The New Heaven Sword and the Dragon Sabre (1986)

The New Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre 1986, as it was titled, completes the trilogy which started with the Legend of the Condor Heroes 1983 (starring Felix Wong, Barbara Yung, and Michael Miu) and Return of the Condor Heroes 1984 (starring Andy Lau, Idy Chan and Kent Tong). These 3 series I watched as a kid and I have all 149 episodes of the dramas on my laptop. You will notice that all 5 of the '5 Tigers' of the TVB golden generation of actors took part in the series one way or another. I have lost count of the times I've re watched the series. There's great continuation with references in the story back to the Legend of the Condor Heroes and Return of the Condor Heroes. Modern remakes just touch on these references. For example, the 1986 version makes clear the origins of the Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre, also on the fate of Kwok Jing and Wong Yung, also has Kwok Seung looking for Yeung Gor at the start of the story and you are made aware that the girl in yellow is a descendant of Yeung Gor and Siu Long Nui. I love these touches in the 1986 version. It also follows the novel pretty closely, well parts of the novel they chose to adapt. As for the leads, Tony Leung for me is still the best to play Cheung Mo-Kei. He looks handsome and has an aura that convinces you that many girls will chase after him. Some of the guys in the remakes look weak (sissy looking) that you question how they can win the hearts of so many girls. Notwithstanding that Tony Leung is great actor as well. Sheren Tang as Chow Chi Yeuk and Kitty Lai as Chiu Man also makes this series worth watching. I have yet to find two female co-leads who have played these roles better. Both pretty girls and great actresses. The series was also well led by Simon Yam as Cheung Tsui San and Carol Cheung as Yan So So. In fact I found the supporting cast to be really good. The songs for this series are also something to behold. A hallmark of the 1980's drams are great acting, well told stories and fantastic songs. I still rate this series highly and would recommend it to others. The only remake I have enjoyed to date other than the 1986 version is the 2009 version.

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