYK portrayal. Certainly, OYK in LOCH08 was a well scripted role, but LJ's perfomance I thought went above and beyond (maybe except for the martial arts, but I blame the scriptwriter and choreographer for that).

LJ was also the Emperor in Young Yang Warriors, I thought him quite good in that as well. LJ is a very subtle performer I think. He needs scripts and roles that play to his talents.

A word on actors/actresses with ballet/dance backgrounds. Interesting to note that quite a few of such backgrounds have been Jin Yong characters:

Lau Siu Ming (LOCH82 Yi Deng) - French educated modern dance
Li Jie (LOCH08 Ou Yang Ke) - Ballet background
Liu Shi Shi (LOCH08 Mu Nian Ci) - Ballet background

As much as it is a clear advantage for dancers to pick up martial arts, I really think LSS shows the greatest ability to transfer her skills. I find most actors with dancing backgrounds try and make their moves too pretty/graceful. Those almost pirouette like turns that LJ did in his intro fight scene *shudders*. LSS is one of the first dancers I've seen who has a sense to integrate her ballet into the martial arts, instead of trying to create this sort of dance/martial art hybrid. Watch someone like Bryan as Qiao Feng fight and you'll see the acute difference.

Production said they had an idea of portraying HR's version of Dan Zhi Shen Gong like playing piano keys (hence the poky-tappy type of thing she does). Probably my one true 'beef' with HR portrayal. Crazy interpretation of Dian Mai martial arts - which is actually a real type of martial arts, sometimes used in modern combat (acupoint jabbed with enough force on the shoulders can render some into unconsciousness...or initiate labour if opponent was a pregnant woman ). Think Zena...now that was realistic Dian Mai. LOCH being after all a Wuxia, was disappointed with this interpretation/portrayal of the martial arts.

[cherieluv]

^I'm sure there's some acting talent in there. LSS did comment on how he was a great teacher to her and helped her find emotions in certain scenes.

Was he really that bad in other series?

Li Jie was wonderful in Xiao Au Jianghu. Like someone said, he's a very subtle actor but he manages to capture the essence of the characters very well.

[cherieluv]

Oh, you should watch Fairyland. Hu Ge & Ariel were absolutely wonderful there. It took me a long time to get round to watching it, but glad I finally did.

OYK was such a well scripted character. But when I watched Li Jie in his other roles after LOCH08, frankly I was disappointed - no presence and charisma in any other role. I can only attribute his great performance as OYK as due purely to a good character script that comes only once in a blue moon.

Li Jie is very good with multi-faceted characters. That's why I think he would have done a great job as Yang Kang. I believe he would have been able to bring out the conflict tearing at him btw being a good Song or loyalty to his adopted father. Much as I like YH, he was lacking in terms of depth of acting skills and perhaps understanding of the character and even his great screen presence couldn't save him. Unfortunately for Li Jie, he does not possess the looks of a hearthrob - although I think he is very chameleon-like.

[xiaolong]

Oh, I haven't watched Xiao Ao Jiang Hu. I should catch up on the wuxia series. Been watching a lot of rather inane modern series, LOL. Yeah, Li Jie definitely shines in wuxia, though maybe not in modern. He was in the TV version of Pandamen (recent modern series produced by Jay Chou) but his scenes were cut off in the DVD unfortunately. Anyway, Pandamen was a notorious flop. The other modern series I saw him in was Xing Guo Xing Guo, but it wasn't a good series anyway.

[cherieluv]

You must watch Xiao Ao JiangHu. One of the best Jin Yong's adaptation. The casting is fantastic esp RenYingTing and Li Jie. Li Ya Peng was a tad too miserable as LHC but the others made up for what he's lacking. I can so see Hu Ge playing that carefree character.

I've attempted to watch Fairy in Wonderland but can't get past the first episode - gosh, the CGIs and props are worse than LOCH2008. LOCH2008 had me rolling on the floor with laughter at the CGI and fake snake but by the time those scenes came, I was already hooked by GY and HR whereas in Fairy; Ariel's party dress, the fake tree, heaven and that OYF as God is a bit too much. I will give it another go soon as everyone seems to agree it is much better than it seems.

[NuDaFu]

LJ as Lin Ping Zhi in XAJH, how could I have forgotten!!! Thanks for reminding cherieluv. The point after LPZ learns KHBD/PXJ, LJ was at his best...perhaps even better as OYK. His transformation from a timid creature to self-confident/cruel persona was pure magic.

That's why I think he would have done a great job as Yang Kang. I believe he would have been able to bring out the conflict tearing at him btw being a good Song or loyalty to his adopted father.

I think LJ could've done well with the YK conflict too. But, I think he lacks a certain nobility in his charisma. One of the aspects that made YK a walking tragedy was that he did have a few nuggets of nobility in him. Enough to make him humane, and his choices leading to his own downfall a tragedy.

You must watch Xiao Ao JiangHu. One of the best Jin Yong's adaptation. The casting is fantastic esp RenYingTing and Li Jie. Li Ya Peng was a tad too miserable as LHC but the others made up for what he's lacking. I can so see Hu Ge playing that carefree character.

I've attempted to watch Fairy in Wonderland but can't get past the first episode - gosh, the CGIs and props are worse than LOCH2008. LOCH2008 had me rolling on the floor with laughter at the CGI and fake snake but by the time those scenes came, I was already hooked by GY and HR whereas in Fairy; Ariel's party dress, the fake tree, heaven and that OYF as God is a bit too much. I will give it another go soon as everyone seems to agree it is much better than it seems.

XAJH96 was surprisingly good. It was what drew me back for a short amount of time to HK dramas. I thought Jackie Liu was best at capturing the carefree nature of LHC. Fiona Leung was kinda bla though. Anita Yuen's portryal of YRR was superb, with a real edge to it.

cherieluv, you sort of have to mentally blank out the CGI. I do. Yes, when even the physical props are no better than kinder quality, I convince myself they spent all the funds hiring quality actors and actresses. Which they did IMO. Fairyland was wonderful. Worth it even for the BTS showing Tae and Bobby up to their antics.

HG's performance when losing XQ was positively heartwrenching. Dong Yong being able to fight though was kinda weird. HG's songs were beautiful. The one mentioning the lantern and the bridge always evokes such a strong visual for me.

[Linda]

After reading some comments on this forum and needing something to do after a few bad movies, I decided to give this series a go and share my views with you lovely people.

I had it in my collection for a while now. I bought it simply because the cast looked cute on the dvd cover and know the storyline from the books, I recognize Hu Ge from Chinese Paladin and although I didn't like he's acting I was willing to give it a try as the two ladies where pretty and cute enough for me. From this thread I learn the girl in Yellow playing HR was Ariel Lin, whom I've heard off but never watched. I have not seen ISWAK, but good knows I've heard about it enough, or any other of her series.

Truthfully speaking, LOCH was my least favorite of the trilogy, I wouldn't be able to say why, but it was. I did not like the 80's version and could only sit through the 90's tvb because Athena was pretty, 03 was way to muted for my taste, though I sat through them all. Yes, I'm superficial.

Having now watched it, I enjoyed it most out of the 4 versions I've watched, I'm not young anymore so I don't belong to those Tween crowd's who live on facebook or twitter.

On Ariel, I liked her HR for she looked the part and learned to grow with her character. She was obviously more mature in the later scenes then the earlier. One of the biggest issue I had with the previous version's was the fact HR in the novel's was a child at the start that grew into a young lady. Although she was smart and a bit mischievous, she had depth to her character, Like when she spoke or did something, you could always feel there was something more going on in her mind.

I didn't find her pretty at the start and was kind of uncomfortable with her acting all loving with Hu Ge when she looked like a 16 year old and he looked like he was in his mid 20's. Pedo Bear alert.

LSS was very pretty looking and so graceful in her movements that I was more interested her MNC and YK, I do not find this actor cute and I have not watch Yang Warriors, but as episodes pass...

Ariel and Hu Ge grew on me, they were both so natural with their acting and had such great chemistry that I shifted my focus to them. MNC and YK was plague with bad acting and horrid plots that made no sense.

The arrival of the greats was...just that, they came, without a bang.

OYK was also someone I liked, he's acting was great and he moved with such grace that I wondered if he was going to turn gay for YK. I wished they kept him in love with HR instead of MNC but I can understand, as HR wouldn't give him that time of day because she could see pass the hurt little boy to the wicked man inside.

The CG was bad, the supporting cast was hit/miss and changes to the plot...depending on your taste, I liked the changes to the HR/GJ relationship. I did not like what they did to YK death or GJ gay-alliance to YK. Get room already, but HR might kill him first for stealing her GJ.

Which brings up an interesting scene that was not previously in the novels or other adaptions, this is the only time we see HR actually beating the crap out of YK because he beat up GJ. Same as when GJ's teachers threaten to hit him when HR argued with him. I thought it lovely how she would stop because she didn't want GJ to get hurt. Somehow it feels like she loves him more then he loved her.

All in all, I would say the most enjoyable aspect of this new adaption is the relationship between HR and GJ, the two actors that played them also knew how to handle their characters well, they had the chemistry and the acting chops to play out the emotional scenes with more finesse then all of the other version put together.

Due to this film, I have become an Ariel Lin fan and have also picked up her In Time With You drama currently airing on TV in Taiwan weekly. I will also go through my stash of Ariel Lin films that I never watched. I bought them because she looked cute. I've already admitted I'm superficial. If I was a guy I think I'll be dirt poor since I'm so easily taken in by a cute face. Damn all those babies on the street just begging for me to pinch their cheeks.

I watched Fairy From Wonderland and gave up half way...I was never into this story but will pickup once I find it again.

[cherieluv]

I started off liking YH and LSS too in the first few episodes but that quickly faded as her character was just pathetic and acting weak while YH was pretty one dimensional. He sure was eye-candy but that couldn't sustain my interest and after a few episodes, I just took little breaks whenever their scenes came up.

I was also biased against Ariel as I couldn't stand her character in ISWAK. As for GJ, frankly he and those Forrest Gump, Gomer Pyle types - I've no time for them. So, it was no easy feat for them to win me over with their portrayal of HR and GJ.

Maybe I will give Fairy in Wonderland another try despite the cheap props.

[autuymnrain]

Welcome to the discussion, Linda! I am really glad you took the chance to watch it! I was very much like you, not a huge fan of ISWAK. So when I heard Ariel was casted as HR, I was one of the first ones to doubt her ability, and it started simply with her looks. I think Ariel is realllyy cute, but HR is supposed to be really beautiful/gorgeous—words I wouldn’t describe Ariel. But after watching her in this series, even though she isn’t gorgeous as HR, she blew me away. And I think to me that was most important. I ate my words after the series basically.

Like you mentioned, she did show depth—grew throughout the series, and we could feel and see those changes from a young carefree girl to a mature young woman who knows how to love and sacrifice.

LOL about the Pedo Bear alert. Hu Ge definitely did look older than Ariel’s HR as GJ. But he really showed that innocent face that was good enough for me. But yea, I really loved them. I think NaDaFu mentioned, he’s the first good looking GJ, well maybe people will say Julian was too. heheeh. But man when GJ matured in the later eps of the series, he looked sooooo gooooood. Hahaha.

The Legend of the Condor Heroes has always been my favorite of the trilogy, and having Hu Ge and Ariel as the leads made it even more special for me. I wasn’t even born when the 1982 version with Barbara and Felix was out. But I did go back to watch it, and subsequently watched all the remakes they did from 1994 to 2003 and now this. I think the 1982 and 2008 versions are my absolute favorite.

I really liked Qi Gong in this version, though like me and NaDaFu mentioned, the 1982 Qi Gong was phenomenal, and the Zhou Batong in 1982 version…well no one can hold a candle to him. :]

Yea, I wasn’t too thrilled with how they let YK just tell GJ he was responsible for the deaths of GJ’s sifus. And then YK’s death ultimately did change the story a lot, which not a lot of core novel fans were happy with.

I also felt sometimes it was like HR in this version really loved GJ more and most—which echos what you said, I love the relationship, and how much depth and love GJ’s and HR’s relationship had compared to previous versions. Their love was so strong and deep. :]

Yes, cherieluv, watch Fairy in Wonderland too—and tune out the special effects as others have recommended. It’s a cute story—though if we compared the story, of course I think LOCH would win by a landslide. :]

And did Hu Ge’s GJ win you over, cherieluv? hehehe