Fanua

Very loosely based on a Gu Long novel, which tells you it'll at least be a wuxia drama that is character and pointed dialogue driven, with lots of introspection by grey characters. Set during the Ming Dynasty, in northwest yellow sand dune desert of Ganzhou, likely Kumtag Desert, rumor of 300,000 taels of gold is buried and draws many to the area even if death awaits. Director and screenwriter Xu Bing effectively and artfully weaves the lore with greed, corruption, conspiracies, loyalty, lawlessness, and revenge among various parties, with the desolate yellow sand landscape as the background in a jianghu world. Outstanding cast, notably FL Xin Zhi Lei as Zhang Lu Yao (the key, created composite character, desert family business), Chen Kun as Yu Hou (desert garrison deputy), Yin Fang as Pu Ying (imperial guard), Gao Wei Guang as Ban Cha (northwest man, martial artist), and Yin Zhu Sheng as Ha Bing Zhong (garrison general). High rewatch value.