Playing Ep 04

What people are saying

• BluntChen50

  Overall 8.5

  Story 8,  Acting 9,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 7.5

  It's easy to get caught up in criticizing the dated aspects of an older series, but why bother? Let's instead focus on timeless elements like top-tier acting and writing that never lose their charm. Discovering this series long after its initial release allowed me to view it with fresh eyes, free from any nostalgic bias. What stood out to me was the impressive acting performances that still resonate today, along with the solid writing that has stood the test of time. While the adaptation made...

  some deviations from the original novel, it managed to preserve the essence of the characters, a testament to the skilled storytelling involved. When it comes to Jin Yong's works, a stellar ensemble cast and their on-screen chemistry are indispensable, and this series did not disappoint in that aspect. The director's decision to give every member of the cast their moment to shine instead of solely focusing on the leads was a wise choice. While the performances of Felix Wong and Barbara Yung were stellar, the supporting cast also delivered compelling portrayals that captured my attention even when the main stars were off-screen. Among the standout performances, Kenneth Tsang's portrayal of Wong Yeuk Si truly stole the show. His portrayal of the character exuded a wuxia charisma that was hard to ignore. One particularly memorable scene showcased the unique father-daughter dynamic between Wong Yung and Wong Yeuk Si with minimal dialogue but maximum impact, a masterful display of visual storytelling that left a lasting impression. Throughout the series, such small yet powerful moments were peppered generously, demonstrating the show's commitment to "show-and-not-tell" storytelling techniques. This older series distinguishes itself by prioritizing character development and narrative progression over flashy costumes and elaborate CGI effects. The brief yet impactful fight scenes, such as the Kwok Jing vs. Yeung Hong duel, offer a refreshing change from the prolonged wire-fu sequences prevalent in contemporary productions. In essence, this series serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of well-crafted storytelling and authentic performances, proving that quality entertainment transcends the constraints of time.

• BoldOstrich

  Overall 10

  Story 9.5,  Acting 10,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 10

  This exceptional drama holds a special place in my heart as one of the classics I experienced early on. As a 's child, I was introduced to it through special dubbed box-sets in Vietnamese, which added a unique touch to my viewing experience. Even now, the themesong echoes in my mind in both Cantonese and Vietnamese versions – a testament to the lasting impact of the series.
  
  While the plot itself may not deviate much from other renditions, what truly sets this version apart is the...

  stellar acting and the remarkable cast. Featuring a lineup of TVB's top talents at the time, from the central characters to the supporting roles, every performer brings a level of familiarity and excellence to their portrayal. The palpable chemistry between the leads is particularly noteworthy, drawing viewers deeper into the unfolding story.
  
  Despite the visual limitations of the era it was made in, with its lower resolution and dated CGI, the quality of the storytelling shines through. The sheer talent displayed in the martial arts sequences is truly breathtaking, a testament to the dedication of the actors who honed their skills for such roles during the golden age of Hong Kong dramas.
  
  Even now, this series remains a standout favorite for me, evoking a sense of nostalgia and admiration for its enduring appeal. While online accessibility may be limited, I find solace in revisiting it through my cherished DVD collection, each viewing bringing back fond memories of my introduction to this captivating drama.

• FreshBrad30

  Overall 9.5

  Story 10,  Acting 9.5,  Music 9.5,  Rewatch Value 9.5

  I stumbled upon this timeless gem of a drama many years ago, during my younger days. While my memory of it may have faded slightly, the impact it left on me remains crystal clear - it was truly exceptional. In comparison to the flurry of fighting and action dramas that grace our screens today, this masterpiece effortlessly outshines them all. The ensemble of actors, the soul-stirring music, and the captivating narrative weave together seamlessly to create a viewing experience like no other.
  It's a common...

  sentiment shared within my family - we are all devout fans of this drama, unanimously in awe of its brilliance. Action dramas with a touch of special powers have always held a special place in my heart, and this one reigns supreme above the rest. The desire to revisit this series tugs at my heartstrings, despite my usual reluctance to rewatch dramas, simply due to the surplus of new content awaiting my attention.
  Granted, the visual quality may not stand up to today's standards, but the essence of the story remains as powerful as ever. The recent attempts to revive this classic with "Legend of the Condor Heroes" fell short of capturing the essence that made the original so captivating. While the storyline beckoned me to continue, the magic seemed to dwindle in comparison to its predecessor.
  For those seeking a top-tier action drama that stands the test of time, look no further than this unparalleled masterpiece.

• GrumpyNam

  Overall 9.5

  Story 9,  Acting 10,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 10

  A timeless classic, this TV series, crafted in a bygone era, continues to captivate audiences decades later. While it took some liberties diverging from its source material, the ensemble cast delivered outstanding performances that have endured the test of time. Barbara Yung's portrayal of Wong Yung remains unparalleled, embodying the character with a depth and sincerity that resonates long after her untimely passing, leaving an indelible mark as her finest work in a drama series. Michael Miu's charismatic turn as Yeung Hong remains the gold...

  standard, with few able to match his portrayal to this day. Felix Wong's flawless depiction of Kwok Jing and Sharon Yeung's compelling performance as Muk Nim-chi round out the stellar quartet of leads. Supported by a talented ensemble cast, the series eschewed flashy visual effects for compelling storytelling and top-notch acting to engage viewers. A personal favorite since childhood, the series continues to beckon for revisits, its magic unmatched by subsequent adaptations.

• WildFox

  Overall 9.5

  Story 9.5,  Acting 10,  Music 9.5,  Rewatch Value 10

  This reflection has been a long time coming. Full disclosure, my thoughts on this beloved series are entirely based on personal experience. Growing up, my initiation into the wuxia universe was a nostalgic affair. Back in the day, my dad splurged on a VHS player, a luxury in those times when even a color television was a rare sight. This marked the era when I was first exposed to the enchanting world of wuxia through what we colloquially referred to as kung fu series or...

  dramas. Little did I know that the genre was officially dubbed wuxia. Despite not being Chinese, the allure of Chinese cinema, particularly wuxia, was already widespread in my country.
  
  The journey began with a flurry of wuxia series that my dad eagerly rented from the local video store. Although most titles have faded from memory due to the sheer volume consumed, one series lingered on – an unforgettable gem. Fast forward through the years of disconnect during schooling and early career ventures, until a decade or so ago when a sudden urge to revisit the wuxia realm struck. And thus, armed with modern streaming services and an ardent curiosity, I delved back into a piece of my childhood – a series that had left an indelible mark on me.
  
  The casting of this wuxia masterpiece remains a standout element. The actors, both main and supporting, delivered impeccable performances. Barbara Yung's portrayal of Huang Rong was a sheer delight. The essence she brought to the character resonated deeply with me. From her whimsical demeanor to her fierce determination, Yung's Huang Rong embodied a spectrum of emotions that captivated viewers. Her seamless transitions between ruthlessness and tenderness showcased a versatility that left a lasting impression. Alongside her, Felix Wong's rendition of Guo Jing exuded innocence and naivety, punctuated with moments of levity that added depth to the character.
  
  Amidst the ensemble, Michael Miu and Sharon Yeung's poignant portrayal of their characters struck a chord, evoking genuine emotion with their on-screen chemistry. However, the true luminary of the series, in my eyes, remains Hong Qigong – a figure akin to Gandalf in wisdom and wit. Lau Dan's portrayal brought this iconic character to life with a finesse that has endured the test of time.
  
  The kung fu choreography was a spectacle to behold, despite the actors not being martial arts experts. Their dedication to mastering intricate movements lent an air of authenticity to the action sequences. The narrative, albeit deviating slightly from the original novel, wove an enchanting tale replete with captivating subplots that enriched the overarching storyline.
  
  The evocative musical score served as a poignant backdrop, conveying a range of emotions from patriotism to melancholy. Even after years of hiatus, the melodies lingered in my memory, a testament to their enduring impact. Furthermore, the meticulously crafted costumes added a layer of depth to the characters, subtly reflecting their personalities and social status.
  
  While the limitations of the era are evident in the studio-bound settings, the series' allure transcends these constraints. Despite the lack of elaborate CGI prevalent in current productions, the essence of the storytelling perseveres through the decades.
  
  In essence, this cherished wuxia series continues to epitomize the quintessence of the genre for me – a compelling narrative, stellar performances, mesmerizing choreography, and a melodic score that resonates long after the screen fades to black. Truly, a timeless masterpiece that holds a special place in the annals of wuxia lore.