Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• OldGrease

  Overall 8.5

  Story 8,  Acting 8,  Music 7.5,  Rewatch Value 8.5

  An adaptation of a renowned Gu Long novel, this TV series brought about mixed feelings for me over the years. As a young viewer, I found it hard to connect with the intricacies of the storyline and the extensive cast of characters constantly entering and exiting the narrative. Gu Long's complex dialogues posed a challenge when translated into lengthy conversations suitable for television. In comparison to film adaptations, TV series tend to struggle in capturing the essence of Gu Long's work due to these factors.
  
  Reflecting...

  on my initial impressions of this series, I grappled with the character dynamics between Fu Hong Xue and Cui Nong, portrayed by Hugo Ng and Tse Ning. However, revisiting the story with a fresh perspective revealed the depth and nuances of their relationship. Hugo Ng's portrayal of Fu Hong Xue was commendable, embodying the character's cold and handsome demeanor flawlessly. His physicality, marked by a limp and occasional seizures, added layers to his role, staying true to the novel's description.
  
  Tse Ning's portrayal of Cui Nong resonated with me, her on-screen presence capturing the essence of the character. Alongside Eddie Cheung as Ye Kai and Margie Tsang as Ding Ling Lin, the ensemble cast elevated the series, making it a compelling watch. In contrast to more recent adaptations veering off course from the original material, this series managed to stay truer to the essence of Gu Long's novel, showcasing the timeless appeal of his storytelling.