Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre (2019)

This is by far the best screen adaptation for HS&DS that I have seen and read. The story line is very good, it was executed perfectly under a good Director. Scenery is also amazing, the choice of places are exceptional and highlighting all extraordinary places that you can only find in China. This include the choice of Wudang Mountain and the whole temple is just awesome to watch. The wardrobe are also worth complimenting. You can see Zhang Wuji, Zhao Min and Zhou ZHiruo in the most dashing clothes which in my opinion rise to the occasions. The music score were heartwarming and help with the mood as we watched the characters playing it. It helps us understand the emotion underwent in the characters during the particular scene. It is also helpful that the Main Theme is by Emil Wakin Chau. Perhaps this is the only series that I watched and listened to the opening theme every time I am watching.
The special effect are also exquisitely done, not overly doing it so still acceptable to watch but able to relay how good of a Wukong Zhang Wuji has, perhaps the best Fighter of the time. The character building was also very good, something that I have never see in any adaptation. So we can be in touch with the character struggles as well as understanding why they did it. I would like to make a special remark for the kid actor who played Zhang Wuji age 10 from the beginning he really stole the show! The relationship between Zhang Wuji and Zhou Zhiruo at that age was entertaining to watch to say the least. No wonder some people were hoping that this time Zhang Wuji will be with Zhou Zhirou, but based on the story line, it was not compatible. Zhang Wuji contemplated a lot on this, until he decided to be with Zhao Min for good. It took him a while to reached the life changing decision. In which Zhao Min knew all a long the hardship that they will endure. Imagine, the Head of the Rebellion against the Mongol occupation and the Mongolian Princess? These were pictured and played perfectly throughout the series, you can see details here and there.
Last but not least, the ending, ultimate test of their relationship was a bit too fast as I had hope but still acceptable. As for the end, I am hoping that we can see more of Zhang Wuji and Zhao Min realizing their dream as Zhao Min pictured during their travel.
My deepest thanks for the team behind this project, if there is anyway I can buy the whole complete series please let me know as that will be the least I can do to show my support.

Sincerely,
Hartanto

PS. I am 49 years old Wuxia lover from Indonesia and I have read almost all Jin Yong, Gu Long and Liang Yu Sheng

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First off, I'd like to say that this is one of my favorite storylines written by Jin Yong. I absolutely love the 1986 HSDS version made by TVB starring Tony Leung and Kitty Lai. I'll be comparing this version to my favorite version of all time. Obviously I've seen other versions as well: 1997, 2000, 2005, etc. but I think it is best if I compare it to my favorite adaptation.

Story: This drama does a better job at spoonfeeding its audience on plot details and why things happen the way they did. The 1986 version was more guess work/piecing things together and didn't show/explain everything in a bunch of details like this one did. They also stayed true to the original storyline.

Some things were portrayed differently from the 1986 version, but had the same reasoning behind it.
A good example of this:
1986 version- Wuji was forced to put Zhao Min out in front of the Mongolian soldiers
This version- her dad sent a letter saying he didn't care about her
Honestly, I felt like the 1986 version was more short and sweet to the point. I preferred how they portrayed it in the 1986 version.

I didn't like the last few episodes at all because of the lack of interaction between Wuji and Zhao Min-- it just did not contribute to their chemistry at all and was just lacking severely compared to the 86 version. After ep 42 the show dragged and some scenes weren't necessary--- the war between the Mongols and Ming Sect and the amount of time Zhao Min had to wait for him was pretty ridiculous. They could've shortened it.

Acting/Cast: Honestly, I was hesitant to start this drama because of such a young cast. I watched the Legend of Condor Heroes 2017 and didn't like the cast choices so I was quite worried about this one. However, I've watched multiple dramas with Yukee in them and she's always been good. Yukee pulled off Zhao Min wonderfully well and is comparable to Kitty Lai's Zhao Min. Bambi Zhu was decent as Zhiruo, but Sheren Tang definitely was better. I've never seen Joseph Zeng before but he is great as Wuji. Yang Xiao stood out to me as one of the best supporting roles in this version. Everyone suited their roles in my opinion. The cast was definitely its strongest point.

Music: not anything I love but it's fitting for the drama.

Rewatch value: no. I would not rewatch this simply because it is 50 episodes long and the ending was unsatisfactory to me. I prefer the 1986 version a lot better.

Overall: If you have not watched the 1986 version and want to watch this drama with no knowledge I recommend it. If you have watched other adaptations and want to watch it, I would say it's 50-50-- worth it for the first 40 eps, last 10-- not so much. If you've watched the 1986 version before and are thinking of watching this one I'd say no. The 1986 version is much better. Rewatching the 1986 version would be better than watching all 50 eps for this. If you want to watch this for Yukee, check out Princess Weiyoung or Ashes of Love, she is also great in those.

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