The Legend Of Condor Heroes 2017 Site
The Legend of Condor Heroes 2017 runs for 52 episodes. Modern dramas are often bloated with filler, but this series uses its runtime to honor Jin Yong’s sprawling narrative.
The script does two things incredibly well:
Furthermore, the series respects the historical setting of the Song-Jin-Yuan wars. The scenes in the Mongolian steppe are stunningly shot on location, giving the first few episodes a Lawrence of Arabia scale rarely seen in Chinese TV.
Let’s be clear: the 1983 version (Felix Wong, Barbara Yung) is a cultural relic. It holds a sacred place in history for its acting despite terrible sets. The 2003 version (Li Yapeng, Zhou Xun) had beautiful scenery but suffered from miscasting (Zhou Xun’s voice did not match Huang Rong’s youth). The 2008 version (Hu Ge, Ariel Lin) was a fun alternate-universe pop-wuxia.
The Legend of Condor Heroes 2017 sits comfortably in the middle. It has the production value of the 2000s with the heart of the 1980s. It is the "definitive version for the streaming generation."
The most common complaint about post-2000 wuxia adaptations is the "excessive sci-fi" makeover. In the 2008 version, you saw characters flying like Superman with laser-like zhenqi (internal energy). The Legend of Condor Heroes 2017 took a hard turn back to gritty realism—within the bounds of wuxia, of course.
Director Jiang Jiajun specifically focused on practical combat. The fight choreography, led by veteran action directors, emphasizes specific stances: Guo Jing’s Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms (Xianglong Shiba Zhang) looks like earth-shattering power, while Huang Rong’s Falling Flower Divine Sword is elegant and swift. The team famously delayed production to train actors in martial arts for months. The result? You feel the weight of every punch and the grace of every sword stroke. For fans searching for The Legend of Condor Heroes 2017 fight scenes, the consensus is unanimous: they are the most "authentic" in recent memory.
Yes. Without reservation.
If you are a long-time fan of Jin Yong, The Legend of Condor Heroes 2017 will feel like coming home. You will argue about which adaptation is better, but you will not feel insulted by the changes. If you are a newcomer to wuxia, this is the perfect entry point. The story is timeless: a slow-learner who becomes the greatest hero; a clever girl who saves him with her wit; a world of martial arts, honor, betrayal, and sacrifice.
In the end, this isn't just a review; it is a recommendation. Turn off the lights, turn up the volume for that iconic theme song, and watch Guo Jing ask Huang Rong, "What is a hero?" You won't find a better answer on television than in The Legend of Condor Heroes 2017.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) Best For: Fans of epic romance, historical fantasy, and tactical martial arts. Skip If: You refuse to watch anything older than 2020 (but trust us, the resolution holds up).
Have you seen The Legend of Condor Heroes 2017? Do you think Yang Xuwen is the best Guo Jing? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
The 2017 adaptation of The Legend of the Condor Heroes is widely celebrated by fans as one of the most faithful and visually refreshing versions of Jin Yong’s classic wuxia novel. While it lacks the nostalgia of the 1983 classic, it balances modern production values with a deep respect for the source material. The Plot: A Classic Hero's Journey the legend of condor heroes 2017
The story follows Guo Jing (Yang Xuwen), a young man raised in Mongolia who is honest, patriotic, but notoriously slow-witted. His path crosses with the brilliant and mischievous Huang Rong (Li Yitong), and together they navigate a world of legendary martial arts masters, political intrigue during the Song and Jin dynasties, and the search for the powerful Nine Yin Manual. Why It Stands Out
Faithfulness: It sticks remarkably close to the original text, capturing the core themes of loyalty and chivalry without excessive modern "filler".
Fresh Cast: Using younger actors like Yang Xuwen and Li Yitong brings a "fresh, innocent" energy to the central romance, which is portrayed with a charming modesty.
Action & Aesthetics: The fight choreography is praised for being more grounded and refined than previous remakes, favoring actual exchanges over pure CGI energy duels. The costumes and sets are meticulously detailed, giving the world an authentic feel.
Iconic Supporting Characters: The portrayal of legendary figures like the "Five Greats" (e.g., Hong Qigong and Zhou Botong) adds layers of humor and gravitas. Common Criticisms
Pacing: At 52 episodes, some viewers find certain stretches bogged down by excessive dialogue or slower subplots.
CGI Flaws: While generally good, the special effects can occasionally look "laughably" dated or artificial.
Guo Jing's Naivety: Some audiences find Guo Jing’s extreme simple-mindedness in the early episodes slightly grating. Final Verdict
If you are looking for a definitive entry point into the "Condor Trilogy," this 2017 version is an excellent choice. It captures the epic scope of the novels while looking beautiful on modern screens.
Are you a newcomer to wuxia, or are you comparing this to other versions like the 1983 or 2024 adaptations? The Legend of the Condor Heroes (TV Series 2017) - IMDb
The 2017 adaptation of The Legend of the Condor Heroes is widely celebrated as one of the most faithful renditions of Jin Yong’s classic wuxia novel. Directed by Jeffrey Chiang (Jiang Jiajun), this 52-episode series successfully balances traditional martial arts storytelling with modern production values, making it a standout in a franchise that has seen over ten remakes since 1983. Key Highlights of the 2017 Version
The 2017 adaptation of The Legend of the Condor Heroes is widely considered one of the most faithful and visually compelling versions of Jin Yong's classic wuxia novel. Directed by Jeffrey Chiang, this 52-episode series prioritizes traditional martial arts choreography over heavy CGI, offering a grounded yet epic experience for both newcomers and longtime fans. Series Overview & Core Plot The Legend of Condor Heroes 2017 runs for 52 episodes
The story is set during the Southern Song Dynasty as Jin and Mongol forces threaten the Chinese borders. It follows the parallel but divergent lives of two sons of fallen heroes:
The Legend of the Condor Heroes (2017) is a 52-episode television series that breathes new life into Jin Yong’s classic wuxia novel, a cornerstone of Chinese literature. Produced by Huace Media and directed by Jeffrey Chiang, this adaptation has been widely praised for its faithfulness to the source material and its refreshing focus on traditional martial arts aesthetics over excessive CGI. Plot Overview
The story is set during the Jin-Song Wars in the 13th century, beginning with two sworn brothers, Guo Xiaotian and Yang Tiexin, whose families are torn apart by political intrigue. Their sons, Guo Jing and Yang Kang, are raised in starkly different environments:
Guo Jing (Yang Xuwen): Honest, loyal, and somewhat slow-witted, he is raised on the Mongolian plains under the tutelage of the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan.
Yang Kang (Chen Xingxu): Clever but treacherous, he grows up as a prince of the Jin Empire, unaware of his true heritage.
The narrative follows Guo Jing as he ventures into the martial arts world (the jianghu), where he meets the brilliant and mischievous Huang Rong (Li Yitong). Together, they navigate a world of legendary masters, internal power struggles, and the looming threat of Mongol invasion. Key Cast and Characters
One of the series' greatest strengths is its casting, which balances rising stars with veteran actors. The Legend of the Condor Heroes (TV Series 2017) - IMDb
The 2017 adaptation of The Legend of the Condor Heroes is widely regarded by fans and critics as one of the most faithful and high-quality versions of Jin Yong’s classic wuxia novel. Key Highlights
Faithful Adaptation: Critics praise this version for sticking closely to the original source material compared to previous or later remakes.
Dynamic Chemistry: The "pure and innocent" romance between the dull but kind-hearted Guo Jing (played by Yang Xuwen) and the clever, mischievous Huang Rong (Li Yitong) is a major draw for viewers.
Action & Visuals: The series is noted for its extensive and well-choreographed fight scenes. While some reviewers found the use of slow-motion a bit heavy, the limited use of CGI compared to other modern dramas was appreciated.
Strong Supporting Cast: Performances for characters like Huang Yaoshi (the Eastern Heretic) were highly celebrated for being charismatic and elegant. Common Criticisms Furthermore, the series respects the historical setting of
Protagonist's "Dullness": Because the show stays true to the book, the main character Guo Jing is intentionally portrayed as slow-witted and naive. Some viewers find this frustrating or "annoying" in the early episodes.
Antagonist Behavior: The character of Yang Kang is often described as "evil" yet "cute," though his actions can be polarising for some viewers.
Pacing: While generally well-paced, some fans felt certain arcs for the legendary "Greats" (like Hong Qigong) could have been explored more deeply. Viewer Consensus
Most reviewers consider this the best adaptation since the classic 1983 version. It is frequently recommended on platforms like Reddit's r/CDrama as an ideal entry point for those new to the Condor Trilogy. The Legend of Condor Heroes (2017) Review - Kai2Cents
The 2017 television adaptation of The Legend of the Condor Heroes (射雕英雄传) is widely celebrated for its faithfulness to Jin Yong's original 1957 wuxia novel. Directed by Jiang Jiajun, this 52-episode series is noted for its "modest" approach, prioritizing traditional martial arts choreography and practical effects over excessive CGI. Plot Overview
Set during the Jin-Song Wars, the story follows the separate upbringings of two sons of fallen heroes:
Guo Jing: Raised in Mongolia, he is honest, loyal, and slow-witted but grows into a legendary hero through perseverance and the guidance of various masters.
Yang Kang: Raised as a Jin prince, he is clever but chooses a treacherous path of wealth and status, eventually betraying his heritage.
The central narrative focuses on Guo Jing’s adventures alongside the brilliant and cunning Huang Rong, daughter of the reclusive "Eastern Heretic." Together, they encounter the legendary Five Greats of the martial world while defending the Song Empire from invaders.
The series was praised for casting relatively fresh faces for its leads, supported by veteran actors in the "Five Greats" roles: Asian Drama News - Facebook
Visually, the 2017 series solves a problem that plagued earlier productions: budget.
The 2003 version had incredible sprawling outdoor shots but felt dated quickly. The 2008 version looked like a music video. The 2017 version strikes a balance. The early episodes set in Mongolia are breathtaking. Filmed in the Gansu and Inner Mongolian deserts, the nomadic culture is treated with respect. The wrestling, horse riding, and archery are authentic. You believe that Guo Jing grew up in a felt tent eating roasted mutton.
Conversely, the scenes in Jiangnan (Drunken Immortal Pavilion, Peach Blossom Island) are lush and colorful, utilizing a "watercolor" color palette that separates the rough masculinity of the north from the elegant cunning of the south. The costume design is historically inspired but updated—Huang Rong’s various outfits, from her beggar disguise to her white fox-fur collar, are iconic enough to be cosplayed instantly.
The 2017 adaptation of The Legend of the Condor Heroes (射雕英雄传) is a polished, faithful retelling of Louis Cha (Jin Yong)’s classic wuxia novel with modern production values. It balances epic martial-arts set pieces, large-scale political intrigue, and the central coming-of-age romance between Guo Jing and Huang Rong. Below are concise strengths, weaknesses, and a brief verdict.