The only reason I took half a rating off is because I'm an avid novel reader, and having read this in its original form, I feel that there are some aspects missing. In saying that, taking this drama at face value as an amazing small screen production, I would give it a 10/10. Hu Ge as the titular character expresses and exceptional range of emotions and portrays his characters in wonderful detail. Every minute action adds to the storyline and makes his character all the more alive. Watching this drama, you can see why Liu Tao, Wang Kai, Chen Long, Jin Dong and Hu Ge are so popular these days. Mei Chang Su is an amazing blend of intellect, restraint and emotions that draws you in not for his amazing martial arts prowess but his considerable ability to remain calm in the face of any eventuality. He has a plan for a plan for a plan. Some will say that Liu Tao is not strong enough as the female heroine, or that she spends too much time pining after her Lin Shu gege, but I say that she is just the right blend of longing and inner strength for a woman who knows not the fate of her love. The one thing I would say that I dislike about this drama, is the amount of time Wang Kai spends crying. Based on his character, one would hope for a more resilient and emotionally strong individual (which he normally is unless you start to mention Lin Shu...which considering the drama is about Lin Shu...well...). Definitely give this drama a go. It's one of the best that I've seen in a long time and the production value ensures that if you're not satisfied with the story, at least you'll be satisfied with it's visuals.