The Legend Of Condor Heroes 2017 →
The Legend of the Condor Heroes (2017) is a 52-episode television series that breathes new life into Jin Yong’s classic wuxia novel, a cornerstone of Chinese literature. Produced by Huace Media and directed by Jeffrey Chiang, this adaptation has been widely praised for its faithfulness to the source material and its refreshing focus on traditional martial arts aesthetics over excessive CGI. Plot Overview
The story is set during the Jin-Song Wars in the 13th century, beginning with two sworn brothers, Guo Xiaotian and Yang Tiexin, whose families are torn apart by political intrigue. Their sons, Guo Jing and Yang Kang, are raised in starkly different environments:
Guo Jing (Yang Xuwen): Honest, loyal, and somewhat slow-witted, he is raised on the Mongolian plains under the tutelage of the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan.
Yang Kang (Chen Xingxu): Clever but treacherous, he grows up as a prince of the Jin Empire, unaware of his true heritage.
The narrative follows Guo Jing as he ventures into the martial arts world (the jianghu), where he meets the brilliant and mischievous Huang Rong (Li Yitong). Together, they navigate a world of legendary masters, internal power struggles, and the looming threat of Mongol invasion. Key Cast and Characters
One of the series' greatest strengths is its casting, which balances rising stars with veteran actors. The Legend of the Condor Heroes (TV Series 2017) - IMDb
The 2017 adaptation of The Legend of the Condor Heroes is widely considered one of the most faithful television versions of Jin Yong’s classic wuxia novel. Directed by Jeffrey Chiang, this 52-episode series revitalized the franchise by focusing on a younger cast and staying true to the original plot. 🗡️ Plot Summary
Set during the Song Dynasty, the story follows Guo Jing, a slow-witted but incredibly kind and honest young man who grows up on the Mongolian plains under the care of Genghis Khan. After traveling to the south, he encounters the brilliant and mischievous Huang Rong, the daughter of the "Eastern Heretic" Huang Yaoshi. Together, they navigate the treacherous world of martial arts (the Jianghu), mastering legendary skills like the "Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms" to defend their country against invading Jin and Mongol forces. 🎭 Main Cast & Characters
Guo Jing (Yang Xuwen): A loyal warrior whose growth from a "simple" student to a legendary hero is the heart of the series.
Huang Rong (Li Yitong): A quick-witted strategist whose chemistry with Guo Jing is a highlight of the 2017 version.
Yang Kang (Chen Xingxu): Guo Jing's sworn brother who chooses a darker path of power and betrayal.
Mu Nianci (Meng Ziyi): A tragic figure caught in her love for the conflicted Yang Kang. ✨ Key Themes and Reception
Faithfulness to Source: Fans often praise this version for its strict adherence to the book's events compared to other modern remakes.
Chivalry (Wuxia Spirit): The series emphasizes traditional values like loyalty, patriotism, and the responsibility that comes with great power.
Action Choreography: Unlike many CGI-heavy modern dramas, the 2017 version is noted for its high-quality, practical-looking martial arts sequences. 📺 How to Watch
Platforms: You can find episodes on Netflix (as Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants) or via community-subtitled versions on YouTube. the legend of condor heroes 2017
Related Content: This series is the first part of the "Condor Trilogy," followed by The Return of the Condor Heroes and The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber. If you're a fan of this series, I can also:
Help you find where to watch the sequel (The Return of the Condor Heroes) Compare this 2017 version with the classic 1983 TVB version
Explain the complex internal energy (Neigong) systems used by the characters Which of these
The 2017 television adaptation of The Legend of the Condor Heroes
is a highly regarded wuxia series based on the classic novel by Jin Yong. Produced on a modest budget, this 52-episode remake won over audiences by focusing on high-quality choreography and staying faithful to the source material's "chivalrous spirit". Core Story & Setting Set during the Jin-Song Wars
, the story follows two sons of sworn brothers who grow up on opposite paths after their fathers are killed by the Song army.
Raised on the Mongolian prairie, he is honest, loyal, and righteous, though often described as "dull-headed" or slow-witted. Yang Kang:
Raised as the son of a Jin Empire prince, he is clever and skilled but ultimately becomes scheming and treacherous. The Journey:
The plot centers on Guo Jing's adventures as he enters the "jianghu" (martial arts world), where he meets his witty lover, Huang Rong , and encounters legendary masters known as the Five Greats
The series launched the careers of its lead actors, who were relatively unknown at the time of casting: Yang Xuwen
as Guo Jing: Praised for capturing the character's naive yet firm sense of justice.
as Huang Rong: Widely acclaimed for her "pretty and cute" portrayal of the clever and mischievous heroine. Chen Xingxu
as Yang Kang: Portrays the complex, detestable antagonist who struggles with his identity. as Mu Nianci: The tragic love interest of Yang Kang. Key Highlights & Production Style Realistic Martial Arts:
Unlike many modern "xianxia" dramas that rely heavily on CGI, this version used natural elements like sand and water to represent internal power. It focused on actual physical choreography and "hand-to-hand" combat rather than just digital effects. Nostalgic Elements:
The series features the classic 1983 theme song "Tie Xue Dan Xin" (Iron Blood and Loyal Heart), a nod to the beloved 1980s adaptation. Cinematography: Filmed at major Chinese studios like The Legend of the Condor Heroes (2017) is
, the series is noted for its gorgeous scenery and lush backgrounds.
Reviewers often describe the romance as "cute and sweet," noted for its innocence and lack of modern-style kissing scenes, which fans felt better represented ancient Chinese culture. Where to Watch The full series is available for viewing on platforms like with subtitles for international audiences. Are you interested in learning about the Five Greats or more about the specific martial arts techniques featured in the series? The Legend of the Condor Heroes (TV Series 2017) - IMDb
The 2017 adaptation of The Legend of the Condor Heroes is widely regarded by fans and critics as one of the most faithful and high-quality versions of Jin Yong’s classic wuxia novel. Key Highlights
Faithful Adaptation: Critics praise this version for sticking closely to the original source material compared to previous or later remakes.
Dynamic Chemistry: The "pure and innocent" romance between the dull but kind-hearted Guo Jing (played by Yang Xuwen) and the clever, mischievous Huang Rong (Li Yitong) is a major draw for viewers.
Action & Visuals: The series is noted for its extensive and well-choreographed fight scenes. While some reviewers found the use of slow-motion a bit heavy, the limited use of CGI compared to other modern dramas was appreciated.
Strong Supporting Cast: Performances for characters like Huang Yaoshi (the Eastern Heretic) were highly celebrated for being charismatic and elegant. Common Criticisms
Protagonist's "Dullness": Because the show stays true to the book, the main character Guo Jing is intentionally portrayed as slow-witted and naive. Some viewers find this frustrating or "annoying" in the early episodes.
Antagonist Behavior: The character of Yang Kang is often described as "evil" yet "cute," though his actions can be polarising for some viewers.
Pacing: While generally well-paced, some fans felt certain arcs for the legendary "Greats" (like Hong Qigong) could have been explored more deeply. Viewer Consensus
Most reviewers consider this the best adaptation since the classic 1983 version. It is frequently recommended on platforms like Reddit's r/CDrama as an ideal entry point for those new to the Condor Trilogy. The Legend of Condor Heroes (2017) Review - Kai2Cents
The 2017 television adaptation of The Legend of the Condor Heroes (射雕英雄传) is widely celebrated for its faithfulness to Jin Yong's original 1957 wuxia novel. Directed by Jiang Jiajun, this 52-episode series is noted for its "modest" approach, prioritizing traditional martial arts choreography and practical effects over excessive CGI. Plot Overview
Set during the Jin-Song Wars, the story follows the separate upbringings of two sons of fallen heroes:
Guo Jing: Raised in Mongolia, he is honest, loyal, and slow-witted but grows into a legendary hero through perseverance and the guidance of various masters.
Yang Kang: Raised as a Jin prince, he is clever but chooses a treacherous path of wealth and status, eventually betraying his heritage. The Legend of Condor Heroes 2017: Why This
The central narrative focuses on Guo Jing’s adventures alongside the brilliant and cunning Huang Rong, daughter of the reclusive "Eastern Heretic." Together, they encounter the legendary Five Greats of the martial world while defending the Song Empire from invaders.
The series was praised for casting relatively fresh faces for its leads, supported by veteran actors in the "Five Greats" roles: Asian Drama News - Facebook
The Legend of Condor Heroes 2017: Why This Adaptation Soars Above the Rest
In the pantheon of Chinese wuxia literature, Jin Yong (Louis Cha) reigns supreme. Among his fifteen novels, The Legend of the Condor Heroes (She Diao Ying Xiong Zhuan) is arguably the most beloved. It is the Star Wars of Chinese martial arts fiction: a classic hero’s journey set against a backdrop of historical turmoil, national identity, and timeless romance.
Adapting this novel is a high-wire act. For every generation, a new version emerges. But when you search for the definitive modern take, one title consistently rises to the top: The Legend of Condor Heroes 2017.
Produced by Croton Media and directed by蒋家骏 (Jiang Jiajun), the 2017 series aired with little of the fanfare afforded to big-budget film adaptations. Yet, it did something miraculous: it won over the harshest critics of all—the book purists. Here is why the 2017 version remains the gold standard for 21st-century wuxia dramas.
A Faithful Adaptation: Respecting the Source Material
The biggest grievance fans usually have with remakes is unnecessary creative liberty. Showrunners often try to "modernize" a classic by changing plot points or character motivations. The 2017 version, however, takes a bold stance: it trusts the source material.
Spanning 52 episodes, the series takes its time. It doesn't rush Guo Jing’s childhood in Mongolia, which is vital for establishing his character. We see his upbringing under the guidance of "The Seven Freaks of Jiangnan" and his deep bond with the Mongol tribe. This slow-burn approach allows the emotional payoffs later in the series to land with devastating impact. It captures the scope of the novel—from the windswept Mongolian steppes to the lush, intricate landscapes of the Song Dynasty—better than any predecessor.
The Supporting Pillars: A Villainous Tour de Force
While the leads are excellent, the 2017 version boasts a supporting cast that rivals the best.
- Miao Qiaowei as Huang Yaoshi (Eastern Heretic): Miao Qiaowei, famous for his role as Yang Kang in the 1983 version, returns to the Condor universe as the eccentric and terrifying father of Huang Rong. He is every bit the "Apothecary of Unparalleled Elegance"—arrogant, handsome, and capable of cold cruelty. Watching him fight is a visual poem.
- Zhao Lixin as Zhou Botong (The Old Urchin): A role that is often overplayed as a cartoonish clown. Zhao Lixin brings a tragic undertone to the Old Urchin. His laughter masks a 15-year imprisonment and a broken heart. He is hilarious but never ridiculous.
- Chen Xingxu as Yang Kang: The tragic foil to Guo Jing. Chen Xingxu portrays Yang Kang not as a one-dimensional villain, but as a prince consumed by ambition and the sting of his illegitimate birth. His downfall is genuinely tragic because you see the noble man he could have been.
Special praise must go to Wu Xiubo (prior to his off-screen controversies) as Huang Yaoshi’s rival, Ouyang Feng. His Ouyang Feng is a terrifying beast of a man, obsessed with the Nine Yin Manual to the point of madness. His final fight scenes are physically commanding.
Compared to the 1983, 2003, & 2008 Versions
Let’s be clear: the 1983 version (Felix Wong, Barbara Yung) is a cultural relic. It holds a sacred place in history for its acting despite terrible sets. The 2003 version (Li Yapeng, Zhou Xun) had beautiful scenery but suffered from miscasting (Zhou Xun’s voice did not match Huang Rong’s youth). The 2008 version (Hu Ge, Ariel Lin) was a fun alternate-universe pop-wuxia.
The Legend of Condor Heroes 2017 sits comfortably in the middle. It has the production value of the 2000s with the heart of the 1980s. It is the "definitive version for the streaming generation."
What the 2017 Version Gets Right (The Secret Sauce)
Let’s be real: The CGI isn't Marvel-level. Some of the wire-fu is obviously wire-fu. But this adaptation succeeds because it understands heart.
1. Casting Against the Idol Grain In Chinese TV, it’s common to cast the prettiest pop stars and hope for the best. 2017 took risks.
- Yang Xuwen as Guo Jing: He isn't a conventional handsome leading man. He looks like a farm boy—broad-shouldered, a little awkward, with a gaze that is honest to a fault. He plays Guo Jing’s "slowness" not as stupidity, but as deep, unshakeable sincerity. When he swears loyalty, you believe him.
- Li Yitong as Lotus Huang (Huang Rong): This is the revelation. Previous Lotus’s were often shrill or overly cutesy. Li Yitong is a lightning bolt. She is clever without being arrogant, playful without being annoying. Her chemistry with Yang Xuwen is electric because she talks a mile a minute, and he listens with total devotion. The "Beggar’s Chef" scene (where she cooks for him in a cave) is the most romantic thing I’ve seen in years.
2. The Return to Practical Action (Sort of) Director Guo Jingyu (no relation to the character) famously demanded the actors undergo real martial arts training. While they use wires for the impossible leaps (the qinggong), the fist-to-fist combat, the sword blocks, and the "Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms" have weight. You feel the impact. They slow down the action just enough to see the choreography, unlike the shaky-cam chaos of modern Hollywood.
3. The Music is a Time Machine They used the original theme song from the 1983 series, "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" (a re-arranged instrumental version). The first time the classic melody swelled as Guo Jing rode across the Mongolian plains, I got goosebumps. It’s a respectful nod to the past that immediately signals: We know what we’re doing.
Review — The Legend of the Condor Heroes (2017)
The 2017 adaptation of The Legend of the Condor Heroes (射雕英雄传) is a polished, faithful retelling of Louis Cha (Jin Yong)’s classic wuxia novel with modern production values. It balances epic martial-arts set pieces, large-scale political intrigue, and the central coming-of-age romance between Guo Jing and Huang Rong. Below are concise strengths, weaknesses, and a brief verdict.