The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils (1997)

The 90's series are probably not going to get the credit they deserve as growing up many people rated the 80's drama as the 'golden era'. But TVB did make four really good drama series during the 90's. This includes The Legend of the Condor Heroes 1994, The Condor Heroes 1995, State of Divinity 1996, and this series, Demi Gods and Semi Devils 1997. Why do I rate these dramas highly? Because they have been the most faithful adaptations of their respective Jin Yong novels. Most of the action you're seeing on screen and the dialogue between the characters are lifted straight from the novel. So for me this makes it a more enjoyable series than have TV Directors come up with their useless extra materials to fill up time. I used to think that this series is long at 45 episodes, until I had to sit through 66 episodes of The Legend of Fuyao, LOL. The 45 episodes are pretty fast and actioned packed. Felix Wong plays the lead as Kiu Fung. Whilst he may not be as handsome as the novel describes him to be and he looks rugged in the costume they choose for him, Felix stands up pretty well with his heroic stature. He speaks heroically as well. Duen Yu is meant to be a more straight forward character but Benny Chan made the character look comical at times. But this is okay. Louis Fan played the monk, Hui Juk, pretty well. I actually liked his portrayal of Hui Juk the most out of all the versions I've seen to date. I absolutely loved Carmen Lee after The Condor Heroes 1995 so am a bit biased when I say I loved her acting as Wong Yu Yan in this series. The rest of the cast did their jobs without being brilliant. What I did miss is the top notch songs for the 1982 version which added to the feel of the drama. I did not like the opening song for Demi Gods and Semi Devils 1997 at all... Hated it to be honest. But I did like the sad tunes they played during the drama. The costumes were okay. It is what it is for a 90's drama. Plain and simple. But sometimes simple is best. The new remakes have the advantage of better special effects and breath taking scenery. But they lack heroic looking actors, good acting, and also are less faithful to the novel. I would highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a good drama.

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