LOCH is one of my favorite Jin Yong’s novels, having read and re-read the novel since young for almost 5 times. So naturally, I would not miss any of the TV-adaption of the novel. So far, the 1983 ver is the one that truly stand the test of time, and it left such a deep impression on me even though I was just a 9 years old kid back then. This 2017 version, in my opinion came closest to the 1983 classics. It is almost 95% true to the novel and it’s a delight to hear the majestic 1983 OST as the starting background music. The main casts, while relatively unknown, did a great job in portraying the characters they played. Li Yi Tong as Huang Rong deserves a special mention, as she was the closest to the 1983 Barbara Wong. In fact, when she first appears as a girl to meet Guo Jing, the image of Huang Rong under Jing Yong’s pen literally comes alive. I immediately had the Déjà vu feeling that this is the Huang Rong that I have imagine it to be all this while while reading the novel. Another great selling point of this version is its wonderful cinematory and the attention to details of the martial arts moves, without relying blantantly on CGI which makes it a very authentic viewing experience. Personally, I cannot stand the over-reliance and abuse of CGI in many of the current martial arts dramas. Definitely a drama worth watching and re-watching while waiting for another great Jin Yong’s novel to grace the TV. In fact, I am still in post- SheDiao’s withdrawal symptom after finishing the drama.