Demi Gods & Semi Devils (2003)

Definitive DGSD for me

Out of all the other versions out there this is THE definitive version of DGSG for me. I didn't even know about Jin Yong's novels very well before this, but it got me hooked: three ML with unique personalities coming together as brothers, the gorgeous Wang Yuyan, the lovable Duan Yu played by Jimmy Lin (the latest one in the 2021 adaptation was a disgrace who peed his pants, and you call him a royal prince?! Gross), the super-capable Murong Fu (Xiu Qing) who did his own fights because he was just that skilled in martial arts in reality, the lovely music, etc. etc.

There's enough pacing for all of the story threads to come together, but a caveat to new viewers that this means it is told in a classic "Chinese novel" style, which means you get introduced to multiple characters at once with intersecting plotlines that meet later on, so it's a lot of cast to keep track of. If you've read novels like Romance of Three Kingdoms or Water Margin, you know the narrative style I'm talking about. Still, I could still follow it well as a teenager.

I think this embodies the strengths of cdrama in that it is heroic, realistic, tragic, romantic, and hopeful; it's a story that feels like it actually happened, with real characters and actual consequences, so that the images and lessons stay with you after it's done. The whole jianghu/wuxia vibe is strong here and it's one of the reasons I continue to love the genre so much even years later, when the fight scenes have stalled and the plots grown stale and petty.

Older ginger is spicier, as they say. Anyways, just watch it! It's good!

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