The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber (2009)

Based off of the novel of the same title by legendary author Jin Yong, this series is the 5th in a long series of adaptations (yeah Chinese producers love this series) created since the book was first published in 1961. The story follows the journey of Zhang Wuji, a young man with heritage from the righteous Wudang Sect but also the unorthodox Heavenly Eagle Cult, and thus gets caught up in the struggle for 2 divine weapons (the titular Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber) between these two sides. The plot covers the significance of the the 2 weapons, how Zhang Wuji's parents met, his upbringing and learning of ancient martial arts, and finally the action and romance that ensues while he tries to clear his parents reputation and restore peace and balance to the Jianghu.

--Plot--
The original novel, of course, ranks among the best of wuxia literature. While this adaption doesn't hit those heights, it does an reasonable of covering the main points of the story. However,. it does stumble and fall over certain areas (lots of details tend to left unexplained or rushed), which is why I can't give it high marks. Certain parts of the plot do hit their stride though (the romance arc of Zhang Wuji's parents and Zhang Wuji's scenes with Zhao Min come to mind). Watch this for an entertaining series that covers all the traditional wuxia themes - brotherly love, "Righteous" Sects vs. "Unorthodox/Evil" Sects, rollicking romances - but don't expect a particularly deep story.

--Acting--
Deng Chao and Ady An do an excellent job playing the main couple, as do many of the sides characters, but a few actors tend to overact or are given cheesy written lines that will occasionally make you cringe terribly. Overall so-so.

--Music--
The opening and ending themes are pretty epic, this is the one aspect of the series that is undeniably excellent.

--Rewatch Value--
Not that high since this series is so plot driven. A lot of the suspense gets taken out if you already know all the mysteries/plot twists.

--Overall--
A fairly enjoyable series worth watching despite its faults. If you've never seen any of the other adaptations of HSDS, this one would be a good place to start.

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So, it's just my early Wuxia before I start being chinese drama fans.

--Stroy--

The first 10 episodes, you'll watch a background why Main Chara become like that. It's quite interesting. and because of it we'll appreciate more in the future episode. About 4-5 episode later, you'll feel rather bored because the plot is take in the same place and we know what to do in that scene. I suggest you just forward it to find an interesting scene. Finally, after some hardship to wait a badass scene, we'll surely found it in the less episode. And you'll have some euphoria sense till the end.

--Acting/Cast--

The main character is suit to act like that. Because, he's not really handsome, but his deed make him a charismatic person. So, that's why many girls like him. And for girls have their own uniqueness. Zhao Ming, the naughty mongolian princess who always threaten main chara badly but actually it just to attract some attentions. Xiao Zhao, the cold women but have big love for main chara. Yin Li, the crazy girl who always love main chara while still kids. You'll think who suit main chara more, and then you'll know it.

--Music--

I dont have much about it, but the ending time song sound very touching.

--Rewatch Value--

If I rewatch it, I'll skip some episodes and then going to the scene while main chara in adult form.

--Overall--

I like this drama because of epic wuxia fight. And of course, the main chara make me think "there's still a person as good as him, i hope he will deserve the best girl". If you like the story about person who'll dominate martial art world because of his Kung-Fu, this is the answer.

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