Director: Lin Zhen Zhao |
Duration: 1 jam 46 menit |
Cast: Zhao Hua Wei, Wang Zi Chun, Chen Zi Han, Bruce Leung, Fu Mei, Xing Yu |
Platform: Tencent Video |
Synopsis:
Yang Guo has been wandering the world since childhood. After being accepted by the great hero Guo Jing, he becomes a disciple of the Quanzhen Sect. However, he faces mistreatment in the sect due to his mysterious background. Unable to endure the abuse, he accidentally switches to a new master, Xiaolongnu, the heir of the Ancient Tomb Sect, and learns martial arts. Soon after, a foreign martial artist from Mongolia, Jinlun Fawang, along with his followers, comes to the south and collaborates with a rogue disciple from the Ancient Tomb Sect, Li Mochou, to seize the secrets of martial arts and the hidden weapon map in the tomb. Yang Guo and Xiaolongnu, who inadvertently get involved in the conflict of the martial arts world, experience life-and-death situations together multiple times. Their master-disciple relationship gradually develops into a bittersweet romance. During this time, Yang Guo loses an arm and falls off a cliff, where he encounters a "benevolent master and helpful friend," the Giant Eagle.
Review:
The film "Condor Hero" is available on Tencent Video, but viewers outside China cannot access it. I happened to find this film on YouTube with subpar subtitles, which diminished my enjoyment as I struggled to understand the characters' dialogues.
The novel "Return of the Condor Heroes" by Jin Yong is a complex work with many characters. However, the production team behind "Condor Hero (2025)" attempts to condense this intricate story into a film lasting under an hour. After watching the film, I learned that there would be a second part (or possibly a third).
Ultimately, to tackle the existing challenges, "Condor Hero (2025)" chooses to present a different story with a reduced number of characters. For instance, the character Hong Qigong is mentioned by Guo Jing and Huang Rong, but he does not appear. Some iconic scenes from the novel are also omitted.
Longtime fans of Jin Yong who are familiar with the novel and its adaptations will likely have no trouble following the film's story. However, those unfamiliar with "Return of the Condor Heroes" or who have not watched adaptations of the novel may find it difficult to follow the plot.
Several characters in this drama seem unremarkable, such as the seven Quanzhen heroes and Ouyang Feng, who appear lackluster. However, characters like Li Mochou and Jinlun Fawang (the Golden Wheel Judge) stand out with their intriguing outfits and kung fu styles.
Our main characters, Yang Guo and Xiaolongnu, are quite appealing with standard designs as depicted in the novel. Zhao Hua Wei's portrayal of Yang Guo is easy to accept, although Wang Zi Chun's appearance as Xiaolongnu may not fully capture the beauty described in the novel.
Due to the super condensed story with several altered sections, viewers find it challenging to feel close to or empathize with the characters in the film. It feels more like watching highlights from a longer story. The main couple's dynamics and their complex relationship cannot be conveyed in a way that evokes sympathy from the audience. Even Yang Guo's progression in learning martial arts feels like watching The Flash run at lightning speed.
One positive aspect of the film is the design of several settings within the story. For example, the Ancient Tomb, usually depicted in dramas as a small space beneath a grave complex, is portrayed as something more captivating in the film.
The honeybees raised by Xiaolongnu in the film transform into glowing green bees that activate inscriptions and images etched in various places within the Ancient Tomb. This depiction is a fresh and unique interpretation not seen in other adaptations.
The fight between Li Mochou and Jinlun Fawang against Yang Guo and Xiaolongnu is another highlight. As the main villain, Jinlun Fawang is skillfully portrayed by Xing Yu. The production team has designed intriguing costumes and appearances for our main antagonist. The five wheels, which are the signature weapons of the Golden Wheel Judge, and their kung fu moves also look impressive.
The way the drama team portrays the unique kung fu style of the Ancient Tomb Sect is interesting, as well including their depiction of the Jade Maiden’s Heart Sword technique. Xiao Longnu's use of her scarf to bind her sword and fight with it is also a unique and refreshing element.
The Giant Eagle, who serves as Yang Guo's master and friend in the film, appears at the end. Although its form is not clearly visible, the special effects for the eagle seem better than those in previous drama adaptations. We will need to watch the second film to confirm this.
In summary, the character designs and action choreography in this film are two positive aspects that enhance its appeal. If some of the engaging elements used in this film were applied to a drama version, it might have been more captivating.
After watching several adaptations of Jin Yong's novels, such as "Sakra" and then this film, I conclude that the decision to condense a complex story with many characters into a short film is misguided.
A better solution would be to adapt a specific part of the novel's story or even create a side story that is not present in the novel for the film. This way, the production team could have more creative freedom to offer something viewers haven't seen before. An example of this solution is the approach taken by Tsui Hark, who adapted a segment of the novel "Legend of the Condor Heroes" into a film.