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

[NuDaFu]

yea, i think Ariel's HR was really pivotal to her career

Really? I would say ISWAK was pivotal to her career

ISWAK was the pivotal one. LOCH may've put Ariel more firmly on the Mainland map and cemented her pan Asian status as a versatile actress, but ISWAK has always been her signature role. She won Golden Bell best actress for her role as Xiang Qin (historic win, as it was the first year Golden Bell included TV series roles into the best actress category). Then again, for those that actually followed her work, just seeing the contrasts between Love Contract and ISWAK was enough to convince many times over of her ability as an actress.

I remember LOCH08 for Hu Ge's near-tragic car accident. Tangren was in the red for some time due to Hu Ge's accident during LOCH filming and withdrawal by investors. They continued to bleed even after LOCH was aired on KMTV and Taiwan's CTV, and only went back into the black after the phenomenal success of CP3.

That was horrible. Bad enough with such an accident, but I imagine HG would've felt pressure with his knowledge of what that meant to Tangren (him being such an aware/caring personality).

I remember BTS, there was a moment when director told Ariel to 2nd take on a hit-GJ-in-the-face scene and it turned out quite a realistic/full on slap...she was like OMG!!!

I guess it was to place Yellow Robed Lady firmly as a descendent of XLN. I was quite taken in by her 9 Yin claw on ZZR's head though. I actually really liked that costume and overall lighting effect on LSS - she looked the most mysterious/unearthly amongst all the Yellow Robed Ladies in other adaptations.

True. I could see they were trying to convey her identity from a signature action rather than verbal (as most adaptations have had). The beauty of the verbal didn't carry over to the action however. I've always found the climax to YRL's whole air of mystery was her exiting prose re: Gu Wu Sect. It was poignant because for those that worked out the relationship to YG/XLN, the contrast that they at least were a couple, yet here stands a capable yet single descendant adds an element of loneliness to the mystery.

I agree LSS looked the best of all the YRL. The hype about her appearance was interesting.

Here's the English translation of how HR's beauty struck GJ at first sight.
"He saw, at the end of the boat, a woman holding the oars, with her long hair draping over her shoulders, wearing all white. Her hair was bound by a golden sash that, once the snow reflected it, brightly shone even more. Guo Jing saw that she was dressed as if she were a fairy* and was stunned by looking at her. As the boat slowly floats closer, he sees that the woman has just came of age, no more than fifteen or sixteen, with skin better than snow, and unbeatable beauty and cuteness. Her beauty could not be ignored, and she faced people with a smile..."

I always found it hard to conceptualize/visualize - goddess beauty plus spunky/vital. I always thought it was a Jin Yong moment of character idealization.

Technically not going off topic , as they actually filmed this scene in LOCH06. They just decided to use the HR jump out from the rushes version (I'm still not over that idiotic choice). It totally destroyed that still, beautiful, pause-in-breath moment when GJ realises HR is a girl! (As reflected by the equally beautiful translation). One of my fav novel scenes. The whole thing actually, because the follow up to the scene described, in one singular boat ride and song/poem, set up the stage for their relationship and central themes of the novel.

Only version that comes anywhere near justice to this scene (actually the only one to my knowledge that includes this scene) is LOCH00. GJ peering through Plum Blossums, finding HR playing the Gu Qin on a boat, so classically Chinese in the mood and set. *Sigh*

Skip to 27.08



Forgotten how epic and haunting the music was...off to re-watch LOCH00 . As much as I appreciate the scene, I miss the cute moment of doubt from the novel when GJ realises his sweets are all crushed, and he can't possibly give something so lowly to somone so heavenly as HR.

RE: fairy*...Xian Zi (if my memory serves for that novel passage) probably closer to deity. Fairies are supposed to more earthier, Celtic creatures while deities is a closer match to the Chinese beautiful, heavenly being of Xian Zi. Just being pedantic of course.

[xiaolong]

I always found it hard to conceptualize/visualize - goddess beauty plus spunky/vital. I always thought it was a Jin Yong moment of character idealization.

Technically not going off topic , as they actually filmed this scene in LOCH06. They just decided to use the HR jump out from the rushes version (I'm still not over that idiotic choice). It totally destroyed that still, beautiful, pause-in-breath moment when GJ realises HR is a girl! (As reflected by the equally beautiful translation). One of my fav novel scenes. The whole thing actually, because the follow up to the scene described, in one singular boat ride and song/poem, set up the stage for their relationship and central themes of the novel.

Only version that comes anywhere near justice to this scene (actually the only one to my knowledge that includes this scene) is LOCH00. GJ peering through Plum Blossums, finding HR playing the Gu Qin on a boat, so classically Chinese in the mood and set. *Sigh*

Skip to 27.08



Forgotten how epic and haunting the music was...off to re-watch LOCH00 . As much as I appreciate the scene, I miss the cute moment of doubt from the novel when GJ realises his sweets are all crushed, and he can't possibly give something so lowly to somone so heavenly as HR.

RE: fairy*...Xian Zi (if my memory serves for that novel passage) probably closer to deity. Fairies are supposed to more earthier, Celtic creatures while deities is a closer match to the Chinese beautiful, heavenly being of Xian Zi. Just being pedantic of course.

GJ calling HR a "xian nu" (goddess) when he realises she's a girl is at 31:00.

In LOCH08, they brought HR's beauty very down-to-earth or just "ordinary" in this scene, which could have had purists crying foul. The way Hu Ge's GJ looked at her, it says he was surprised she's a girl, rather than being astounded by a beauty like in LOCH03. E.g. when HR asks GJ whether he's seen a prettier girl than her, GJ said yes, HR indignantly asks, "Who?" And GJ said, "My Mom." But that part brought in a lot of comedy...in a much later episode where GJ's Mom (together with Princess HZ) finally finds HR (they were looking for her to interpret the wu mu yi shu for GJ in the Mongolian camp). HR gives GJ's Mom a critical look over while thinking, "GJ said his Mom is prettier than me? So this is the most beautiful woman on earth, according to GJ?" GJ's Mom sees HR looking at her critically and shouted at her fiercely, "What are you looking at?!!" That was one of the funniest scenes in LOCH08!

I agree LSS looked the best of all the YRL. The hype about her appearance was interesting.

It's really interesting that YRL is considered one of LSS' early pivotal roles. Just 30min or less of screen time in a 40-episode series can be a pivotal role...that her YRL pic got into all HSDS09 promo materials! (never occurred before with past YRLs) To be very honest, I actually found her minute YRL role in HSDS09 more memorable than her Dr Luo role in Young Warriors of the Yang Clan. I couldn't see her as a knowledgeable & highly learned doctor. I didn't even remember she was in Young Warriors when I saw her in LOCH08, then I checked her out, and realised she was in Young Warriors! Without LOCH08, I get the feeling I would still have remembered her as YRL, but I didn't remember she was in Young Warriors until after LOCH08!

Speaking of YK-MNC, I was just rewatching parts of the classic LOCH82 which had by far the best YK-MNC story arc/script amongst all adaptations. Except for one part where YK was poisoned by the Mongols, then MNC treated him with palm-to-palm blood transfusion...like HUH?!! OK, there are many wuxia moves that can suspend my belief, but this wasn't one of them!

[laisee]

Wow, the revival of discussion of this thread has made me re-watch parts of LOCH08. Still, I'm a lot more enthralled by OYK & HR rather than GJ & HR. I find the GJ & HR chem & engaging interactions stemmed mainly from Ariel's awesome natural acting talent & her amazing sense of humour translated onscreen. I wasn't taken in by Hu Ge's GJ. With a lesser actress than Ariel, GJ & HR here wouldn't have worked. I didn't think Hu Ge "owned" the GJ role like he "owned" the roles of Xiaoyao/Jingtian in the Chinese Paladin series and made his presence memorable. Hence I didn't think GJ & HR was as memorable here as previous adaptations such as Felix Wong's GJ & Barbara Yung's HR in the 1982. And of course, if you have two wonderfully talented actors like Li Jie & Ariel in a war of words together as OYK & HR in every single scene, their chem becomes explosive! I agree Hu Ge's great eye candy, but not a versatile actor at that time, though he has been improving a lot in his recent series.

[NuDaFu]

Xiaolong, have you been reading LSS thread? If you have, I have a message for you.

East India Company HQs has promoted you to 2nd mate . No more rowing for you!

The way Hu Ge's GJ looked at her, it says he was surprised she's a girl, rather than being astounded by a beauty like in LOCH03. E.g. when HR asks GJ whether he's seen a prettier girl than her, GJ said yes, HR indignantly asks, "Who?" And GJ said, "My Mom." But that part brought in a lot of comedy...in a much later episode where GJ's Mom (together with Princess HZ) finally finds HR (they were looking for her to interpret the wu mu yi shu for GJ in the Mongolian camp). HR gives GJ's Mom a critical look over while thinking, "GJ said his Mom is prettier than me? So this is the most beautiful woman on earth, according to GJ?" GJ's Mom sees HR looking at her critically and shouted at her fiercely, "What are you looking at?!!" That was one of the funniest scenes in LOCH08!

I can understand that without the initial set up of GJ honestly believing his mother "most beautiful woman in the world", HR's later meeting with mom would lack the 'punch line' and meaning. I still thought they could've done that in a different scene and kept the original intent/spirit of this scene. Its not only pivotal, but classic...that moment when boy realises buddy is a girl and a phenomenally beautiful one at that. Also that she is obviously so far beyond in terms of intellect, education than him. It creates the great contrast between the HR-GJ dynamic and makes their relationship all the more special.

In LOCH00, there's a moment when GJ expresses his worry that HR would find him dumb (i.e. not worthy for her to love him). Now this, being only a small divergence, was a great creative addition. As far as I remember, GJ never really feels self conscious about his average intellect, yet, he does around HR. Its such a sweet and subtle way to highlight GJ's special regard for HR.

It's really interesting that YRL is considered one of LSS' early pivotal roles. Just 30min or less of screen time in a 40-episode series can be a pivotal role...that her YRL pic got into all HSDS09 promo materials! (never occurred before with past YRLs) To be very honest, I actually found her minute YRL role in HSDS09 more memorable than her Dr Luo role in Young Warriors of the Yang Clan. I couldn't see her as a knowledgeable & highly learned doctor.

I know! The way the hype was going, it sounded like she was a MEGA guest star. So much sparkly star power that she had to be on all the posters.

I actually found her Dr Luo to be most memorable. Her strike of acupoints were quite convincing. It's the whole demeanour. She nailed it I thought. Rational but compassionate, concerned but not overbearing. Not an easy balance to maintain, especially with the temperamental Si Liang. Yet, she had that vulnerability to show she was human and relatable. I think this is what they were trying to show when Prime Minister's son fell for her - he who only liked the most beautiful, was struck by Dr Luo for her beautiful spirit and caring (that, or transference ).

Speaking of YK-MNC, I was just rewatching parts of the classic LOCH82 which had by far the best YK-MNC story arc/script amongst all adaptations. Except for one part where YK was poisoned by the Mongols, then MNC treated him with palm-to-palm blood transfusion...like HUH?!! OK, there are many wuxia moves that can suspend my belief, but this wasn't one of them!

Agree. Also due to MKW and YTT's acting chops. Loved the part when MNC gets blunt with him and says: "Go a head, carry out your threat and kill everyone. If you like, kill me too. That's all you know isn't it? Destruction and killing!" That part was performed particularly well.

Re: 'blood transfusion', I think the point was personal sacrifice to highlight how much in love MNC was with YK. The song that played during that scene says it all: "...willing to change/do away with life, but not alter my enamoured heart".



Oh dear...why can't I have such clear recall of minute facts for exams. My lecturers were right...novelty rules memory!

Theoretically, the 'blood transfusion' is not all that fantastical. The concept that 'Qi guides/commands Blood' is used in this case (which is a standard theory in Chinese Med), in that MNC uses her internal Qi to guide her blood into YK and guide his poisoned blood back into her is not too far fetched. Blood is not necessarily considered in the material sense based on Chinese Med/Qi Gong principles. The only thing I question is that MNC's internal Qi is not that great, so I'm not convinced it took her that short a time to complete the whole process.

I wasn't taken in by Hu Ge's GJ. With a lesser actress than Ariel, GJ & HR here wouldn't have worked. I didn't think Hu Ge "owned" the GJ role like he "owned" the roles of Xiaoyao/Jingtian in the Chinese Paladin series and made his presence memorable. Hence I didn't think GJ & HR was as memorable here as previous adaptations such as Felix Wong's GJ & Barbara Yung's HR in the 1982.

Could be that HG was trying too hard. If you listen to his BTS insights into his own character, one can appreciate his efforts. I too also think his characterisation lacked a certain innate, natural feel. Then again, to play dumb when you are actually quite intelligent I think is quite difficult. Only actors that have nailed - as far as I've seen - is Ariel herself and Sean Penn. I just pretended GJ was a stand alone character and had nothing to do with his novel namesake (I was very determined to appreciate this version in its own right).

I haven't found many who like him, but I found Li Ya Peng the most convincing novel GJ - in build and charaterisation. I had just re-read the novel for the 3rd time shortly before LOCH00, so the comparisan was very fresh for me. Complaints that he was 'too dumb' (whatever that means ) was over the top. Getting into GJ's head in the novel and then seeing the expressions flit across LYP's face was a very satisfying match for me.

HG talks about letting his eyes travel more slowly to reflect a slow intellect. I'm sure he did that, but I don't think it was matched by his body language nor his speech.

In terms of body language and martial arts, Felix Wong was IMO best at matching his character through these mediums. There was a steadfast, almost stubborn, yet noble quality to his moves that added a lot of shine to his portrayal. At times though, there were moments of overacting.

MKW as YK has to be the best all round package...looks, acting, charisma, martial arts. He had me on such a rollercoaster of love-hate-love-hate...I could really get MNC's dilemma. He is the only YK who carried so thoroughly that unique blend of brilliance, greed and pride, with enough charm to reflect what could've been a noble spirit.

[NuDaFu]

As the lyrics serve any MNC character, here is a translation (LOCH82 songs had brilliant lyrics). In fact, when LOCH06 MNC has that discussion with OYK re: faithfulness of love/caring, I think it's echo can be heard from this song. Very one-sided I know, but an interesting highlight on the tragedy of MNC being quite aware of YK's faults despite the inevitability, it seems, of loving him. That's what happens if you love the bad boys.

Responsible for My Love

Even though I already knew my love for him,
Should not have begun,
I was willing to exchange a lifetime,
For but one moment of true regard.
I would rather forsake my life,
Than change my enamoured heart.
For him I would willingly suffer
All the tragedies and pains of the world.
In my heart, this great love
Nothing can ever replace.

To be responsible for love's pains,
Daring to face the future
I would rather change my life
Than change my enamoured heart.

Hehehe...reminds me of Hamlet's 'To Be Or Not To Be'.

"Whether tis nobler in the mind/To suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune".

[laisee]

Could be that HG was trying too hard. If you listen to his BTS insights into his own character, one can appreciate his efforts. I too also think his characterisation lacked a certain innate, natural feel. Then again, to play dumb when you are actually quite intelligent I think is quite difficult. Only actors that have nailed - as far as I've seen - is Ariel herself and Sean Penn. I just pretended GJ was a stand alone character and had nothing to do with his novel namesake (I was very determined to appreciate this version in its own right).

I haven't found many who like him, but I found Li Ya Peng the most convincing novel GJ - in build and charaterisation. I had just re-read the novel for the 3rd time shortly before LOCH00, so the comparisan was very fresh for me. Complaints that he was 'too dumb' (whatever that means ) was over the top. Getting into GJ's head in the novel and then seeing the expressions flit across LYP's face was a very satisfying match for me.

HG talks about letting his eyes travel more slowly to reflect a slow intellect. I'm sure he did that, but I don't think it was matched by his body language nor his speech.

In terms of body language and martial arts, Felix Wong was IMO best at matching his character through these mediums. There was a steadfast, almost stubborn, yet noble quality to his moves that added a lot of shine to his portrayal. At times though, there were moments of overacting.

MKW as YK has to be the best all round package...looks, acting, charisma, martial arts. He had me on such a rollercoaster of love-hate-love-hate...I could really get MNC's dilemma. He is the only YK who carried so thoroughly that unique blend of brilliance, greed and pride, with enough charm to reflect what could've been a noble spirit.

As handsome as he is and as much as I like him, to be very objective here, Hu Ge lost the essence of Guo Jing. He did say he interpreted Guo Jing as naive rather than stupid, but I still didn't see the real spirit of GJ in him. Even with the terrible flaws in the script and their acting, Ariel, Yuan Hong and LSS retained the spirit of the core characters...Ariel most of all, though I felt Zhou Xun's portrayal felt a lot more intelligent. GJ & HR chem worked solely from Ariel's performance. I do love Hu Ge as Xiao Yao, but I couldn't see him as Guo Jing.

Amongst all the Jin Yong characters, I can see Hu Ge most as Linghu Chuan. I was actually really disappointed he didn't get the role of Yang Guo in ROCH06 as he and Liu Yifei were pure magic together in CP1. ROCH06 would have been a million times better if Hu Ge was in it with LYF. Even the worst scenes in LOCH08 (e.g. the whole YK-MNC-OYK arc weirded me out) I can still rewatch. Much as I disliked Hu Ge's Guo Jing, I can still rewatch his scenes because of Ariel. But I couldn't endure HXM's "I'm a screaming ape!" Yang Guo even a 2nd time...yet I actually adore HXM!

[xiaolong]

Agree. Also due to MKW and YTT's acting chops. Loved the part when MNC gets blunt with him and says: "Go a head, carry out your threat and kill everyone. If you like, kill me too. That's all you know isn't it? Destruction and killing!" That part was performed particularly well.

Re: 'blood transfusion', I think the point was personal sacrifice to highlight how much in love MNC was with YK. The song that played during that scene says it all: "...willing to change/do away with life, but not alter my enamoured heart".

Theoretically, the 'blood transfusion' is not all that fantastical. The concept that 'Qi guides/commands Blood' is used in this case (which is a standard theory in Chinese Med), in that MNC uses her internal Qi to guide her blood into YK and guide his poisoned blood back into her is not too far fetched. Blood is not necessarily considered in the material sense based on Chinese Med/Qi Gong principles. The only thing I question is that MNC's internal Qi is not that great, so I'm not convinced it took her that short a time to complete the whole process.

MKW as YK has to be the best all round package...looks, acting, charisma, martial arts. He had me on such a rollercoaster of love-hate-love-hate...I could really get MNC's dilemma. He is the only YK who carried so thoroughly that unique blend of brilliance, greed and pride, with enough charm to reflect what could've been a noble spirit.

Yeah, LOCH82 definitely had the best written YK-MNC arc. Their story arc was significantly different from the novel, but it was what I call a brilliant adaptation. One of my favourites was the YK-MNC wedding scene...where he came to her little hut with himself dressed in red and in a wedding carriage to propose to her...to her complete surprise. Traditionally, it's the bride in Chinese weddings who's suppose to come to the groom's house in a wedding carriage, but here YK came in a wedding carriage to her humble little hut in Cow Village. I thought this was the most funnily romantic scene I've come across on TV! Though one problem I had with LOCH82...why such heavy make-up on Yeung Pan Pan? Blue eye shadow, pink blusher, red lipstick?! LOCH08 had better make-up for wuxia girls - simple and natural.

I wish LOCH08 had YK-MNC get married from the beginning...say after his parents died or while they were on the road. What's wrong with getting married? LOCH82 had them married pretty early on, so the bed scene later was legitimate and YK killing OYK for trying to rape his wife was justifiable.

Although there was some discontinuity between LOCH82 and ROCH83. In LOCH82, YK didn't die in the Temple of the Iron Spear alone...he had MNC by his side singing a song to him. And he didn't get eaten by crows. But in ROCH83, the way Sha Gu described YK's death scene to YG is that YK died alone eaten by crows (of course that's from the original novel which I always felt was too cruel, even though the original YK in the novel was a complete bastard).

[Linda]

Oh MKW was most definitely my favorite YK, he was so deliciously evil...though YTT had really bad make up.

I can't see Hu Ge as Linghu Chuan, LHC had a very carefree air about him that I just can't see Hu Ge having, he has always been to me a very grounded character. Even his character in CP was quite emotional.

has anyone seen this clip...this is a clip dedicated to GY and YK 2008 gay alliance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEDXMgRNLPw

[C-luv-H]

I can't see Hu Ge as Linghu Chuan, LHC had a very carefree air about him that I just can't see Hu Ge having, he has always been to me a very grounded character. Even his character in CP was quite emotional.

REALLY..... I cant see anybody else as LHC then HG, you have to watch The Myth(series) with HG (perfect LHC right there)...... HG is famous for playing carefree characters (just saying, I dont even know).....

[Vienne94]

This series is a lot of fun to watch. Ariel was an absolute treat and this role fits her perfectly! Hu Ge was so handsome and adorable. Some people complained that Guo Jing isn't suppose to be this dumb but I've never watched the other versions of LOCH so I wouldn't know. Yes this is an idol drama, yes it's 50 episodes long but I didn't feel bored at all. The face was pretty fast and the characters engaging.

Reading the first few posts on this tread, it seems a lot of people were disappointed that Ariel was cast because she's not as gorgeous as the character was described in the book. But come on! She's suppose to be drop dead gorgeous, brilliant with a photographic memory, and cute and lovable? Me thinks Jin Yong was asking for a bit much there. Does a woman like that even exist? Looks wise, I prefer Ariel to Zhou Xun (though I loved her in Da Ming Gong Ci).

My only complaint, I felt Ariel and Hu Ge lacked chemistry as a couple. Don't get me wrong. I think they are great together but I get more of a friends or brother/sister vibe than a romantic couple.

[Linda]

REALLY..... I cant see anybody else as LHC then HG, you have to watch The Myth(series) with HG (perfect LHC right there)...... HG is famous for playing carefree characters (just saying, I dont even know).....

I haven't seen the Myth so I can't say, I saw CP, LOCH, that fairy film and his movie the butterfly lovers. He improved alot in each film but never really gave me that carefree feeling.

Reading the first few posts on this tread, it seems a lot of people were disappointed that Ariel was cast because she's not as gorgeous as the character was described in the book. But come on! She's suppose to be drop dead gorgeous, brilliant with a photographic memory, and cute and lovable? Me thinks Jin Yong was asking for a bit much there. Does a woman like that even exist? Looks wise, I prefer Ariel to Zhou Xun (though I loved her in Da Ming Gong Ci).

I was more exited for LOCH03 then I was for LOCH08, since I've seen Zhou Xun before and liked her a lot more, while I liked Ariel Lin based on her looks but never saw anything she was in. I didn't watch LOCH08 till this year. I don't see the point in being disappointed in casting before a the series been completed. I'm sure the casting crew choose a particular person for a reason.

[xiaolong]

Interesting that most TV adaptations will have YK dying in MNC's arms...




But this certainly never happens in all editions of the novel. He dies ALONE with all the crows eating him up!

...only exception was LOCH2003 which opted to follow the novel.

[Dragon Heiress]

But didn't they kill that scene in LOCH08? I think they filmed it but it didn't make the cut because YK tells MNC to not go outside until dawn and she watches him die from inside. But they followed the novel even less than the other versions, lol.

That's one awesome HongShi picture, though. But I think all HongShi pictures are awesome, lol.

[xiaolong]

The different Yang Kangs through the years.

[Vienne94]

The different Yang Kangs through the years.

I think Yuan Hong is the best looking one out of the bunch (the one from '88 ain't bad looking either). The guy who played Er Kong in HZGG was Yang Kang in the 2003 version? Ugh he looks sooo old in that pic and what's with that scarf?

[xiaolong]

I think Yuan Hong is the best looking one out of the bunch (the one from '88 ain't bad looking either). The guy who played Er Kong in HZGG was Yang Kang in the 2003 version? Ugh he looks sooo old in that pic and what's with that scarf?

The 1988 Taiwanese YK isn't that well known, but the actor looked pretty good from the few shots I saw. Based on script and acting chops, Miu Kiu Wai's interpretation of YK in the 1983 version is still the best and classic/legend YK.

And yeah, I much prefer Zhou Jie without hair, heheh! I didn't really like his interpretation of YK though. I always thought of YK as this cool debonair unflappable personality like Miu Kiu Wai's interpretation, but Zhou Jie's YK was like such a cowardly scare-dy cat most of the time. But this also made me feel more pitiful for Zhou Jie's YK than other YKs.

[tweety365]

I haven't seen the 1976 and 2006 versions. Based on the other 4 that I did watched, the worse YK portrayal was hands down Zhou Jie. He lacked both the looks and acting to give justice to the character. He turned YK into a whiny, cry baby. The costume department didn't help either. Hair, makeup, and clothes were pretty bad in the 2003 version.

My favorite is still Miu's portrayal. I loved his YK way back when I was a little kid and I still feel the same now.

[PrinceKrillo]

Zhang Ji Zhong's version is ALWAYS superior to ANY other adaptation. Of anything. Ever. Period. The end.

This is true of ANYTHING that he has ever adapted.

Secondly, the team of Zhou Xun, Li Ya Peng, Shui Ling, and Zhou Jie cannot be surpassed. Possibly my favorite foursome of lead actors from any Chinese wuxia production to date.

On the other hand, there is no one I hate more than Hu Ge ... however Liu Shi Shi probably comes in second place. And Ariel Lin? Please.

Zhou Xun has more talent than the entire cast of the 2008 version COMBINED. Zhou Xun is an absolute gem, and the only reason she's left the television scene as of late ... is because she's busy filming movies!

There were so many reasons I enjoyed Zhang Ji Zhong's masterpiece adaptation ... but Zhou Xun's unrivaled performance as Huang Rong ranks at the top of the list.

In addition, I'm really getting sick and tired of all the turds out there crapping (pun intended) all over Zhou Jie's looks.

First of all, people need to take a look in the mirror before opening their mouths.

Secondly, I was familiar with Zhou Jie long before The Legend of the Condor Heroes.

Try looking him up and seeing the REAL him before going by his appearance in THAT.

At any rate, he's still a far better actor than what's-in-face in the Shanghai production. Ugh.

The 2008 production is an utter joke. Just from the 20-minute trailer, I can easily compare it with Zhang Ji Zhong's FAR superior adaptation. Hu Ge is wretched (as usual) ... although I would have thought he'd have an easy time playing a pea-brained moron ... considering that's exactly what he is in real life.

Li Ya Peng's portrayal of Guo Jing feels natural ... Hu Ge's is forced ... don't know how the idiots of today can sit through 50 episodes of such a pathetic excuse of a performance. Yuck.

Nothing irritates me more than watching Hu Ge's overrated, piss acting. Throw Liu Shi Shi into the mix, and there's no way I'd be able to endure it. Shui Ling destroys her.

Thanks to Zhang Ji Zhong, I don't need to.

The cast of the 2003 version absolutely destroys the pathetic 2008 cast.

Not just the lead actors ... but supporting roles as well.

Plus, the two best characters from the novel (Qiu Chu Ji of the Quan Zhen Taoist Sect and Mei Chao Feng of Peach Blossom Island) are PERFECT in Zhang Ji Zhong's production ... why mess with perfection? The 2008 version didn't have a chance of casting more fitting actors for these roles.


SHUI LING


ZHOU JIE


LI YA PENG


ZHOU XUN


Superior cast. Superior producer.

Here's hoping Zhang Ji Zhong and Zhou Xun collaborate again in the future.

And the day Zhang Ji Zhong casts Hu Ge in something (which will be NEVER) is the day I stop watching Chinese television, period.

[Dragon Heiress]

^This was an idol drama take on it and was popular for different reasons. That is all.

[NuDaFu]

The 1988 Taiwanese YK isn't that well known, but the actor looked pretty good from the few shots I saw.

You are right...that guy is not bad looking .

Aside: I wish Taiwan Zhongshi would sell their old series (following the Shaw Brother trend). So many old goodies I haven't laid my eyes on yet.

Gotta admire PrinceKrillo's passion for chosen interests. Regarding Mei Chao Feng, I actually thought LOCH83 still won out for her evocative portrayal. ZJZ's direction of MCF seemed rather superficial to me - lots of claw posing and less interaction with other characters. I also noted a 'beautification' Of MCF - which I heard was in line with JY's most recent changes to the novel.

The interesting thing about LOCH06 was that conversation that MNC has with QCJ; about facing his responsibilities with YK's upbringing. Instead of blaming all the bad results on YK, MNC makes QCJ question his contribution to those results (e.g. neglect in his upbringing?). I found that quite innovative.