LOL! This is probably a discussion that will never end.
Between Idy, Carman, and LYF, they all have different looks. Idy Chan has a classic, beautiful type look. Carman has more of a mature, stunning beauty. LYF has an adorable, cute and flawless look. Between Carman and LYF, Carman is prettier in my opinion. I think Idy Chan is a goddess! Both Idy Chan and Carman are stunning beauties.
Terms of which XLN I perferred, it would be Carman's over LYF's. Carman portrayed the character extremely well. She was icy cold and heartless at first and later turned to a tender warm hearted person. Her acting is simple and natural. She also had the best comtume and hairstyle as XLN, simple! LYF's portrayal wasn't all too bad. She was obviously young and cute. At times she was emotional and she acted that well.
Louis Koo was alright as YG. He's always been one of my favourite actors and Im sure that he could have done better with this role. Huang Xiao Ming is one of my favourite Mainland actors. I thought her acted alright as YG as well. I must admit, HXM was annoying at times so watching Louis was much better. Louis Koo was a better YG in my perspective. Terms of look, Louis wins but I think both are handsome in general
When comparing the 95 and 06 version, I perfer the 1995 version. Of course, it had a much better and convicing cast. Seriously, so many characters were miscasted in the Mainland version. In terms of look or acting, they didn't fit their role. I thought the costumes and hairstyles were wack! TVB costumes are always much more simple and beautiful. The fighting scenes in the 2006 one was more impressive though. I loved how XLN fighted. LYF was very flexible and elegant. I was quite impressed. Besides that, there was too much effects which I didn;t like.
I only managed to watch some parts of the 06 versions mainly to watch how HXM and LYF portrayed the characters. It was better than what I had expected, considering I rarely ever watch Mainland's adaptions of JY novels. However, it still didn't stand out to me.
But, Idy Chan is and always will be my favourite XLN for various reasons. The 1983 adaption is also my favourite. It really annoys me seeing people say, oh that version is too old to watch, newer adaptions are obviously better. Well, not exactly. I mean, it was back in the early 80's. There wasn't much technology yet, the 1983 adaption still was very well produced. I personally think that the even the 2006 version with all the effects can't even compare to this one.
The 1983 Version has the best cast! Andy Lau is simply the best YG! He acted from a young witty to a mature YG without overacting or exagerating it. But I think the costumes and looks of Louis Koo is better then Andy. Idy Chan, simply amazing! XLN is not an easy role to play because of the different traits and emotions needed to be portrayed. I personally find this character to be boring. Carman acted very well as XLN and perhaps, the closests to the novel but I did find her boring to watch. Where as Idy, she had the mixture of everything. She was emotional and sometimes cold hearted but she was also innocent and loving at the same time. I didn't find her XLN boring to watch at all. Everyone else acted excellent. I perfer this cast over the 95. I'd only say, I like Theresa Lee's Guo Xiang better than the actress in the 83 version. This one was too old, had too much make up for a 16 year old, couldn't really act and was some what annoying. Theresa was much more cuter and was able to bring out Guo Xiang charisma within a short time. Same goes for Lu Wushang and her cousin. The hand to hand fighting scenes were awesome! The music was memorable. Not to mention, the chemistry between Andy and Idy was amazing! I absolutely adore this couple!
So, IMP:
The best XLN terms of acting - Idy Chan
Terms of looks - Carman Lee
Best YG - Andy Lau
Terms of looks - Louis Koo
Best chemistry - Andy & Idy
Best looking couple - Louis & Carman