Maybe I can offer you a little explanation why it is so. Have you ever heard of "foil character"? Foil character…
I may be wrong, but I assume you have never read the book or watched any other versions of Legend of the Condor Heroes. If you have, I'm sorry. But it seems to me that this is the first version you have ever watched. Again I'm sorry if I'm wrong again. But I'd like to give you a bit of context so that you might see this drama in a more positive light :)
Legend of the Condor Heroes is the first novel of Condor trilogy written by Jin Yong. He was probably the most famous Chinese wuxia novelist. His works have been adapted into TV dramas and motion pictures. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jin_Yong The story follows a pair of sworn brothers, Guo Jing and Yang Kang, the former being the protagonist and the latter the antagonist. The story is set during the wars between the Jurchen Jin empire and the Han Song empire around 900 - 1200, I think. The novel tackles issues that people can still relate to till today e.i. patriotism, identity politics, loyalty, self-discovery, personal growth, making choices, etc. The characters in the novel feel real because these issues are what people have been dealing with throughout the history of mankind e.g. not everyone makes wise decision neither does Yang Kang.
As for Mu Nian Ci that you referred as second FL, I think I can see why you're baffled as to why on earth she's attracted to Yang Kang. personally I think it has something to do with the casting of this particular version. In this version (2017) both Guo Jing and Yang Kang are played by good looking actors, which poses a problem. If both of them are equally handsome, why wouldn't Mu Nian Ci fall for Guo Jing instead? One might wonder. In the book Guo Jing isn't described as a handsome guy. He's not ugly but not handsome either. He's also not smart. Not a few people can't understand why a pretty and smart girl like Huang Rong falls over heels in love with him. But Guo Jing's appeal is his kindness and honesty. Whereas Yang Kang looks handsome, dashing and sophisticated. That's why Mu Nian Ci is attracted to him. So, the problem lies in the casting, not in the story.
I'm not sure if you'd go as far as wanting to watch the 1983 version. Personally, I think the casting of this version is somewhat accurate to what's in the novel. Guo Jing (played by Felix Wong) isn't attractive, while Yang Kang (played by Michael Miu) is. If you watched that version, you'd understand why Mu Nian Ci is in love with Yang Kang. Although I think Yang Xu Wen did well as Guo Jing in 2017, he's too handsome to be Guo Jing, which is problematic.
As for the length, personally I think 52 episodes is just about right. It provides us with enough backstories and context to understand the whole plot. The 1983 is even longer, 59 or 60 episodes. If you'd like, you can watch the 1994 version. It has the least episodes, about 35 I think.
I hope this makes you think of this drama more positively. If not, that's ok, maybe this story is not palatable to you :) By the way, as of now, they're making the 10th adaptation of Legend of the Condor Heroes.
The female lead is hard to watch... I about to drop this. Does she get better ?
I'd say watch for the plot and the guys. Ignore the ladies (unfortunately). The drama itself is one of the top 10 highest rating dramas of 2022 on Douban. It's worth watching.
Starring no famous actors and hardly no promotion, it is a remarkable achievement for STOTD.
As for Western shows, I'm a big fan of Lord of The Rings trilogy and was looking forward to the series The Rings of Power on Amazon but I find the show underwhelming so I prefer the motion pictures any day. I'm quite picky with what I watch I can hardly find an interesting show these days so I end up rewatching oldie but goodie LOL
The second MLs as a couple and just overall are terrible so far and I am over 30 episodes in Their combined stupidity…
Maybe I can offer you a little explanation why it is so. Have you ever heard of "foil character"? Foil character is a character (in novels or movies) that contrasts with another character, usually the main character. Using foil character is a common thing used in literature to highlight one character. In this case, Yang Kang is the foil character to Guo Jing. Both Yang Kang and Guo Jing are Han and both raised among different groups. Guo Jing among the Mongols, and Yang Kang among the Jurchen. But as they grow up, their personalities develop differently. Yang Kang turns up to be a spoiled brat while Guo Jing a hard-working patriot. Foil character is important to build a story arc, to create conflicts. Without conflicts, then there would be nothing to tell. This is a pure wuxia drama that might not sit well with everybody. This story happens to be a classic wuxia. one of the most beloved Chinese wuxia novel. Maybe equal to Lord of The Rings.
Lol Guo Jing is supposed to be stupid and naive.It is why I prefer the sequel
Actually this is the story arc of most wuxia stories. Wuxia literally means martial heroes so stories revolve around the adventures of martial artists. Kind of like superheroes such as Superman, Batman, Spiderman in the West. If there's no conflict, there's no reason to use their martial skills. As for the writer, Jin Yong (he passed away in 2018) up until now is still considered one of (if not) the greatest Chinese wuxia novelist. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jin_Yong Legend of The Condor Heroes is actually one his works that has been adapted multiple times. It is considered a classic, much like Lord The Rings. For many wuxia fan, his works have become a standard of what a good wuxia should be like.
LOCH is more than just a story of good versus evil kind of thing. It actually tackles many issues that are still relevant until today such as hard work is the key to success, group identity, identity politics, etc. Yang Kang is talented and smart but his martial art skills don't improve much. On the other hand, Guo Jing is naive and slow-witted but through his hard work and determination, he manages to improve his martial art skills significantly that he becomes equal to martial art masters. Jin Yong wanted to convey that hard work is above talent. As for group identity or identity politics issue, both Guo Jing and Yang Kang were raised among a group of people who are not their own. As the wars approach among different groups, their allegiance is tested, which side they will align themselves with. It's like if you're born biracial, which group you feel you belong to. Personally, I think as wuxia story, LOCH contains a lot of nuances and messages that people can still relate today. The characters feel as real as flesh and blood. Their tribulations are tangible and relevant. That's why LOCH is still loved by many. And as per we're speaking now they are making the 10th adaptation of the novel.
Thanks for the article! I find the title “Stories About Not Being Afraid of Ghosts" very amusing 😄 I didn't…
Hi! Sorry for being quiet. Been swamped with work. Thanks! I will definitely read the review before watching. I think I'm gonna watch the it during winter holiday when I have plenty of time to dive into a serious drama like this lol
Legend of the Condor Heroes is the first novel of Condor trilogy written by Jin Yong. He was probably the most famous Chinese wuxia novelist. His works have been adapted into TV dramas and motion pictures. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jin_Yong
The story follows a pair of sworn brothers, Guo Jing and Yang Kang, the former being the protagonist and the latter the antagonist. The story is set during the wars between the Jurchen Jin empire and the Han Song empire around 900 - 1200, I think. The novel tackles issues that people can still relate to till today e.i. patriotism, identity politics, loyalty, self-discovery, personal growth, making choices, etc. The characters in the novel feel real because these issues are what people have been dealing with throughout the history of mankind e.g. not everyone makes wise decision neither does Yang Kang.
As for Mu Nian Ci that you referred as second FL, I think I can see why you're baffled as to why on earth she's attracted to Yang Kang. personally I think it has something to do with the casting of this particular version. In this version (2017) both Guo Jing and Yang Kang are played by good looking actors, which poses a problem. If both of them are equally handsome, why wouldn't Mu Nian Ci fall for Guo Jing instead? One might wonder.
In the book Guo Jing isn't described as a handsome guy. He's not ugly but not handsome either. He's also not smart. Not a few people can't understand why a pretty and smart girl like Huang Rong falls over heels in love with him. But Guo Jing's appeal is his kindness and honesty. Whereas Yang Kang looks handsome, dashing and sophisticated. That's why Mu Nian Ci is attracted to him. So, the problem lies in the casting, not in the story.
I'm not sure if you'd go as far as wanting to watch the 1983 version. Personally, I think the casting of this version is somewhat accurate to what's in the novel. Guo Jing (played by Felix Wong) isn't attractive, while Yang Kang (played by Michael Miu) is. If you watched that version, you'd understand why Mu Nian Ci is in love with Yang Kang. Although I think Yang Xu Wen did well as Guo Jing in 2017, he's too handsome to be Guo Jing, which is problematic.
As for the length, personally I think 52 episodes is just about right. It provides us with enough backstories and context to understand the whole plot. The 1983 is even longer, 59 or 60 episodes. If you'd like, you can watch the 1994 version. It has the least episodes, about 35 I think.
I hope this makes you think of this drama more positively. If not, that's ok, maybe this story is not palatable to you :)
By the way, as of now, they're making the 10th adaptation of Legend of the Condor Heroes.
Sure. Just drop me a message :)
As for Western shows, I'm a big fan of Lord of The Rings trilogy and was looking forward to the series The Rings of Power on Amazon but I find the show underwhelming so I prefer the motion pictures any day. I'm quite picky with what I watch I can hardly find an interesting show these days so I end up rewatching oldie but goodie LOL
This is a pure wuxia drama that might not sit well with everybody. This story happens to be a classic wuxia. one of the most beloved Chinese wuxia novel. Maybe equal to Lord of The Rings.
As for the writer, Jin Yong (he passed away in 2018) up until now is still considered one of (if not) the greatest Chinese wuxia novelist. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jin_Yong
Legend of The Condor Heroes is actually one his works that has been adapted multiple times. It is considered a classic, much like Lord The Rings. For many wuxia fan, his works have become a standard of what a good wuxia should be like.
LOCH is more than just a story of good versus evil kind of thing. It actually tackles many issues that are still relevant until today such as hard work is the key to success, group identity, identity politics, etc. Yang Kang is talented and smart but his martial art skills don't improve much. On the other hand, Guo Jing is naive and slow-witted but through his hard work and determination, he manages to improve his martial art skills significantly that he becomes equal to martial art masters. Jin Yong wanted to convey that hard work is above talent. As for group identity or identity politics issue, both Guo Jing and Yang Kang were raised among a group of people who are not their own. As the wars approach among different groups, their allegiance is tested, which side they will align themselves with. It's like if you're born biracial, which group you feel you belong to. Personally, I think as wuxia story, LOCH contains a lot of nuances and messages that people can still relate today. The characters feel as real as flesh and blood. Their tribulations are tangible and relevant. That's why LOCH is still loved by many. And as per we're speaking now they are making the 10th adaptation of the novel.
https://movie.douban.com/annual/2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbYGK1pCIbE&t=485s