New Heavenly Sword Dragon Sabre'09/10- Deng Chao, Ady An, Liu Jing

[leorio]

I thought he was quite an aggressive Zhang Wu Ji actually. In addition, he was always so willing to be antagonistic towards Zhao Min by any minor instigation.

More willing to be antagonistic compared to previous versions?

The scriptwriters or Deng Chao or both seem determined to present a different portrayal of Wuji.
To go off on a tangent: Alec Su's Wuji in comparison spends relatively longer time being nice to Alyssa Chia's Zhao Min, and the chemistry between them shows more often, to the point that Alec's Wuji sometimes acts a little out of character. For example, in the dungeon at Green Willow Manor, when Zhao Min asks, "Why do you keep holding my hand? We're a man and a woman!" (before the foot-tickling) Wuji's hand lingers on hers before releasing it, while other Wuji's usually snatch their hands away at this scene.
Thus, 2009's scriptwriters may want to underline the fact that Wuji and Zhao Min start off as foes and don't fall in love until much later. I find Deng Chao's Wuji to be a bit more sadistic (compared to previous Wuji's) in the dungeon scene, only showing his remorse and compassion when Zhao Min starts crying in earnest. That's like going to the other end of the spectrum, after Alec.

Another maybe: Deng Chao's Wuji may come across as having little chemistry with the girls in general because he's so confident, often fierce, and shows Wuji's soft-heartedness less visibly. While in previous versions, Wuji's apparent soft-heartedness makes him appear more empathic and attentive toward the girls.

[Ji Xiang]

A while back, someone had posted a link to pictures of the special edition, with the pretty packaging. I noticed Yesasia had a similar looking dvd set, with the right number of discs, and ordered it. It arrived yesterday and I think it's the same set. So pretty! I almost don't want to take any discs out to watch it because I just like looking at it.

[Surferket]

Does it have more scenes?

A while back, someone had posted a link to pictures of the special edition, with the pretty packaging. I noticed Yesasia had a similar looking dvd set, with the right number of discs, and ordered it. It arrived yesterday and I think it's the same set. So pretty! I almost don't want to take any discs out to watch it because I just like looking at it.

[Ji Xiang]

I don't know - it just has 10 discs. I haven't seen it or seen any others to compare it to :-/

[Ian Liew]

Ya, this was definitely disappointing, especially given that its zjz's last jy series. Man, the quality really took a turn for worse after ROCH (altho i havent watched domd yet). XAJH LOCH TLBB were all excellent imo.
A definite wtf moment was when the loch03 opening music started playing in the middle of episode 1 lmao!

BXJ and DOMD were quite excellent as well, although BXJ wasn't really directed by ZJZ - I heard he subcontracted it out to some HK team. I did love DOMD, though.

[12blbl]

More willing to be antagonistic compared to previous versions?

The scriptwriters or Deng Chao or both seem determined to present a different portrayal of Wuji.
To go off on a tangent: Alec Su's Wuji in comparison spends relatively longer time being nice to Alyssa Chia's Zhao Min, and the chemistry between them shows more often, to the point that Alec's Wuji sometimes acts a little out of character. For example, in the dungeon at Green Willow Manor, when Zhao Min asks, "Why do you keep holding my hand? We're a man and a woman!" (before the foot-tickling) Wuji's hand lingers on hers before releasing it, while other Wuji's usually snatch their hands away at this scene.
Thus, 2009's scriptwriters may want to underline the fact that Wuji and Zhao Min start off as foes and don't fall in love until much later. I find Deng Chao's Wuji to be a bit more sadistic (compared to previous Wuji's) in the dungeon scene, only showing his remorse and compassion when Zhao Min starts crying in earnest. That's like going to the other end of the spectrum, after Alec.

Another maybe: Deng Chao's Wuji may come across as having little chemistry with the girls in general because he's so confident, often fierce, and shows Wuji's soft-heartedness less visibly. While in previous versions, Wuji's apparent soft-heartedness makes him appear more empathic and attentive toward the girls.

agreed, i think the character become interestingly to watch, probably because it's new than other wuji i've seen, but the emotional sometimes rather flat in the important scenes, well i assumed the plot was off too

[goodrick]

Does anyone have any updates on potential English subtitled version coming out?

[goodrick]

Does anyone have any updates on potential English subtitled version coming out?

[IloveMimiLo]

In Ep.3, the polar bear scene, dear lord that is so from Planet Earth! They are so going to get sued! This series has really really bad editing!

[NuDaFu]

Ok...resting my mind from study of epistemology...ugghh

I remember reading a comment by the writing staff of XAJH01 that they had to dumb down the story to appeal to a wider audience

Yes, I know lots of people have already either read the novels or watched earlier versions, but IMO you still have to do things the proper way, including ending each episode in a cliffhanger whenever possible.

So the assumption by the writing staff is that the wider audience have no critical analytical skills? Given, not everyone has been rigourously trained in Philosophy and/or Political Science (and other disciplines involving language and formal logic studies). Sad really, because one of the sterling qualities of a good story/plot e.g. Jin Yong literature, motivates thought and discussion...even in media form.

Given that most people who watch a JY series has read or briefed through the general storyline of HSDS, it would be a challenge for scriptwriters to write a cliffhanger. The problem here, is if new material and/or changes to the plot are made - presumably needed for a cliffhanger that no one has heard about in the original story - dissatisfaction arises from plot changes...as is the case anyway with any changes from screen adaptations of literature. Considering the limitations of the production crew (based on the genuine poor quality of adaptation), coming up with genuinely heart-stopping, excitement-to-see-the-next-episode cliffhangers
seems kind of unrealistic. The only situation that could work here is if one is a genuine 'newbie' to JY, has had no one tell them about JY literature...then any cliffhanger would work.

I do agree however that these ZJZ productions could really use fewer dialogues. One of the main purposes of these dialogue-riddled scenes seem to be prolonged and close-up shots at favorite actors' faces.

I think its not so much the quantity, rather the quality of the dialogue. Err...dialogue is quite important to media. Unless one is going for an Indie slant. Ideal of course would be a balance of dialogue and form with an intent for most effective performance. And no, I don't think HSDS09 was aiming for best performances...not by a long run. With maybe the exception of DC. I love Ady as an actress, but other than her silent performances in HSDS09, I thought her dialogue delivery was under-par for her...or maybe because I didn't see much display of ZM's conflict? Seemed like it was cut out to me.

I find Deng Chao's Wuji to be a bit more sadistic (compared to previous Wuji's) in the dungeon scene, only showing his remorse and compassion when Zhao Min starts crying in earnest. That's like going to the other end of the spectrum, after Alec.

Hmm...I noticed that too. I'd call it driven rather than "sadistic" though. I don't think ZWJ was actually enjoying what he was doing to ZM. Although it's in line with the original plot, I found the prelude to ZWJ actually creating the torturous 'tickly' state a bit redundant. Considering ZWJ's medical knowledge and level of martial arts, I would've thought he would find the most efficient way to 'persuade' in a less round-about way. Should've lent him my copy of 'Persuasion' .

[leorio]

So the assumption by the writing staff is that the wider audience have no critical analytical skills? Given, not everyone has been rigourously trained in Philosophy and/or Political Science (and other disciplines involving language and formal logic studies). Sad really, because one of the sterling qualities of a good story/plot e.g. Jin Yong literature, motivates thought and discussion...even in media form.

Can it be that, by 'wider audience', they mean folks who are not yet familiar with wuxia?
(But those folks would want to analyze the series anyway)
I've heard an opinion that, while the 1996 adaptation of Xiao Ao Jiang Hu is more faithful to the novel, those unfamiliar with wuxia would enjoy the 2001 version more.

The problem here, is if new material and/or changes to the plot are made - presumably needed for a cliffhanger that no one has heard about in the original story - dissatisfaction arises from plot changes...as is the case anyway with any changes from screen adaptations of literature. Considering the limitations of the production crew (based on the genuine poor quality of adaptation), coming up with genuinely heart-stopping, excitement-to-see-the-next-episode cliffhangers seems kind of unrealistic. The only situation that could work here is if one is a genuine 'newbie' to JY, has had no one tell them about JY literature...then any cliffhanger would work.

IMO sometimes cliffhangers can rely on the audience's knowledge of the plot, i.e. the audience wants to know how the series will handle the next exciting part in the story. (e.g. Zhang Cuishan's death, Wuji's revealing his identity at Bright Peak)

Considering ZWJ's medical knowledge and level of martial arts, I would've thought he would find the most efficient way to 'persuade' in a less round-about way.

Then the script might have deliberately overlooked his medical knowledge in favor of a more dramatic tickling scene...

[Ian Liew]

Can it be that, by 'wider audience', they mean folks who are not yet familiar with wuxia?
(But those folks would want to analyze the series anyway)
I've heard an opinion that, while the 1996 adaptation of Xiao Ao Jiang Hu is more faithful to the novel, those unfamiliar with wuxia would enjoy the 2001 version more.

There's also an argument that many endings and scenes which may work well in books might no translate well onto the screen. Having the main antagonist die without a fight might work well and seem like poetic justice in a novel, but on the screen it lacks a climatic feel. Having Ren Woxing die of old age off-screen might make us nod our heads in appreciation in the novel, but on screen you could feel cheated of closure.

The same happens with other books. Wu Yue's Lianchengjue had a very satisfying fight between Di Yun and Hua Tiegan which ended in Hua Tiegan's spectacular and humiliating death in front of the wulin public.. something which gave me gave me immense satisfaction. In the book he just dies in the background with the other kelefes in the temple at the end, poisoned by the treasure.

Xiekexing also suffers from the same problem, for while the book ends rather cutely it would be horribly anticlimatic for a series, so much that two serials have made poor Bei Haishi into an overpowering villain just so Shi Potian gets a good fight at the end. I don't really like that setup, but I do understand that the novel as it was wouldn't provide a satisfying ending.

I'm okay with novel deviations as long as it makes things better or more meaningful. It's particularly welcome when the novel has a sad ending and the changes make it happier.... =) I hate them when they just serve to drag or for actors to get more screentime showcasing their charm to their fans. Some of Yang Guo's exploits in ROCH 85 (pretending to be Wang Chongyang's ghost and taunting Quanzhen disciples) and Barbara Yung's in LOCH 82 (the way she met Hong Qigong was just terrible) particularly annoyed me.

[leorio]

There's also an argument that many endings and scenes which may work well in books might no translate well onto the screen. Having the main antagonist die without a fight might work well and seem like poetic justice in a novel, but on the screen it lacks a climatic feel. Having Ren Woxing die of old age off-screen might make us nod our heads in appreciation in the novel, but on screen you could feel cheated of closure.

That's why I don't mind that in the final episode of XAJH 2001 the ending is almost entirely rewritten.

I'm okay with novel deviations as long as it makes things better or more meaningful. It's particularly welcome when the novel has a sad ending and the changes make it happier.... =) I hate them when they just serve to drag or for actors to get more screentime showcasing their charm to their fans. Some of Yang Guo's exploits in ROCH 85 (pretending to be Wang Chongyang's ghost and taunting Quanzhen disciples) and Barbara Yung's in LOCH 82 (the way she met Hong Qigong was just terrible) particularly annoyed me.

That was, I believe, rather common practice in the 80's but not so much in HSDS 1986.

[Ian Liew]

That was, I believe, rather common practice in the 80's but not so much in HSDS 1986.

Yeah, Tony Leung as ZWJ didn't have the need to do more than he needed to according to the plot. The only filler scene I can remember from HSDS 86 was when the Ming sect were ready to come out of hiding in Bright Peak to drive out the squatters from Gaibang and the minor sects.. the pumping music played and the Ming cult marched out with purpose until they reached that big rock which Wuji put there to stop the minor sects from coming in. He stands there, nods at some kelefe, and said kelefe (not Yang "Clark Gable" Xiao, not Wei "Scarlet Pimpernel" Yixiao or any of the other good fighters, but some poor little five flag minion) proceeds to grunt and heave and push the rock in vain. I was watching that with my friends from Jin Yong Online at a restaurant and we all burst out laughing.

After making it obvious that the rock was not something a mortal man (albeit a kelefe) could possibly move, Wuji nods, makes a few strokes, the screen stretches up, down, diagonally, and BOOOM, ZWJ and his Qiankundanoyi do what only ZWJ can possibly do... it wasn't a terrible scene, but just something they were fond of doing in the 80s... =)

[ByTmE]

My mother refuses to watch this newest version of HSDS. In her mind, Tony Leung is forever the only actor most suitable to play ZWJ in a series. She won't even spare Deng Chao a glance; however, she did do some justice towards Ady and complimented the actress on her beauty. Maybe it's because she's from another generation and has lived through countless adaptions of novels, she's become tired of seeing what she considers "same same." My response? Yeah, it's "same same, but better." But lately, not really...with the exception of already mentioned LDJ and BXJ. XAJH was exceedingly realistic and gritty. Latest ROCH [Huang Xiao Ming/Liu Yi Fei], she refused to watch. NO ONE is better than her idol Idy Chan LOL.

To her, the best small screen ZWJ is Tony Leung. The best silver screen ZWJ was Derek Yee. I agree with the last point though, that Derek Yee was swoon worthy. Same goes for Vincent Jiao and Ti Lung respectively as Dagger Li, I saw this film kudos to The Mom. Woman has taste.

Then the script might have deliberately overlooked his medical knowledge in favor of a more dramatic tickling scene...

Frankly, I have always suspected there was an inherent albeit latent naughty side to ZWJ. I'm almost sure that he took absolutely great sadistic pleasure inside after that tickling stunt. This latest more manly man ZWJ has confirmed my suspicions.

[leorio]

After making it obvious that the rock was not something a mortal man (albeit a kelefe) could possibly move, Wuji nods, makes a few strokes, the screen stretches up, down, diagonally, and BOOOM, ZWJ and his Qiankundanoyi do what only ZWJ can possibly do... it wasn't a terrible scene, but just something they were fond of doing in the 80s... =)

And the kelefe is a big man too, yet, alas, still a mortal.

Wei Yixiao = Scarlet Pimpernel? I wouldn't have thought that far.

My mother refuses to watch this newest version of HSDS. In her mind, Tony Leung is forever the only actor most suitable to play ZWJ in a series. She won't even spare Deng Chao a glance; however, she did do some justice towards Ady and complimented the actress on her beauty. Maybe it's because she's from another generation and has lived through countless adaptions of novels, she's become tired of seeing what she considers "same same." My response? Yeah, it's "same same, but better." But lately, not really...with the exception of already mentioned LDJ and BXJ. XAJH was exceedingly realistic and gritty. Latest ROCH [Huang Xiao Ming/Liu Yi Fei], she refused to watch. NO ONE is better than her idol Idy Chan LOL.

I watch adaptations so I can compare them, and later, maybe, rant about them in my journal. Currently I'm watching DGSD 1996 and taking a peek at the 2003 version from time to time.
Tony's is the most accurate portrayal, while Deng Chao's is the most forceful. Alec Su brings out the best sides of Wuji's personality though some might think he's too wishy-washy.

[Ian Liew]

Just watched the second half (starting from Wuji saving Wudang from Zhao Min). Bought the DVDs at Speedy and picked a disc at random since I was watching a bit on 8TV and wasn't sure where to connect.

I can see the parallels with ROCH, sadly, but with one important difference. Huang Xiaoming's Yang Guo and Liu Yifei's Xiao Longnu, while not completely terrible (the post-16 years Yang Guo was pretty good, while I did enjoy Xiao Longnu), did not have the charisma and screen presence to make the hours and hours of screentime they had bearable. Deng Chao's Zhang Wuji isn't actually as bad as I thought he would be - it was obvious he was only happy with Zhao Min and he was only really likeable in Zhao Min's presence.. however, Zhao Min really really steals the show. They could, and should rename the serial "The Legend of Zhao Min" because she single-handedly carries the series and makes me keep coming back and wanting more. Lisa Wang was charismatic, Kitty Lai was beautiful, Yip Tung had character, Gigi Lai was vulnerable yet resourceful while Alyssia Chia was absolutely lovable. Ady An somehow manages to combine all these traits flawlessly and throws in a lot of wit. Alyssia was the only one who could make me smile with her humour, but Ady made me laugh!

It also helped that Zhou Zhiruo wasn't quite as likeable as some of the others, being portrayed as being more calculative and mean, and so you can devote all your attention to Zhao Min (as opposed to Gao Yuanyuan's ZZR, who kind of shared the spotlight with Alyssia's Zhao Min, resulting in it being difficult to root for Zhao Min wholeheartedly).

I'll stop now before this turns into a mini-character review, but I'll end by saying that Ady is the only Zhao Min I've watched so far who I could actually fall in love with, and Deng Chao's Zhang Wuji is the luckiest man alive. =)

[kidd]

The actress who played ZZR looks a bit like Joey Wang. She reminds me of Joey Wang the first moment I saw her onscreen. But, Joey is more beautiful. This actress look kinda old. Even my housemate said so.

[ByTmE]

She didn't really look old to me per se...but rather much more mature than any of the other girls. Liu Jing [her right?] though had beautiful eyes, or at least she had those pitch black round pupils that I love to look at. But yeah, she was pretty mean here.

On another note, I found this Song Qing Shu unlikeable. I don't know why, and he did not look good with ZZR. Wasn't this character supposed to be quite handsome? Even better looking than ZWJ but unfortunately had mediocre martial arts and weak character. The SQS paired with Gao Yuan Yuan was a pretty handsome fella, and they looked good together. Especially since Alec Su was so short!

[Ian Liew]

One scene I felt rather hilarious (or unfortunate, depending on how you look at it).

Zhao Min and her flunkies were riding out to Shaolin while the Ming warriors were riding to Hao Zhou to meet up with Wuji, and they pass each other. All the Ming warriors were on horseback other than Shuo Bude. I kept wondering why he was on foot, was he known for qinggong or something (he did arrive at Wudang second after Wei Yixiao, after no less powerful characters like Yang Xiao and Yin Tianzheng, in HSDS 86).. then it dawned on me that they most likely couldn't find a horse which would carry his weight!!!

Couldn't they have left him out of the scene then? It's not like all the main fighters were there.. =)